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Manhunt: The 12-Day Chase for Lincoln's Killer (2006)

by James L. Swanson

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3,010854,504 (4.08)68
The murder of Abraham Lincoln set off the greatest manhunt in American history. From April 14 to April 26, 1865, the assassin led Union cavalry and detectives on a wild twelve-day chase through the streets of Washington, D.C., across the swamps of Maryland, and into the forests of Virginia, while the nation, still reeling from the just-ended Civil War, watched in horror. A Confederate sympathizer and a member of a celebrated acting family, John Wilkes Booth threw away his fame and wealth for a chance to avenge the South's defeat. Based on rare archival materials, obscure trial transcripts, and Lincoln's own blood relics, this book is a fully documented work, but it is also a tale of murder, intrigue, and betrayal, an hour-by-hour account told through the eyes of the hunted and the hunters.--From publisher description.… (more)
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» See also 68 mentions

Showing 1-5 of 84 (next | show all)
Fast oaced and exciting.
I think the author presented the information in a way intended to increase sympathy for Booth. It makes sense, if he is somewhat sympathetic, it makes for a more interesting read as the hunters draw nearer to catching him.
However , comparing him to Christ, in my opinion, was definitely crossing a line.
Nonetheless, entertaining and well written ( )
  cspiwak | Mar 6, 2024 |
(2006) Excellent history of the flight of John Wilkes Booth after he assasinated Lincoln. He eluded capture for 12 days before being shot in a barn in Virginia. Also gives insight to the others involved in the assasination and what happened to them.
  derailer | Jan 25, 2024 |
A little dry sometimes but a fascinating book about the hunt for John Booth. I learned a lot of things I did not know. ( )
  cdaley | Nov 2, 2023 |
Excellent recreation of the Lincoln assassination both before and after. ( )
  MauraWroblewski | Jun 24, 2023 |
Interesting, and much better than the previous book I read on the topic by the same author. A fascinating time and a fascinating story. ( )
  MrMet | Apr 28, 2023 |
Showing 1-5 of 84 (next | show all)
But for the most part the narrative - which relies on numerous first-hand and contemporary accounts, as well as Swanson's own retracing of Booth's steps - has a convincing feel, full of detail and dialogue. Manhunt is an enjoyable, and often exciting, portrayal of what must have been twelve of the most turbulent days in American history
 

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Epigraph
I have never had a feeling politically that did not spring from the Declaration of Independence...that which gave promise that in due time the weights should be lifted from the shoulders of all men, and that all should have an equal chance...Now, my friends, can this country be saved upon that basis?...If it can't be saved upon that principle...if this country cannot be saved without giving up on that principle...I would rather be assassinated on this spot than to surrender it.
--President-elect Abraham Lincoln during a speech on February 22, 1861, ten days before taking the oath of office as the sixteenth president of the United States.
This man's appearance, his pedigree, his coarse jokes and anecdotes, his vulgar similes, and his policy are a disgrace to the seat he holds...he is...the tool of the North, to crush out, or try to crush out slavery, by robbery, rapine, slaughter and bought armies...a false president yearning for a kingly succession...
--John Wilkes Booth to his sister at a private home shortly before President Lincoln's reelection in November 1864.
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For my parents, Lennart and Dianne Swanson
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It looked like a bad day for photographers.
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(Click to show. Warning: May contain spoilers.)
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The murder of Abraham Lincoln set off the greatest manhunt in American history. From April 14 to April 26, 1865, the assassin led Union cavalry and detectives on a wild twelve-day chase through the streets of Washington, D.C., across the swamps of Maryland, and into the forests of Virginia, while the nation, still reeling from the just-ended Civil War, watched in horror. A Confederate sympathizer and a member of a celebrated acting family, John Wilkes Booth threw away his fame and wealth for a chance to avenge the South's defeat. Based on rare archival materials, obscure trial transcripts, and Lincoln's own blood relics, this book is a fully documented work, but it is also a tale of murder, intrigue, and betrayal, an hour-by-hour account told through the eyes of the hunted and the hunters.--From publisher description.

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