Lincoln Takes Command: The Campaign to Seize Norfolk and the Destruction of the CSS Virginia

Lincoln Takes Command: The Campaign to Seize Norfolk and the Destruction of the CSS Virginia

by Steve Norder

4.6 (47)
415 pages~6.9 hr readPublished by Casemate PublishersPublished 2019-12-20

$17.99At peak price

Last checked: Jun 1, 2026

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Fans of these authors will like this...

  • James M. McPherson
  • Ron Chernow

Fans of these books will like this...

  • Team of Rivals
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Perfect for you if...

  • You enjoy Civil War history that focuses on personalities and decision-making rather than just battle accounts.
  • You're curious about Lincoln's evolution as a military strategist and how one week shaped his confidence for years ahead.
  • You appreciate deeply researched history books that uncover forgotten details about famous events.

Maybe not for you if...

  • You want sweeping battle narratives with soldiers charging across fields.
  • You prefer fast-paced storytelling over granular historical detail.
  • You're looking for a book that covers the entire Civil War rather than zooming into one specific week.

About this book

In May 1862, President Abraham Lincoln traveled to Fort Monroe in Hampton Roads, Virginia, where he became the first and only sitting U.S. president to assume direct control of armed forces during a military campaign. Over five days, Lincoln studied maps, consulted with military leaders, and issued orders to subordinate commanders. Lincoln recognized the strategic value of Maj. Gen. George B. McClellan's Peninsula Campaign and the need to capture Norfolk, Portsmouth, and the Gosport Navy Yard. During his time in Hampton Roads, he set in motion several operations: a naval bombardment of a Confederate fort, Union ships sailing up the James River toward Richmond, an amphibious landing followed by an overland march that led to the capture of Norfolk, Portsmouth, and the navy yard, and the destruction of the CSS Virginia. Lincoln returned to Washington with his objectives achieved. Some urged him to take direct command of the nation's field armies. This week, detailed here with extensive research, gave Lincoln greater confidence in his military judgment and understanding of what needed to be accomplished—insights that sustained him through the remainder of the war.

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Free$8.99$17.99Apr '21Feb '24Oct '25May '26
$2.99$17.99

Price has dropped 27 times over the last 5 years. Goes on sale roughly every 51 days. Typically stays discounted for 24 days.

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#47,631#693,258#1,338,884Feb '20Sep '23Oct '24May '26

Currently around #139K in the Kindle store — a niche title.

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4.0★4.5★5.0★Jun '23Aug '23Jun '24Dec '24RatingReviews

Currently 4.6★ from 47 reviews

Review activity has been quiet recently. Rating has remained stable at 4.6 over the tracking period.

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Free$8.99$17.99Apr '21Feb '24Oct '25May '26PredictedJun '26

Actual Predicted

This book goes on sale roughly every 51 days. Next drop estimated in about 4 weeks. Typical discount: 83% off.

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Steve Norder

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