From Booklist The public fascination with Abraham Lincoln is unending, and his tragic murder at the time of his greatest triumph is one of the great historical ironies. In this encyclopedia, Steers, author of several other works on Lincoln, brings together “all the characters, places, events, and miscellaneous facts” related to the Lincoln assassination. The introduction provides a concise overview of the events leading to the assassination and ends with the execution of four of the conspirators. An “Assassination Chronology,” beginning in 1860 and ending July 25, 1865, provides a time line of events. The entries are arranged in alphabetical order and range in length from a paragraph (for example, Corey, John) to more than eight pages (Booth escape route). Numerous black-and-white photographs, maps, cartoons, and portraits illustrate the articles. All the major and minor players are included, from Booth’s family members to “Peanut John” Burroughs, who held Booth’s horse when he went into the theater. Steers also addresses all of the conspiracy theories, such as the claim that John Wilkes Booth escaped and lived under the alias David E. George. He also debunks the theory that Secretary of War Edwin Stanton was behind the assassination and presents evidence pointing to Dr. Samuel Mudd’s connection with Booth. Each entry ends with the source of information and in many cases see references to related entries. This in-depth encyclopedia will be a valuable addition to all library collections where information on Lincoln and the Civil War is in demand. It is an appropriate purchase for public and college libraries. --Abbie Landry Read more From the Back Cover The definitive A to Z reference on the assassination of Abraham LincolnThe first book of its kind, The Lincoln Assassination Encyclopedia is a truly indispensable guide to one of the most dramatic and fascinating events in our nation's history: the murder of the sixteenth president of the United States. Written by Edward Steers, Jr., acclaimed author of Blood on the Moon and one of the world's leading authorities on the subject, here is an exhaustive, highly readable resource that includes:All the known persons, places, events, and conspiracies connected to the tragedyMore than 150 period photographs and maps, many never before publishedThe truth behind the hoaxes, myths, and legends surrounding the assassinationA comprehensive narrative and timeline of events . . . and moreWith a foreword by James L. Swanson, bestselling author of Manhunt: The 12-Day Chase for Lincoln's Killer, The Lincoln Assassination Encyclopedia is the perfect addition to every Lincoln library. Read more
D**Y
Amazing Detail in this Encyclopedia on Everyone, Thing and Geographic Notably Connected
The author of "Blood on the Moom" has put together an incredibly well written and exhaustive detail on everyone and thing connected to the Booth conspiracy. Obviously written in encylopedic style listing people, places and things alphabetically, each as a definitive mini biography. 'Blood on the Moon; is a great book but this encyclopedia is an excellent companion piece to your Lioncoln/Booth library as it allows you to reserach each individual in more detail and the information does include everything from General Hancock, who was in charge of the prison and execution of the Lincoln conspirators, to the relative obscure such as the Green Mountain Cemetery where the Booth family had a plot. Anyone that a conspirator came in contact with or had something to do with, including those looking for him, is in this great book. What I found most interesting are the biographies of the various Confederate agents that helped Booth along the way that includes pictures of their homes, many still existing like the Huckleberry home of Confederate agent Thomas Jones who provided Booth and Herold the means to escape across the Potomac. Also, a wealth of photopgraphs, some of which I have never seen before such as the photograph of Confederate Willie Jett who befriended Booth and Herold and introduced them to the Garrett family where they both stayed until eventually caught. In addition, the book includes great maps particularly the escape route that took Booth and Herold many miles from Ford's Theater. The book is so well written that each subject is a delight to read in their compact yet informative style. A book I highly recommend.
Z**K
Thank you, Dr. Steers!
"The Lincoln Assassination Encyclopedia" is a must-have for anyone with a serious interest in one of the most fascinating episodes in U.S. history. Edward Steers, who has written and edited several excellent books on Lincoln's assassination, here draws on his impressive knowledge and familiarity with the sources to give us easy access to the facts surrounding the people, places, and organizations connected with the conspiracy, murder, investigation, trial, and aftermath.The book includes an introductory chapter summarizing the chain of events, followed by a useful chronology. The entries themselves are well written and highly informative. Importantly, each entry concludes with a source note; many also have cross-references to related entries. Detailed graphics show Booth's probable route in and around the theater on the night of the assassination and the path he and Herold took until they were captured. I particularly appreciate the wealth of photos that Dr. Steers has unearthed, including numerous portraits of the otherwise ordinary people who played a role in this tragedy.Highly recommended!
B**S
A Comprehensive Reference
A really well done and comprehensive reference book on the Lincoln assassination. A great book to have on your bedside if you're reading Blood on the Moon: The Assassination of Abraham Lincoln or Manhunt: The 12-Day Chase to Catch Lincoln's Killer (P.S.) which are the two best books I've read that cover Lincoln's assassination and Booth's escape. Even the most minor person involved in the events from the actors on the stage to the politicians get at least some sort of write up here. A must have for someone with more than just a passing interest in the event.
M**T
The Best and Only One We Have
While there are numerous inaccuracies and dubious "facts" in this reference book (inter alia, it is highly unlikely that liquor merchant and shipping magnate Patrick C. Martin died in late 1864 when his ship foundered in the St. Lawrence River--just had to get that out!) this needs to be applauded as a first-ever attempt to gather the Assassination suspects and intelligence agents into one place. Being a reference book, it is open to revision, and I heartily hope we shall see a new edition in the future. Did I say it was a joy to read? That's how you know a reference book or survey history is a goody. 'Tis a joy to read.
G**L
The readable Encyclopedia
First encyclopedia I have ever read all the way through. It satisfies two purposes and is more than I hoped. 1) Can always be used to find, lookup, and reference easily. Smallest details to the most significant. 2) Reading it straight through with all the side associated details time travels you right there and feels like your trying to understand and solve along with them.This is exactly what I wanted. I like the overlapping and repeating of information because it helps understand how everything is tied together. One article/title will mention names, places, etc. and those come up down the road in the book and expound on it further. I find myself anticipating that I will find more information further in the book related to these individual, places, and events.It is packed full and has it all. Find myself comparing it to how we solve things today, the use of law then and now, the similar human side that does not change, and how we got here.Like the Antique cover.
Trustpilot
2 months ago
2 months ago
