Books Like...
The Demon of Unrest by Erik Larson explores the turbulent months leading up to the Civil War, particularly focusing on the events surrounding Fort Sumter. The narrative covers various key figures and their connections to the political chaos of the time. Readers will find history woven with personal stories, creating a vivid picture of the era.
Larson's writing style is engaging and narrative-driven, which makes the history feel like a thrilling story. He uses historical documents effectively to bring the past to life. However, some readers feel that the book covers too many narratives, making parts feel tedious. Overall, it offers an insightful look at a critical moment in American history.
If you liked The Demon of Unrest: A Saga of Hubris, Heartbreak, and Heroism at the Dawn of the Civil War, here are the top 100 books to read next:
"Manhunt: The 12-Day Chase for Lincoln's Killer" by James L. Swanson is a detailed account of the assassination of Abraham Lincoln and the subsequent pursuit of John Wilkes Booth and his accomplices. The book delves into the intricate planning of the assassination, the escape of the perpetrators, and the intense efforts to bring them to justice. Through a fast-paced narrative, readers are taken on a gripping journey through the events leading up to and following Lincoln's tragic death, providing a vivid portrayal of the historical figures involved.
IT LOOKED LIKE A BAD DAY FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS. TERRIFIC winds and thunderstorms had swept through Washington early that morning, dissolving the dirt streets into a sticky muck of soil, garbage, and horse...- #2
Save:Once, at the dawn of a very dark time, an American father and his daughter found themselves suddenly transported from their snug home in Chicago to the heart of Hitler's Berlin. In 1933, William E. Dodd became America's ambassador to Germany amidst Hitler's rise to power. Dodd and Martha, his daughter, initially sympathized with the Nazi's, downplaying the violence against Jews. Throughout most of the book, readers are shown a detailed look at Germany in 1933-1934 through the experience of Ambassador Dodd, a university professor from Chicago. Larson weaves together a very particular kind of story about the Dodd family and 1930s Hitler in Germany, showing the chilling story of William Dodd, Ambassador to Germany from 1933 to 1937.
Now chairman of the history department, Dodd had been a professor at the university since 1909, recognized nationally for his work on the American South and for a biography of Woodrow Wilson. He was s... - #3
Save:'The Splendid and the Vile' by Erik Larson delves into Winston Churchill's first year as Prime Minister during the Blitz, a period where Hitler relentlessly bombed England, causing massive disruption and death. Larson closely examines Churchill's life during this challenging time, portraying him as a leader trying to hold his country together amidst the chaos of war. weaves together personal, political, and historical aspects, giving readers an insight into living in a country under constant bombardment and showcasing Churchill's determination to never surrender.
THE CARS SPED ALONG THE Mall, the broad boulevard that runs between Whitehall, seat of Britain’s government ministries, and Buckingham Palace, the 775-room home of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth, ... - #4
Save:Shelby Foote's 'The Civil War: A Narrative' is a three-volume masterpiece that delves into the detailed coverage of major and minor events of the American Civil War. The narrative style of Foote weaves a captivating story, providing insights into the lives of the people involved, from prominent figures like Lincoln, Davis, and Lee to the soldiers in the trenches. The book offers a thorough and well-researched account of the Civil War, painting multifaceted portraits of historical figures and showcasing the impact of this significant period in American history.
“AFTER AN ABSENCE OF NEARLY TWO YEARS,” Jefferson Davis told the legislators assembled under the golden dome of his home-state capitol on the day after Christmas, 1862—twenty months and two weeks, to ... Dead Wake: The Last Crossing of the Lusitania by Erik Larson is a meticulously researched and immersive account of the sinking of the Lusitania during World War I. The book delves into the political backdrop of the time, intertwining the narratives of the passengers, the submarine commander, and the events in Washington DC and London. Larson's narrative style weaves together multiple viewpoints, providing a detailed examination of the tragic event and its aftermath, while also exploring the potential conspiracy theories surrounding the sinking.
THE SMOKE FROM SHIPS AND THE EXHALATIONS OF THE river left a haze that blurred the world and made the big liner seem even bigger, less the product of human endeavor than an escarpment rising from a pl...- #6
Save:A Stillness at Appomattox by Bruce Catton is a non-fiction book that vividly recounts the final year of the Civil War through the eyes of the Union Army, focusing on the struggles, triumphs, and heroism of the soldiers of the Army of the Potomac. Catton's writing style is described as visceral and vivid, simultaneously humanizing and dehumanizing war in a novelistic feel rooted in brutal reality. The book covers significant battles like The Wilderness, Spotsylvania, Cold Harbor, the Crater, Siege of Petersburg, and the capture of Petersburg and Richmond, ultimately leading to Grant's victory over General Robert E. Lee at Appomattox Courthouse.
