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From one of our most acclaimed new biographers– the first full life of the leader of Lincoln’s “team of rivals” to appear in more than forty years. William Henry Seward was one of the most important Americans of the nineteenth century. Progressive governor of New York and outspoken U.S. senator, he was the odds-on favorite to win the 1860 Republican nomination for president. As secretary of state and Lincoln’s closest adviser during the Civil War, Seward not only managed foreign affairs but had a substantial role in military, political, and personnel matters.Some of Lincoln’s critics even saw Seward, erroneously, as the power behind the throne; this is why John Wilkes Booth and his colleagues attempted to kill Seward as well as Lincoln. Seward survived the assassin’s attack, continued as secretary of state, and emerged as a staunch supporter of President Andrew Johnson, Lincoln’s controversial successor. Through his purchase of Alaska (“Seward’s Folly”), and his groundwork for the purchase of the Canal Zone and other territory, Seward set America on course to become a world empire.Seward was not only important, he was fascinating. Most nights this well-known raconteur with unruly hair and untidy clothes would gather diplomats, soldiers, politicians, or actors around his table to enjoy a cigar, a drink, and a good story. Drawing on hundreds of sources not available to or neglected by previous biographers, Walter Stahr sheds new light on this complex and central figure, as well as on pivotal events of the Civil War and its aftermath.
William Seward (1801-1872) was, according to historian Walter Stahr, the most indispensable of Abraham Lincoln's "team of rivals." (John Wilkes Booth apparently agreed: He assigned a confederate to kill the Secretary of State; the would-be assassin failing in the assignment.) This standard-setting new biography shows what made Seward such a vital right-hand man.
“This magnificent biography finally provides what William Henry Seward so justly deserves—a full, terrific and complex portrait of his endlessly fascinating life.”
“Walter Stahr’s new biography offers an overdue reminder of the much broader scope of [Seward’s] work.”
“Stahr gives Seward his due in this intelligent and illuminating biography of one of the most important political figures of the 19th century. . . . He wasn't just Lincoln's indispensable man; throughout his career Seward was an indispensable man to the nation as well.”
“This formidable figure has finally gained the biographer he’s long deserved…a first-rate biography.”
“This highly readable biography, based on thorough research in original sources, effectively shows that Seward deserves more fame as a patriot-statesman than he has traditionally enjoyed.”
"Politician, diplomat, raconteur, a figure of controversy and power, Seward has finally found a biographer equal to his importance.”
“In this fine volume, Walter Stahr has rendered a signal service by resurrecting the life of the often neglected William Henry Seward. His sweeping portrait of the long-standing Secretary of State is always lucid, engaging, scrupulously fair-minded, and deeply researched. This biography stands as a valuable addition to the rich literature of American politics in the mid-nineteenth century.”
theoldlday
Posted November 20, 2012
Well written documentary of the troubled times in our nation's history. Well annotated, plates are presented well, An entertaining and at times, surprising exploration of facts many perhaps do not know.
4 out of 4 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted December 23, 2012
Well researched and writen book about a man who truly shaped America for years to come.
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted May 3, 2013
A wonderful follow-up to TEAM OF RIVALS, this book gave me great insight into a little-known figure who changed history.
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Posted November 10, 2012
Just received hard cover of book, supposed to be new looks used
0 out of 4 people found this review helpful.
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Posted October 30, 2012
I would have read the damned thing, if I had ever received it from B&N
0 out of 6 people found this review helpful.
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0 out of 6 people found this review helpful.
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Posted January 22, 2013
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Posted October 16, 2012
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Posted January 18, 2013
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Overview
From one of our most acclaimed new biographers– the first full life of the leader of Lincoln’s “team of rivals” to appear in more than forty years. William Henry Seward was one of the most important Americans of the nineteenth century. Progressive governor of New York and outspoken U.S. senator, he was the odds-on favorite to win the 1860 Republican nomination for president. As secretary of state and Lincoln’s closest adviser during the Civil War, Seward not only managed foreign affairs but had a substantial role...