Mr. Lincoln Goes to War - Hardcover

"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.

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.