Mr. Lincoln Goes to War - Annotated by William Marvel (Paperback)

About the Book

Marvel vividly recreates President Lincoln's first year in office, drawing the conclusion that Lincoln actually fanned the flames of war and often acted unconstitutionally in prosecuting the war once it had begun.

Book Synopsis

This groundbreaking work of history investigates the mystery of how the Civil War began, reconsidering the big question: Was it inevitable? William Marvel vividly depicts President Lincoln's tumultuous first year in office, from his inauguration through the rising crisis of secession and the first several months of the war. Drawing on original sources, Marvel suggests that Lincoln not only missed opportunities to avoid conflict with the South but actually fanned the flames of war. Then he wittingly violated the Constitution in his effort to preserve the Union.

With a keen eye for the telling detail -- on the battlefield as well as in the White House -- William Marvel delivers a satisfying revisionist history of Lincoln and the early days of the Civil War.

From the Back Cover

"Another provocative work by the leading contrarian historian of the American Civil War."
George C. Rable, author of Fredericksburg! Fredericksburg!

This groundbreaking work of history investigates the mystery of how the Civil War began, reconsidering the big question: Was it inevitable? William Marvel vividly depicts President Lincoln's tumultuous first year in office, from his inauguration through the rising crisis of secession and the first several months of the war. Drawing on original sources, Marvel suggests that Lincoln not only missed opportunities to avoid conflict with the South but actually fanned the flames of war. Then he wittingly violated the Constitution in his effort to preserve the Union.

With a keen eye for the telling detail on the battlefield as well as in the White House William Marvel delivers a satisfying revisionist history of Lincoln and the early days of the Civil War.

"A brilliant narrative that reveals the possibilities of the past that were squandered by historical figures who seem so unassailable and godlike to us today."
Peter S. Carmichael, author of The Last Generation

"The most provocative account of events in 1861 in a generation. Readers who think they understand the Civil War's first year and the roles played by Abraham Lincoln, Nathanial Lyon, Charles Stone, and a host of others should brace themselves for a bold new perspective."
A. Wilson Greene, author of Breaking the Backbone of the Rebellion

William Marvel is the author of Lee's Last Retreat, A Place Called Appomattox, Andersonville: The Last Depot, and many other acclaimed books on the Civil War. He has won a Lincoln Prize, the Douglas Southall Freeman Award, and the Bell Award."

Review Quotes

"In William Marvel's forceful narrative, the first year of the Civil War unfolds at a vivid, relentless pace." --Nelson D. Lankford, author of Richmond Burning: The Last Days of the Confederate Capital

"Provocative...Thorough research, pointed analysis, and deft prose have become the hallmarks of Bill Marvel's work." --George C. Rable, Charles Summersell Chair in Southern History, University of Alabama. Author of Fredericksburg! Fredericksburg!, winner of the Lincoln Prize

"Mr. Lincoln Goes to War is the most provocative account of events in 1861 in a generation." --A. Wilson Greene, Executive Director of Pamplin Historical Park and the National Museum of the Civil War Soldier, and author of Breaking the Backbone of the Rebellion: The Final Battles of the Petersburg Campaign

"William Marvel lives up to his unparalleled reputation as Civil War history's leading provocateur...in prose that burns with passion." --Peter S. Carmichael, author of The Last Generation: Young Virginians in Peace, War, and Reunion and Associate Professor of History at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro

"A fascinating exploration of an enormously complex and important year in our nation's history." --Gary W. Gallagher, John L. Nau III Professor of History, University of Virginia --

About the Author

William Marvel is the author of Mr. Lincoln Goes to War, Lee's Last Retreat, Andersonville, and several other acclaimed books on the Civil War. He has won a Lincoln Prize, the Douglas Southall Freeman Award, and the Bell Award.