Every Drop of Blood: The Momentous Second Inauguration of Abraham Lincoln

Do I really need another book on Lincoln? Of course, I do. This book gives a fascinating look at the days leading up to and following the inauguration of Lincoln for a second term. The focal point, his memorable address, is analyzed cogently. It was interesting to read how the editorial reactions across the country varied so widely; many entirely missing the beauty and significance of this speech. Rather than a triumphant and celebratory message, Lincoln showed that the war's cause -- slavery -- was a sin to be attributed to the entire nation. The author enlightens us that this deeper meaning is overshadowed by the so memorable phrases of the war continuing "until every drop of blood drawn by the lash, shall be paid by another drawn by show more the sword" and "With malice toward none; with charity toward all...".

The story also covers others who were in the picture as the day enfolded. Particularly featured were Walt Whitman, present in Washington during the war years, and John Wilkes Booth who came quite close to Lincoln on inauguration day. The breakdown of security for the president that permitted Booth to enter the theater box is astonishing to consider. Who knew that one of Booth's lovers was the daughter of a prominent senator, a circumstance covered up in the post assassination investigations. show less

I was impressed with the depth and breadth of the research which went into this book and it made, for me, what might have been a dry topic much more lively. Well worth reading and looking forward to delving into more books about Lincoln, which sad to say, I've skipped over the years.