EVERYBODY agreed that the Washington’s Birthday ball was the most brilliant event of the winter. Unlike most social functions in this army camp by the Rapidan, it was not held in a tent. There was a s... - #7
Save:'Battle Cry of Freedom' by James M. McPherson is a comprehensive account of the American Civil War, covering both the military strategies and the political landscape of the era. The book delves into the backgrounds and feats of the war's many generals, shedding light on lesser-known officers and their contributions. McPherson skillfully weaves together narratives of key figures like Abraham Lincoln and Jefferson Davis, providing a detailed analysis of the war's impact on society and the nation as a whole.
The writing style of 'Battle Cry of Freedom' is highly engaging and informative, making it a fast-paced journey through the turbulent years of the Civil War. McPherson's narrative is praised for its readability and ability to present complex historical events in a compelling manner. The book is commended for its seamless blend of military, political, and social history, offering readers a well-rounded understanding of one of the most pivotal moments in American history.
Both sides in the American Civil War professed to be fighting for freedom. The South, said Jefferson Davis in 1863, was "forced to take up arms to vindicate the political rights, the freedom, equality... Eric Foner's "Reconstruction: America's Unfinished Revolution 1863-1877" is a comprehensive examination of the Reconstruction era following the Civil War. The book delves into the political, social, and economic complexities of the time period, highlighting the struggles faced by freed slaves, the violence against black Americans, and the failure of Reconstruction to bring about lasting change. Foner's writing style is detailed and thorough, drawing on extensive research to provide a nuanced understanding of the historical events and their impact on American society.
ON January 1, 1863, after a winter storm swept up the east coast of the United States, the sun rose in a cloudless sky over Washington, D.C. At the White House, Abraham Lincoln spent most of the day w...'Isaac's Storm: A Man, a Time, and the Deadliest Hurricane in History' by Erik Larson tells the story of the devastating Galveston hurricane of 1900. The narrative revolves around Isaac Cline, the chief meteorologist for Galveston, who failed to predict the severity of the hurricane, leading to a catastrophic loss of life. Larson skillfully weaves together the personal stories of individuals affected by the storm, the background of the weather service, and the city of Galveston itself, providing a detailed account of the events leading up to and following the disaster. Through meticulous research and vivid descriptions, the author brings to life the ignorance, arrogance, and tragic consequences of the deadliest hurricane in US history.
The writing style of the book combines historical facts with personal narratives, creating a compelling and informative read. Larson delves into the history of weather forecasting at the turn of the century, the political dynamics within the Weather Bureau, and the human aspects of the individuals involved in the events surrounding the Galveston hurricane. offers a gripping portrayal of the power and unpredictability of nature, highlighting the devastating impact of the storm on the city and its inhabitants.
Now chairman of the history department, Dodd had been a professor at the university since 1909, recognized nationally for his work on the American South and for a biography of Woodrow Wilson. He was s...- #10Grantby:
Save:Grant by Ron Chernow is a comprehensive biography that delves into the life of Ulysses S. Grant, shedding new light on the man who was both ordinary and extraordinary. Chernow's meticulous research and literary brilliance bring to life Grant's struggles with alcoholism, his presidency during Reconstruction, and his post-presidential diplomatic efforts. The book covers Grant's military career, his close friendship with President Lincoln, and his rise to power during the Civil War, providing a detailed account of his accomplishments and challenges.
Chernow's biography of Grant presents a nuanced portrayal of the man behind the historical figure, exploring his strengths and weaknesses as a general and president. The book highlights Grant's commitment to civil rights, his efforts to reunite the nation post-Civil War, and his role in shaping American history during a tumultuous period. Through detailed storytelling and thorough research, Chernow offers readers a deeper understanding of Grant's legacy and his impact on American society.
ON APRIL 27, 1822, Ulysses S. Grant was born in Point Pleasant, Ohio, tucked away in the rural southwestern corner of the state near Cincinnati. The tiny, boxy house, constructed of wood and painted w...
