The Men of Secession and Civil War, 1859-1861 First PB Edition, First Printing Edition

“Lively and concise, The Men of Secession provides a general audience with a lucid guide to the nature and background of the secession crisis that exploded into the Civil War. Especially praiseworthy is the emphasis on key individuals who hopes and fears drove the crisis forward. This very readable account puts a human face on the coming of the Civil War while simultaneously drawing upon much of the latest research. Highly recommended for understanding America’s greatest crisis.” ―William L. Barney, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

“A valuable introduction to a compelling topic. James Abrahamson brings to life the debates and issues that precipitated the American Civil War by examining what the principal actors thought, said, and did as the republic careened toward disunion and bloodshed.” ―Brooks D. Simpson, Arizona State University, author of Ulysses S. Grant: Triumph over Adversity

“The author unquestionably has succeeded in bringing to life many of the leading figures of the secession years, and through them he illuminates a number of larger social issues.” ―Georgia Historical Quarterly