The murder of Abraham Lincoln set off the greatest manhunt in American history -- the pursuit and capture of John Wilkes Booth. From April 14 to April 26, 1865, the assassin led Union cavalry troops on a wild, twelve-day chase from the streets of Washington, D.C., across the swamps of Maryland, and into the forests of Virginia.
At the very center of this story is John Wilkes Booth, Americas notorious villain. A confederate sympathizer and member of a celebrated acting family, Booth threw away his fame, wealth, and promise for a chance to avenge the Souths defeat. For almost two weeks, he confounded the manhunters, slipping away from their every move and denying the justice they sought.
Manhunt is a fully documented work, but it is also a fascinating tale of murder, intrigue, and betrayal. A gripping hour-by-hour account told through the eyes of the hunted and the hunters, this is history as youve never read it before.
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"As a former history major who still devours nonfiction with a focus on U.S. history, I've read a lot of books on Lincoln. I mean, a lot. Yet none had the attention to detail in regard to the assassination as 'Manhunt.' I think I gave this one a 5 star instead of a 4 because I work in DC in a building that is behind the Petersen House. I walk the streets mentioned in the book very day, and it gave me the unique ability to see exactly where Booth and the other conspirators walked and rode that night in my minds eye as I read. I know exactly how long it takes to walk from The Willard (now the W) to the White House or to the Theater. I walk down F every day. I've been to Southern Maryland and been to Mudd's house (where they still preach that he didn't know who his visitors were, but we know he wasn't telling the truth...) it gave this reading experience the push it needed for the story to come alive in my head, but that's also thanks to the meticulous attention to detail and research in the book."
— Becki (5 out of 5 stars)
“James Swanson has written a terrific narrative…a triumphant book.”
— Doris Kearns Goodwin. #1 New York Times bestselling author of Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln“Brilliant! Absolutely haunting…This historical book is almost impossible to put down.”
— Patricia Cornwell, bestselling author“An action-adventure…infuse[d] with high drama…A multifaceted chronicle.”
— New York Times“Told expertly…Swanson’s moment by moment account of the 12-day chase is compulsively readable.”
— Wall Street Journal“A gripping page-turner…Riveting…Booth comes across as viscerally real. Grade: A.”
— Entertainment Weekly“Extraordinary…Brilliant…As gripping as any tightly scripted crime drama.”
— Boston Globe" An enthralling read about Lincoln's assassination and the search for John Wilkes Booth. If you are interested in this period of history, it is a must read. "
— Laura, 1/27/2014" As the title suggests, this history portrays the days and weeks following Lincoln's assassination. Not being a big history buff, I was entirely unaware of some of the plotting that surrounded Lincoln in the later days of the Civil War, nor how little plotting surrounded the actual assassination. Interesting history that reads like a novel. "
— Alison, 1/25/2014" I'm always amazed how little I know (or remember) about US history. The story of John Wilkes Booth's escape and manhunt was a fascinating read, and I learned so much about the details surrounding the assassination of Lincoln that I never knew. Swanson included an amazing level of detail taken from journals, telegrams, letters, and first-hand accounts. His writing style was a bit dramatic at times, and I didn't always care for his speculations. But both of those details were easy to overlook. I visited Ford Theater and the Peterson House last fall and wish I would have read this book first! "
— Kelsey, 1/6/2014" I found this book extremely interesting, but I love books that are historically accurate. The author does a fantastic job of taking the reader on this journey without making it a list of facts and historical locations. "
— Kebolek, 1/2/2014" This book is really interesting, giving the reader a close-up view of all that John Wilkes Booth did and went through during the 12 days he evaded the law. There's a lot of detail in the book, and I could tell that Swanson definitely did the research. First-hand sources and accounts add richness and depth to the narrative. My main complaint is that Swanson is perhaps a bit too sympathetic to Booth - during Booth's death, for example, Swanson makes a couple of comparisons between Booth and Jesus. He seems to view Booth with at least a little admiration, while on the other hand disdaining some of his co-conspirators. That said, if you want an in-depth look at how the most wanted man in America managed to escape his certain doom for 12 days, this is the book for you. "
— Elizabeth, 1/1/2014" A must read for history buffs. Could not put it down. "
— Stansherman, 12/26/2013" This book was really interesting. Although I knew about the subject, it was a great play-by-play of the days following the Lincoln assisination. Plus it helped me continue celebrating the year of Lincoln! "
— Mary, 12/25/2013" I really liked this book. I thought it would be a drag, but it is quite exciting to read. It takes you back in time, hard to imagine these places used to be the way they were. Highly recommended. "
— Bita, 12/17/2013" Loved this book. Highly recommend. Tend to read mostly fiction but this was so well written, you'll never know you're reading nonfiction. This book has gotten me on a history kick! "
— Tracy, 12/4/2013" I loved the detail of this excited non-fiction thriller. After reading the book I watched several videos on the assassination and was disappointed by their lack of detail. Good Read! "
— Becky, 11/17/2013" As much as I love history and true crime, I wasn't sure I was going to like or even finish this book when I got it. I ended up thoroughly enjoying it. It moves quickly and was quite informative. "
— Erika, 11/5/2013James L. Swanson is the Edgar Award-winning author of the New York Times bestseller Manhunt: The 12-Day Chase for Lincoln’s Killer. His other books include the acclaimed photographic history Lincoln’s Assassins: Their Trial and Execution, as well as Chasing Lincoln’s Killer, and adaptations of Manhunt and Bloody Crimes for young readers. Swanson was born on Lincoln’s birthday.
Richard Thomas, a film and television actor, is best known for his role as John-Boy Walton on the CBS television series, The Waltons. His performance earned him a Primetime Emmy, as well as two Golden Globe nominations. Also an audiobook narrator, he has read numerous books, including John Grisham’s Theodore Boone series.