The Demon of Unrest

Praise

“Larson, one of today’s pre-eminent nonfiction storytellers, trawls a variety of archives to explore the historically momentous months between Abraham Lincoln’s election and the Battle of Fort Sumter—the end of which, in 1861, began the Civil War.”—The New York Times

“It’s alarming to read about this divided country going down a similar path more than 150 years ago and, seemingly, learning nothing from it. The immediacy of the story in The Demon of Unrest—as well as on-the-ground reports from inside South Carolina’s Fort Sumter, an early Union bulwark—lend the book vigor, especially in the first 300 pages.”—Minneapolis Star Tribune

“Even history buffs will find much that is new here. . . . [Larson] brings a welcome novelist’s sensibility to his writing. He has an eye for telling details, quick and potent character descriptions and a relentless narrative momentum that starts at a brisk canter on Election Day in 1860 and moves to a full gallop as North and South clash over Fort Sumter and our common future.”—Atlanta Journal-Constitution

“Erik Larson’s latest book brings new life to an old war. The Demon of Unrest, [his] vivid depiction of the lead-up to the Civil War, is a masterclass in reportage and storytelling.”—Garden and Gun

“Abraham Lincoln devotees and Larson fans alike will devour this propulsive account of the five months between Lincoln’s election and the start of the Civil War. An all-too-prescient tale of tension and tragedy, clashing egos, miscommunication, power, and betrayal.”—People

“Even diehard Civil War aficionados will learn from Larson’s look at the six months between Lincoln’s 1860 election and the surrender of Union troops under Maj. Robert Anderson at Charleston’s Ft. Sumter. . . . A riveting reexamination of a nation in tumult.”—Los Angeles Times

“Twisty and cinematic . . . A mesmerizing and disconcerting look at an era when consensus dissolved into deadly polarization.”—Publishers Weekly (starred review)

“Larson deftly blends swift and vivid writing with in-depth research in primary sources, bringing alive people who are now less known than Abraham Lincoln and Jefferson Davis but key to shaping events. . . . Fascinating details, fresh perspectives, and lively writing make this a standout view of the antebellum and Civil War eras.”—Booklist (starred review)

“An intriguing tale from the beginning of the Civil War. In his latest appealing historical excavation . . . Larson includes interesting portraits of obscure peripheral figures that enrich the narrative. . . . A welcome addition to any Civil War buff’s library.”—Kirkus Reviews