Mr. Lincoln Goes to War

Given the number of books Mr. Marvel has written about the Civil War, and given that he is here embarking on a multi-volume history of the war, it's amazing that anyone could think (as one previous reviewer alleges) that this book is a thinly veiled attack on Bush's war in Iraq. In truth, this is a fresh perspective on the beginning of the war evidencing much original research. You may not agree with everything here, but this book may make you reconsider long-held assumptions. My only criticism is that the excellent treatment of the battle at Balls Bluff is somewhat more extensive than the engagement merits in the overall context of the book.

Marvel, as always, gives a fresh, objective look at the history of the Civil War. For those who have read his biography of Burnside and his great book on Lee's Retreat from Petersburg, you know that his research is well done lending a base to fascinating revelations contributing to his opinions of cause and effects. In Lincoln's case, Marvel presents that Lincoln's heavy handedness in Maryland, particularly the suspension of habeas corpus and the blatantly illegal arrest of politicians, was far more abusive then necessary, He argues further than Lincoln's aggressive reinforcement of Ft. Sumter contributed to armed resistance and solidifying the states that became the Confederacy. And further, Marvel argues that Lincoln's call for men from all states to put down the rebellion was reckless, drawing many of the Border States over to the confederacy. Controversial to some degree but the actions did occur and the results were the same as Marvel noted. But that's what makes the book fascinating, Marvel presents well documented facts and you may disagree with his point of view but the evidence is solid and the reader can interpret the outcome as he wishes. Further points of view, that many soldiers, particularly in the union, were suffering economic hardship that helped recruitment significantly and there is well presented evidence of that. Fascinating detail is on Lincoln's arrival in Washington through a potentially revolting Maryland requiring him to secretly board another train, the weakness of the capitol security bolstered by fragile forces, the self appointed General Lyon's rash actions that created southern resistance in Missouri, the clash at Bull Run and great detail about the union fiasco at Ball's Bluff that killed Lincoln's close friend Senator Baker resulting in the ridiculous and politically motivated arrest and incarceration of General Stone. Ball's Bluff lead to the abolitionist led committee on the conduct of the war, which was a very successful but brutal breaking of Union generals with democratic principals. Thus, the history is excellent, the opinions, particularly in the epilogue, are controversial and I do not agree with many of them such as a war being avoided as I think it was inevitable. I also think that the paranoia in Washington, not knowing who was friend or foe, contributed to the temporary crushing of the Constitution; however illegal it was during a national emergency. However, the facts and presentation is well done and there is nothing wrong with a good argument. In addition, Marvel captures his subjects quite well and the description of innocent General Stone's plight is quite sad, while the description of the audacious and irresponsible General Lyon, who Marvel describes as an "insubordinate, self righteous psychopath", seems to fit the man. Read the book and enjoy an intellectual challenge, a good debate gives a healthy outlook and has the potential to break the traditional view.

This is a very good book. Taken from a bit of a different perspective then most Civil War books. A very, but no too detailed book to keep it from being a page turner. As in every aspect of history there are always more then on way of looking at things. While a lot of Civil War books are simply rehashes of their brothers then one just has that little difference to make it more interesting. Kept my attention and did not bog me down with a telephone book's worth of names to confuse me.

Mr. Marvel, the author of over a dozen previous books on much narrower slices of the Civil War, now launches the first of a multi-part series taking a completely fresh look based on primary sources and--most importantly--an ability to think, judge, and raise reasonable questions. Was the war and all its devastation inevitable? Marvel doesn't hold to the historical inevitability school that seems to maintain an iron grip on the minds of so many historians of the great wars. Did Lincoln have options in what became the opening months of sparring? Many historians shudder at the mere raising of such questions, but without understanding options it is difficult to judge decisions. The book helps us make sense of the events which did take place by looking at decisions made on both sides of the emerging conflict as actual decisions based on partial and often very mistaken information. Marvel's use of primary data to raise questions about the degree to which the Union relied on economic incentives is also fascinating in giving us a more realistic view of what drove men to volunteer when they did. It's not clear, however, that we have any good standard against which to judge the economic incentive aspect, and one ought not to assume a kind of economic reductionism here, but the question is a fair one and the examples Marvel uses add color and comprehension. Most importantly, Marvel is a bold, colorful writer and the book sparkles with nuggets and surprises. An intelligently provocative read.

If you want to read one book about the beginnings of the Civil War, read this one. It takes the reader back to events as revealed by original documents from the time of the war, rather than viewing the war through the lenses of later historians. While William Marvel is sympathetic to Lincoln, he is not blinded by retrospective worship of the great emancipator. By analyzing what Lincoln was doing at the time he was doing it, rather than looking at his actions in light of later events, he brings into focus his failings, as well as his accomplishments. Lincoln may have been our greatest president -- Marvel doesn't dispute this -- but he made mistakes, often serious ones, and part of his greatness is that he was able to learn from them and overcome many of them -- "extracting ultimate good from the devastating cataclysm that he had played so significant a part in bringing upon his country." But the book is only partly about Lincoln. Perhaps even more interesting are Marvel's discoveries about the motivations and morale of the soldiers, particularly Union soldiers. Although in later reminiscences they often spoke loudly and proudly of patriotism, in letters and other documents written during the war many, perhaps most, of them revealed that their primary motives were economic. Statistics bear that out. In state after state "volunteers" came largely from the ranks of the unemployed in depressed industies. Then as now, the cost of war falls heaviest on those who can least afford it. Marvel also recreates the battles and troop movements as they occurred at the time, from the viewpoints of individual soldiers as well as generals and politicians. The book is detailed but beautifually written and a pleasure to read.