The Demon of Unrest
By Erik Larson
- Release Date: 2024-04-30
- Genre: U.S. History
Description
#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • The author of The Splendid and the Vile brings to life the pivotal five months between the election of Abraham Lincoln and the start of the Civil War in this “riveting reexamination of a nation in tumult” (Los Angeles Times).
“A feast of historical insight and narrative verve . . . This is Erik Larson at his best, enlivening even a thrice-told tale into an irresistible thriller.”—The Wall Street Journal
A PARADE BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR
On November 6, 1860, Abraham Lincoln became the fluky victor in a tight race for president. The country was bitterly at odds; Southern extremists were moving ever closer to destroying the Union, with one state after another seceding and Lincoln powerless to stop them. Slavery fueled the conflict, but somehow the passions of North and South came to focus on a lonely federal fortress in Charleston Harbor: Fort Sumter.
Master storyteller Erik Larson offers a gripping account of the chaotic months between Lincoln’s election and the Confederacy’s shelling of Sumter—a period marked by tragic errors and miscommunications, enflamed egos and craven ambitions, personal tragedies and betrayals. Lincoln himself wrote that the trials of these five months were “so great that, could I have anticipated them, I would not have believed it possible to survive them.”
At the heart of this suspense-filled narrative are Major Robert Anderson, Sumter’s commander and a former slave owner sympathetic to the South but loyal to the Union; Edmund Ruffin, a vain and bloodthirsty radical who stirs secessionist ardor at every opportunity; and Mary Boykin Chesnut, wife of a prominent planter, conflicted over both marriage and slavery and seeing parallels between them. In the middle of it all is the overwhelmed Lincoln, battling with his duplicitous secretary of state, William Seward, as he tries desperately to avert a war that he fears is inevitable—one that will eventually kill 750,000 Americans.
Drawing on diaries, secret communiques, slave ledgers, and plantation records, Larson gives us a political horror story that captures the forces that led America to the brink—a dark reminder that we often don’t see a cataclysm coming until it’s too late.
Reviews
Astonishing
5By Greg DixonThis account really opens your eyes to how such an unimaginable tragedy could occur and is a reminder of just how dangerous we human beings are, especially when we don’t understand the ramifications of our actions.Erik Larson is Never Disappointing
5By Oxford OkieAs with all his other books, Erik Larson is a consummate storyteller, weaving a compelling narrative from exhaustively researched history. He never disappoints.Detailed character accounts
4By DonnieboyTTrue to Larsen style… you learn not only the the “how” but the “who, what and why” of the start of the civil war. History buffs will appreciate his research.One of the most interesting books ever written
5By this app is too hardFrom my perspective, one of a very best and best interesting historical books ever written. I have told pretty much everyone. I know that this is a must read.Another superbly written account by Larson
5By Cyber_GruntI enjoy his books immensely, and “The Demon of Unrest” brought down the house. There is so much to learn in history.Fabulous
5By didishooshooWhat an epic story! Erik Larson is a phenomenal storyteller! His research and way of telling the story is absolutely incredible! I have read many books about the Civil War, but this one tells the story of what lead up to those first shots fired at Fort Sumter. This book is fabulously informative and brings to life many characters whom I had read little about. I love a book that makes me want to learn more about the subject or a specific character and I cannot wait to read more about Mary Chestnut! What a hoot she seemed to be!Tedious
2By ChewminimanI found this book very tedious to read.Divided America - 1861
5By SparkklerTales of the Civil War often skip to major battles like Gettysburg or Antietam, but we seldom hear about the events which opened the war at Ft.Sumter. Erik Larsen gives the reader a meaningful personal glimpse into the events and the individuals which contributed to opening America’s most costly war.Great book
5By DaveindiegoEvery one of his books is great.Average
3By DeeGee13Didn’t have the zest of other Larson books. And I have read them all. Could have trimmed off 15-20%.Demon of Unrest
4By olddue1I enjoyed the book and found it a very good refresher about American Civil War history. The book became somewhat tedious at times. Intricate details about historical figures slowed the narrative flow typical of other Larson titles.Must Read
5By ~FRANZ~ExcellentDemon of Unrest
5By R. LiasThe eloquence, and grace of Larson’s brilliant storytelling is remarkably contrasted by his unvarnished, shocking fact-sharing about the criminal inhumanity of the peculiar institution of slavery in America. Larson's researched based writing always tells the non-fiction story in a spellbinding novelistic fashion that makes history come alive on his pages. Bravo!Powerful historical insights
5By TybeeTimGreat walk through the history of the launch of the Civil War beginning with the battle at Ft Sumter in Charleston. Well written, documented & powerful observations about key participants on both sides of this tragic war.Fantastic
4By Auggie's ManLearned a lot, and the writing was superb.Should be required reading for all Americans.
5By CO'DCDeeply detailed and personal accounts of the forces shaping the outset of the Civil War.Compelling and Readable
5By Gary MankoJust when I thought that there was nothing more that I could learn about the American Civil War, outcomes Eric Larson’s demon of unrest with a compelling and eminently readable saga both the north and south failed to fully understand the depth of motion and lack of reasoning about each other that led the country to stumble into its bloodiest conflict. The book explores the days between the election of Abraham Lincoln and the beginning of the Civil War with the firing on Fort Sumner in Charleston Harbor in South Carolina. The assumptions to the south made about Lincoln and his plans regarding their slavery and the assumptions Lincoln, Seward and his cabinet made about the south commitment to the union led them both astray. Wars are rarely planned. This book proves that. Larson pics characters to exemplify what was going on in the minds of the southern elite, the chivalry, and northern politicians and abolitionist alike. Seen through Larson‘s eyes this war it should’ve been avoidable was inevitable.. I could not put this book down.Less than expected
2By carocrossHave been quite impressed with writer’s other books. This left a lot to be desired. Not all that interesting. I finished book with two thoughts : I need to know more about Robert Anderson. And I want to spit on Ruffin’s grave.Extremely compelling
5By svc bearcatIt’s incredible how much the author is able to transport you to the uncertainty and drama of this moment in time. It’s one of the hardest things for a historian to capture, that the future is so uncertain to everyone in the past and that their lives and stories can go every which way.
