The Demon of Unrest
A gripping narrative history of the chaotic months leading up to the American Civil War.
Check price on AmazonOpens Amazon search results for this product.
Also compare at: WalmartBest BuyeBay
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Buying through these links never changes your price.
Why people are buying it
Bestselling author Erik Larson returns with a riveting account of the fateful months between Abraham Lincoln's election and the firing on Fort Sumter. Drawing on diaries, letters, and historical records, Larson brings to life the flawed characters on both sides of a fracturing nation. The book focuses heavily on the dramatic standoff at Fort Sumter, weaving a tense, novelistic story out of true historical events.
- Masterful narrative nonfiction by bestselling author Erik Larson
- Chronicles the tense buildup to the American Civil War
- Centers on the dramatic and pivotal standoff at Fort Sumter
- Utilizes rich primary sources like personal diaries and letters
What it does well
- Engaging, novelistic storytelling style
- Meticulously researched using primary sources
- Brings human details and flaws to light
- Fast-paced and hard to put down
What to weigh
- Focuses on a narrow timeframe, leaving the broader war uncovered
- Large cast of historical figures can occasionally be difficult to track
Should you buy it?
The Demon of Unrest is a masterclass in narrative history, turning archival research into a gripping political thriller. It is well worth the read for anyone fascinated by the tragic unraveling of the United States before the Civil War.
Specifications
| Book Details | |
|---|---|
| Publisher | Crown |
| Language | English |
| ISBN-13 | 978-0385549462 |
| Item Weight | 1.5 pounds |
From published manufacturer information. Check the store listing for the exact variant.
How it compares
| Product | Author | Focus Era | Style | Page Count | Primary Source Heavy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Demon of Unrest | Erik Larson | 1860-1861 Civil War Buildup | Narrative Nonfiction | 400+ pages | Yes |
| The Splendid and the Vile | Erik Larson | WWII London Blitz | Narrative Nonfiction | 500+ pages | Yes |
| Battle Cry of Freedom | James M. McPherson | Entire Civil War Era | Academic/Comprehensive | 900+ pages | Yes |
Worth a look instead
Questions buyers ask
Is The Demon of Unrest a true story?
Yes, it is a work of narrative nonfiction based entirely on historical documents, diaries, and letters.
What major event does the book focus on?
It primarily focuses on the months leading up to the attack on Fort Sumter and the outbreak of the Civil War.
Who is the author?
The book is written by acclaimed bestselling narrative historian Erik Larson.
More in Books
See allAll the Colors of the Dark
A sprawling, decades-spanning mystery about obsession, friendship, and the shadows we leave behind.
The Fury by Alex Michaelides
A gripping, twist-filled psychological thriller set on a private Greek island.
The Maid
A charming, locked-room mystery featuring an unforgettable protagonist who sees the world differently.
The Power of Habit
Unlock the science behind why we do what we do