1861

“Winik has a taut yet dramatic writing style that makes the book a compelling read even for those well-versed on the history leading up to the Civil War’s outbreak.”–Associated Press”[S]urprisingly timely and sure to give even the most avid Civil War buffs new material to think about.“–Huffpost“A portrait of two sides talking past each other, rather than with each other… [Jay Winik] traces the efforts of those who genuinely wanted to prevent war and the trauma of secession–and shows how Abraham Lincoln tried at first to listen and then at last refused.”–The New Yorker“Winik presents a vivid, tragic narrative of a nation coming to pieces…Along the way, he weaves in evocative profiles of leading figures and their drift toward extremism. The result is a dramatic and insightful retelling of a fateful turn in America’s saga.”–Publishers Weekly“A fascinating look at some of the less familiar history in the days leading up to the Civil War.”–Kirkus Reviews“This engaging volume has impeccable research and is recommended for anyone who enjoys U.S. history, notably the Civil War, and American politics.” - Starred Review –Library Journal

Jay Winik is an American historian and New York Times bestselling author, known for his award-winning April 1865: The Month That Saved America, among many others. Winick is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations and sits on the board of trustees of the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. He graduated from Yale with honors, and holds a Masters in Economics from the London School of Economics.