Book cover of Ordeal of the Union, Vol. 1: Fruits of Manifest Destiny, 1847-1852

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Classic study of how and why the Civil War came about.

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1 author picked Ordeal of the Union, Vol. 1 as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

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James Traub
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The epic, multi-volume work of one of America's great mid-century historians. An old-fashioned work of immense erudition, vivid narrative, decisive judgment. Never before or since have so many great and consequential speeches been delivered in Congress; Nevins furnishes every one of them with suitable embellishment. Vols. 2-4 (in the 8-volume version) offer wonderful set pieces on the great events of the time--the Kansas-Nebraska debate, the Dred Scott case, the rise and election of Abraham Lincoln.

From James' list on The best books about the run-up to the American Civil War.

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