Stanton: Lincoln's War Secretary

Stanton: Lincoln's War Secretary

by Walter Stahr

4.6 (155)

4.6 stars from 155 reviews

768 pages~12.8 hr readPublished by Simon & SchusterPublished 2017-01-01

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Last checked: Jun 6, 2026

Price history: $4.99 $15.99

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Fans of these authors will like this...

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Perfect for you if...

  • You enjoy political biography that goes beyond the famous figures to explore the often-controversial architects working behind the scenes.
  • You want a serious, well-researched account of the Civil War that doesn't shy away from moral complexity and difficult decisions.
  • You're drawn to stories of ambitious men who wielded enormous power and made enemies in the process of changing history.

Maybe not for you if...

  • You prefer narrative-driven storytelling over meticulous historical detail and bureaucratic procedure.
  • You're looking for a short, accessible introduction to the Civil War era rather than an exhaustive 768-page deep dive.
  • You want heroic figures without flaws; Stanton's ruthlessness and controversial methods will frustrate you.

About this book

Edwin Stanton (1814–1869) served as Secretary of War in Abraham Lincoln's cabinet and was among the most powerful and controversial figures in the administration. A Democrat and prominent trial lawyer before the Civil War, Stanton opposed slavery privately while serving briefly as President Buchanan's Attorney General before taking on the role of Lincoln's aggressive Secretary of War. During the Civil War, Stanton raised, armed, and supervised an army of a million men. He directed military movements and arrested and imprisoned thousands for actions such as resisting the draft or calling for an armistice. His controversial methods led some to accuse him of complicity in Lincoln's assassination. On April 14, 1865, Stanton rushed to Lincoln's deathbed after the President was shot. With Secretary of State William Seward critically wounded the same evening, Stanton took control of the government. He announced the President's death to the nation, summoned General Grant to protect the Capitol, and gathered evidence from witnesses at the theater to prepare for a murder trial. Walter Stahr's biography is the first major account of Stanton in fifty years, examining this stubborn genius who was both reviled and revered during his lifetime.

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Free$8.00$15.99Apr '20May '24Aug '24Jun '26
$4.99$15.99

Currently on sale at $2.99 — 81% off peak. Price has dropped 2 times over the last 6 years. Goes on sale roughly every 678 days.

Sales Rank

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#23,027#605,795#1,188,563May '18Sep '23Aug '24Jun '26

Currently around #35K in the Kindle store — a steady mid-list seller. Sales have softened 306% recently.

Rating & Reviews

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4.0★4.5★5.0★May '23Jun '24Aug '24Jan '25RatingReviews

Currently 4.6★ from 155 reviews

Gaining approximately 1 new review per month. Rating has remained stable at 4.6 over the tracking period.

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Free$8.00$15.99Apr '20May '24Aug '24Jun '26PredictedJun '26

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This book is currently discounted at $2.99. It typically returns to around $15.99.

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