The Demon of Unrest

Bookseller recommendation

“A chilling story of our country falling apart, this is a fascinating dive into the lead-up to the beginning of the Civil War: the time between Lincoln’s election and the fall of Fort Sumter. This compelling, essential and eminently readable book is based on letters, journals and political records from the time. ”

— Anne • Newtonville Books

Bookseller recommendation

“I haven't read non-fiction since Chernow's Hamilton. THIS was the book that has brought me back to it. Thanks to Larson's artful story-telling, I am about to go down a Civil War rabbit hole. Mary Chestnut, James Henry Hammond, Edmund Ruffin...if you don't know these names, you need to. The narration performance by Will Patton is sublime, and draws the listener into the South expertly.”

— Yvonne • Author's Note

Bookseller recommendation

“Larson tells the story of the chaotic five months leading up to the Confederate bombing of Fort Sumter. The abolitionists enraged the Southerners, who feared losing their free labor, and were led by fanatics and members of the planter class who assumed political positions. Lincoln was elected president in November, however the officiating electoral count and subsequent inauguration were not to take place until March 1861. Lincoln felt obliged not to speak out on the growing tensions during the lame duck term of President Buchanan and Buchanan refused to address the situation. Not until his train procession from Illinois to Washington DC did Lincoln finally speak out to preserve the Union. Lincoln was burdened with whether to resupply the Fort or abandon it. Meanwhile, Major Robert Anderson was in command of Fort Sumter. Desperate to not provoke the citizens of Charleston into war, Anderson was isolated and communications from Washington were vague and infrequent. Larson's reputation for thorough research provides the narrative for a thrilling, page turning account of these events, the characters directly involved and the attitudes and miscommunications of both sides. ”

— Liz • Quail Ridge Books

Bookseller recommendation

“Larson’s gift is taking lesser known historical events and providing nail-biting descriptions that entertain and inform. This one focuses on the five months between Lincoln’s election and inauguration and events leading up to the firing on Fort Sumter. He tells us how General Anderson and his men “hold the fort” for the federal government while states secede around them and lame duck President Buchanan offers them no respite or direction. Rich character studies and tales of amazing heroism. ”

— Patience • Underground Books

Bookseller recommendation

“Absolutely loved this one. Sent me off onto a Civil War history binge. Larson is always a favorite. Will Patton as the reader was a nice treat. ”

— Brent • Katy Budget Books

Bookseller recommendation

“So many history books focus on what happened, but Erik Larson always asks: Why? In this gripping narrative of the months leading to the first shots fired in what is still the bloodiest conflict in U.S. history, Larson brings us as near as it is possible to be inside the minds of key players in the decisions leading to the Civil War. This tale of a nation struggling to keep a democracy afloat has chilling parallels to today. Anyone who loves history and politics will naturally find this novel enthralling, but anyone who simply loves a good story will, too. Charleston-born narrator and actor Will Patton, an Audie-award winner, is rock solid bringing the characters to life. Everyone should read or listen, and learn, from this one.”

— Claire • Honest Dog Books