The Demon of Unrest: A Saga of Hubris, Heartbreak, and Heroism at the Dawn of the Civil War - Erik Larson - 4 Stars

[Jason]

Larson writes an interesting, detailed account of the timeline from Lincoln's election to the Battle of Fort Sumter. This fit perfectly with my Presidential biographies and gives further insight into the political and personal climate of the North and South. It also gives a detailed account of specific characters in history, such as Major Robert Anderson, Edmund Ruffin, and Mary Boykin Chesnut.

I enjoyed having a clear timeline and learning about the detailed and nuanced maneuverings that led to secession and the civil war.

[Joanne]

I liked this one too, Jason. Of all the Civil War history I have read, this one gave me a lot of new information, especially about Fort Sumter, which I knew little about. I also enjoyed the new real people I met, that I had never known about. Mary is someone I want to know more about.

[Joy D]

I agree. This book is very well done and provides lots of info from primary sources. Larson is a great storyteller - he is one of my favorite non-fiction writers.