The Avenger Takes His Place: Andrew Johnson and the 45 Days That Changed the Nation

by Howard Means

Book Overview

From the moment of Lincoln's death on April 15, 1865, until Andrew Johnson, his replacement, formally announced postwar plans on May 29, the fate of the country hung in the balance. War had left the... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0151012121
• ISBN13: 9780151012121
• Release Date: November 2006
• Publisher: Mariner Books
• Length: 304 Pages
• Weight: 1.20 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 6.3" x 9.2"

Customer Reviews

Decent book about Johnson and 1865

This is a nice survey about Johnson and the situation he found himself in April 1865. This is partially a Johnson bio -the start of the book, though interesting, focuses on Johnson pre-presidency, leaving less time for the 45 days of the start of his administration (or, rather, finishing Lincoln's plans). So, if you are looking for super in-depth coverage or brand new research material, this is not your cup of tea. But, it's a well written book, and some of the the old newspaper clippings dealing with Lincoln and Johnson are fun to read.

The transition from Lincoln to Johnson.

Andrew Johnson was one of our worst Presidents. In this book, author Means relates the personality of Andy Johnson, and his failings in the leadership role. Johnson was the aftermath of the great Presidency of Abraham Lincoln. To be judged according to what Lincoln did was a gave injustice to Johnson. However, Johnson's personality was not suited to a leadership role in such a viotile time. Johnson was personally brave, and was a thoughtful man. However, once he took a position, he never changed or compromised. This made him an unsuccessful leader in a time when the nation was changing so much. His moderate policies pleased no one, least of all his former enemies. This is a nice read about a transition time in American history. There have been many, but this one was probably the foremost time when a personality did not take charge and shape the destiny of the country.

Excellent study of an era in our history

When President Lincoln was assassinated, leaving Andrew Johnson in charge of a nation in chaos, most people on both sides of the war wondered what was in store for all of them. It had only been a short time since Andrew Johnson made a public spectacle of himself at his inauguration. Now it was on the shoulders of this man to bring justice to those responsible for Lincoln's death, finish a war, and knit a country back together. But what was he to do with the "traitors" whom he'd already viciously attacked, and what rights would be granted the former slaves? The Avenger Takes His Place is a study of what made the man who would be our seventeenth president, as well as the tumultuous six weeks that would determine the future of our United States. It is an engrossing study of communication, or lack thereof, anxiety, distrust, and the atrocity of war. Author Means provides insight from personal journals and public records on both sides and provides current day comparisons in order to paint the situation abundantly clear to readers. In a time where Johnson's predecessor is nearly sainted, while Johnson himself is remembered poorly, I greatly enjoyed learning more about the man who remade our nation. A fascinating look into the process that led to the reconstruction of the United States following the Civil War. Armchair Interviews says: Another interesting peek at history.

excellent introduction

From the title, I expected a detailed history of the days following his assumption of the presidency. While the tiles mislead me, I found a very readable, balanced enjoyable account of Johnson and Reconstruction. The book is a mini-biography of Andrew Johnson with emphases on the years prior to and during the Civil War, hunt for and trial of Lincoln's killers, the end of the Confederacy and the start of Presidential Reconstruction. This is a huge list of "hot topics" for an author to present in one book. Howard Means succeeds without falling into the Lost Cause Myth or current Politically Correct thinking, constructing a balanced readable and instructive book. This is an introductory to mid-level history of the beginnings of Reconstruction. Starting with the application of Lincoln's "let `em up easy" and 10% rule to the rise of the Radical Republicans determined to make the South suffer and keep control of Congress. Both efforts, at reconstruction, are doomed from the start and could only increase problems for the nation and the new Freemen. A major strength of the book is the author's refusal to place either group on the side of good. He admits that each had base motives and sought power from reconstruction. Walking through the turbulence is Andrew Johnson. The "flaws" that helped him in the Senate and as military governor, destroyed him as President. Honest, hard working and unable to comprise what he saw as "right" brought impeachment from men who felt he was wrong. From a respected hero of the Union, he became a hated symbol of the old South. While not what I expected, this is an enjoyable an instructive read. The book is an excellent introduction to Reconstruction, the issues and people.

Great biography of a little written about President

The role of Andrew Johnson at the end of the Civil war has not been considered by many authors. This book undertakes two tasks. The first is to show the conspiracy behind Booths assignation (and the surrounding plot) and how that conspiracy shaped Andrew Johnson's policies. The second task is to show how the ideas of reconstruction came under development. The writing style is very clear and well done. For those looking for a short and straight to the point book on what happened immediately following the civil war this cannot be beat. Johnson's role as the avenger and the split in the cabinet are some of the most interesting politics in the history of the United States. Mary Todd Lincoln's treatment of Johnson is particularly interesting considering she considered him a part of the assignation. Highly recommend for those who want to learn more about Andrew Johnson.