April 1865 by Jay Winik

The month that saved America is April 1865 says Jay Winik. Winik writes with great skill and passion on this month in which everything changed.

In this book Winik takes us through the events of the month. We see Grant chasing Lee through Northern Virginia, Lincoln's visit to the fallen Richmond, his trip to Ford's theatre, we see Booth do his deed, escape and eventually be caught, and we see Johnson assume the Presidency.

Along the way Winik offers us looks at some compelling figures such as Robert E Lee, U S Grant, Generals Sheridan and Johnston, Lincoln himself and his partner in infamy John Wilkes Booth. We see how Lincoln's death became an event which changed the course of history and perhaps affected the black population more than any other group as Reconstruction was a much harsher process than what perhaps might have been under Lincoln.

In the epilogue Winik offers an intersting feature where he looks in on many people who became historical figures of the late nineteenth century and early twentieth century.

A strong analysis of the history or civil wars and what happens to the countries that suffer them shows how rare the reconciliation of the United States was. Also shown is that in the history of the United States up to that point, talk of secession was not new and was not " out of the realm of discussion" as a viable option.
One could argue that the flirting of the Federalists with Great Britian during the War of 1812 was as potentially treasonous as what happened in the War Between the States.

A very good book from a very good writer and historian.

The Great Upheaval by Jay Winik

I tend to read several books at once, this is why I seem to be finishing a few books in rapid succession. This book by Jay Winik is a wonderful book. Telling the tale of Russia under Catherine the Great, America as the Presidency takes hold and the fall of Louis XVI and the coming French Revolution and other events in the window from 1788 to 1800 this book is a wonder.

Weaving biographies of Robiespierre, Danton and LouisXVI in France, to Catherine the Great's rise and rule in Russia and the founding fathers in America this book teaches us much. It was not an easy read. At times it made me reread a page to make sure I grasped the magnitude of what I was reading.

The chapters bringing the monarchy to a close in France ending with the beheading of the King and Queen were moving to the point of leaving me upset and frustrated that they did not escape.

The book was draining. Like all good history it was easy to forget you knew the outcome.

This book would get my highest rating. Wonderful