‘Few historian write as well as McPherson, and none evoke the sound of battle with greater clarity … McPherson draws on almost fifty years of research to present a cogent and concise narrative of how Lincoln, working against enormous odds, saved the United States of America.’ - Jean Edward Smith, THE NEW YORK TIMES BOOK REVIEW

In Tried by War, Pulitzer Prize-winning Civil War historian James M. McPherson provides a rare, fresh take on one of the most written about yet enigmatic figures in American history, offering a revelatory (and timely) portrait of leadership during the greatest crisis our nation has ever endured.

With no previous military experience before entering the White House, Lincoln assumed the powers we associate with the role of commander in chief and through his strategic insight and will to fight changed the course of the war and saved the Union.

Suspenseful and inspiring, this is the story of how Lincoln overcame feckless generals, fickle public opinion, and his own paralysing fears to become one of the greatest leaders the world has ever seen.

‘Masterful

… Brims with fascinating details and great insight … Destined to become a classic.’ - Jay Winik, THE BOSTON GLOBE

‘McPherson is one of our greatest narrative historians … It is hard to do justice in a short review to how convincingly and compellingly McPherson narrates Lincoln’s simultaneous mastery of the political, strategic and moral challenge of his historical moment.’ - Tim Rutten, LOS ANFELES TIMES

‘The definitive portrait of Lincoln as war leader.’
- THE WASHINGTON POST

A WASINGTON POST BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR

.