Books by Craig L. Symonds

In these 16 essays, Lincoln scholars offer fresh perspectives and revealing new research on the life and times of America's greatest president. Ubiquitous and enigmatic, the historical Lincoln, the literary Lincoln, even the cinematic Lincoln have all proved both fascinating and irresistible. Though some 16,000 books have been written about him, there is always more to say, new aspects of his life to consider, new facets of his persona to explore. Exploring Lincoln offers a selection of sixteen enlightening and entertaining papers presented at the Lincoln Forum symposia over the past three years. Shining new light on particular aspects of Lincoln's life and his tragically abbreviated presidencyfrom his work on the campaign trail to his fraught relationship with General McClellan to Mary Lincoln's mental healthExploring Lincoln presents a compelling snapshot of current Lincoln scholarship and a fascinating window into understanding America's greatest president.

Offers the studies and arguments about Lincoln assassination, its aftermath, the extraordinary public reaction - both religious and secular, as well as the iconography that Lincoln's murder and deification inspired, and the parallel legal event of the summer of 1865, the relentless pursuit, prosecution, and punishment of the conspirators.

From Craig Symonds, author of the 2009 Lincoln Prize award-winner Lincoln and His Admirals, comes a fascinating look at the era when American naval power came of age. Thoroughly researched and excitingly written, it brings to light a wealth of new information on a pivotal aspect of the Civil War.The Civil War at Sea covers navies on both sides of the conflict, examining key issues such as the impact of emergent technologies, the effectiveness of the Union's ambitious strategy of blockading, the odyssey of Confederate commerce raiders, the role of naval forces on the western rivers, and the difficulty of conducting combined sea and ground operations against the major Southern port cities. For Civil War buffs, fans of military and technological history, and other interested readers, it is insightful, essential reading.

"Riveting... A thoughtful biography." -New York Times Book Review