The Demon of Unrest by Erik Larson

No one can paint a picture of an event or history like Erik Larson. He is completely readable and a favorite of mine to hand to readers who don't usually enjoy reading non- fiction. This story hinges on the months before Abraham Lincoln takes the presidential oath and the growing unrest as several states pull out of the Union. In his classic story set up Larson takes the views of the country and the leading political leaders but highlights the very real problem that the military faced guarding Fort Sumter off the shore of South Carolina. They were surrounded by very upset states who were stockpiling ammunition and preparing for war which left Ft. Sumter potentially cut off of supplies and no way off the island.
He gives us a very human viewpoint instead of countless facts or just the military and political angles. Loved the raw humor and anxiety of Lincoln's early days getting to Washington.
For every history buff and those who want to understand how we fell apart and those who are watching MANHUNT.
4 stars