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

by James L. Swanson

Book Overview

Now an Apple TV+ Series

"A terrific narrative of the hunt for Lincoln's killers that will mesmerize the reader from start to finish."--Doris Kearns Goodwin

The murder of Abraham Lincoln set off the greatest manhunt in American history--the pursuit and capture of John Wilkes Booth. From April 14 to April 26, 1865, the assassin led Union cavalry troops on a wild, 12-day chase from the streets of Washington,...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0060518499
• ISBN13: 9780060518493
• Release Date: February 2006
• Publisher: William Morrow & Company
• Length: 464 Pages
• Weight: 1.54 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.4" x 6.3" x 9.1"

Customer Reviews

Best book on Lincoln's assassination that I've read.

This book takes you through the Lincoln assassination and the aftermath of it. I felt like I was there riding along side Booth and like I was there by Lincoln's side as a he lay dying. Amazing read. Once I started, I was hard pressed to put it down. This was one of the best books I have ever read.

History Book or Story Book?

In this book you are given the details of the twelve day chase of Lincoln's assassin, John Wilkes Booth, American playboy and beloved actor by many a young ladies. This History Book is given in a form not usually seen in this category of books. The facts presented are given in the manner of a story, and it was, to me anyway, so vivid in detail that you could imagine yourself there following behind Booth and Davey Harold as they made their way from Washington D.C. all the way to the Garrett farm near Port Royal, Virginia. The account is taken step by step, the process of how and why Booth did what he did, how long it took him to get ready, how he got the help of his accomplices, how long he'd known each of them, his over all and semi-flawed escape plan. One interesting fact is that Lincoln and Booth both died to gun shot wounds to the back of the head/neck. This is an important point in history for any American History Buff, and Civil War/Reconstruction Buff and deserves it's place on their bookshelves.

Surprisingly addictive

James Swanson pursues the tale of the 12 day manhunt for John Wilkes Booth and his accomplices over the course of about 400 pages and 11 chapters. The book is liberally supported with photos and reproductions of new articles and letters of the time, including a transcript of Booth's journal. Additionally, there is a wealth of references in the back. I was really impressed with this book's accessibility to readers. The narrative is compelling and the story addictive. There are a lot of "little details" that surface, ranging from real trivia to fascinating side topics, all of which are explored without detracting from the ongoing timeline. It's clear that the author spent a lot of time researching all of the players involved and took the time and care to present it in a way that would be interesting to read. As a history teacher I would strongly recommend this to other teachers as well as to students in the upper grades. I'd also recommend this to people interested in the Civil War, Lincoln, etc. In many ways, this is also a good book for the casual reader, being interesting and compelling without being too "dry"

You'll burn midnight oil reading this exciting story - and you already know how it ends!

History is made vividly exciting in this detailed and well-written account of a critical event in United States history. Swanson has the instinct of a novelist, but every word of this page-turner is true. Don't start reading this book unless you have blocked out some time. You won't want to put it down. Everybody quotes Paul Harvey at about this point, and I will, too. If you think you know everything there is to know about the Lincoln assassination, think again. Swanson gives you "the rest of the story." John Wilkes Booth was a Shakespearean actor whose personal story is as Shakespearean as even the Bard himself could create. To Booth, all the world really was a stage and in jumping from the box at Ford's Theater he thought he was playing the role of a lifetime. Indeed, he was. Swanson helps us saddle up and ride with Booth on his frantic escape through Maryland and into Virginia, where he thought he would be haled as a hero. If you love history. If you like to feel as if you are there, you will treasure this book.

History Revealing the Mystery

Noted Lincoln historian James L. Swanson pens a historical novel in the genre of Jeff and Michael Shaara now famous Civil War trilogy. Swanson not only takes you there, he places you in the mind and soul of John Wilkes Booth, those who hid him, and those who tracked him. Though surely a page turner, this is no quick read, weighing in at well over 400 pages. However, if you love history, mystery, and detective stories, then Swanson has woven them all into "Manhunt." Even readers with a love for the Civil War will find the account of these twelve days filled with never learned or frequently forgotten details. "Manhunt" is well worth reading both for its historical depth and its psychological awareness. Reviewer: Bob Kellemen, Ph.D., is the author of "Soul Physicians," "Spiritual Friends," "Martin Luther's Counseling," "Biblical Psychology," and "Beyond the Suffering: Embracing the Legacy of African American Soul Care and Spiritual Direction."

Bucky Sappenfield - Terlingua, TX

I have been reading about the Lincoln assassination for over 45 years and this is the best book to date. It is riviting, filled with heretofore unrevealed details and updates. A wonderful read! Mr Swanson has done a lot of research and has woven a thrilling story...yet it is all true! He could not make these things up! Great book. Thanks