I am a huge fan of Erik Larson's writing and this book was no exception. It was very informative yet managed to keep me interested most of the way through. While it wasn't my favorite work of his, it was worth a read. There is no doubt that he is an amazing researcher and author. I'm not sure how he manages to make history exciting but he does.

Book: The Demon of Unrest: A Saga of Hubris, Heartbreak, and Heroism at the Dawn of the Civil War
Author: Erik Larson
Publisher: Crown
Publication Date: April 30, 2024
Capone’s Rating: 3 of 5 ⭐s


Normally, if I don’t appreciate a book for what it is, on its own terms, I do not post a review at all. But the truth is that Erik Larson is a phenomenal researcher, writer, and speaker—and he most certainly does not need my help. So I’m going to be frank about this one.

When I heard Larson was writing a book about the Civil War, I was thrilled. It was a topic about which I knew (and know) far less than subjects like WW1, WW2, and the rest of American history generally, and I’ve come to rely on Larson making every subject he tackles compelling. But he’s managed to write a book about America’s bloodiest conflict that’s downright dull as hell. Part of this failure is the choice of subjects for the book. Focusing on particular leaders rather than common people rendered the subject dry, and the lack of consideration for or focus on the stories of enslaved people (they remained, for hundreds of pages, background characters at best) was jarring in its whitewashing. Larson certainly pays credence, but only token respect, to the greatest human losses of this time period. He also dwells on the backstories of the great men of history whom he’s followed in The Demon of Unrest to such an extent that I felt as though I knew them personally but had no idea why I cared about them. Larson’s best work—In the Garden of Beasts (2011) and The Devil in the White City (2003)—focused on the most interesting possible people (or at least Larson had me convinced he’d chosen the most interesting possible people) from whose point of view to tell their stories. This book simply did not do that, and it was probably doomed from the start for that reason.

In its favor, and Civil War buffs will probably appreciate this: Larson’s research skills are again on display in The Demon of Unrest, despite his lack of perspicacity about the most interesting way to present that research. If you want the details of a given commander’s upbringing and social status, this book is for you. If you’re looking to find the emotional core of America’s bloodiest conflict, you’re better off with Foner or another Civil War historian who writes popular histories.

Do not judge Larson by this book. Go read In the Garden of Beasts or Dead Wake.

Erik Latson is one of my favorite nonfiction authors. I absolutely had to have this one! The writing was informative but kept me interested. I'll be recommending this one!

Larson's books never disappoint, and The Demon of Unrest is his latest triumph. The research is immaculate, the writing clear and conversational, and the scope of the history covered is incredibly wide, but also deep.

Another great history book that reads like fiction from Erik Larson. If you were a fan of any of his other books or just interested in Civil War era history this is a book for you!

Erik Larson delivers yet another masterclass in historical storytelling with The Demon of Unrest. True to his style, Larson weaves intricate details and vivid narratives into a compelling, immersive read. This book demands your full attention—not just because of its length but also for the depth and complexity of the story. It’s a slow burn that rewards patience, unraveling layers of intrigue and tension with every chapter.

I am a huge Erik Larson Fan so was excited to read this book!

What I loved:

1. Gives the short version of the lead up to the Civil War.
2. So well researched and I loved the way he strung together lots of viewpoints/diaries/notes from multiple people to tell the story!
3. While I know the ending -it was still written in a suspenseful way that had me wondering if I really did know the ending!

What I would have changed:
1. Some of the details could have been left out and the book shorter. It did drag in a few places.

Can't wait for his next one!!


My thanks to Crown Publishers and Edelweis+ for providing a digital ARC in return for an honest review.

Larson is the best at narrative nonfiction and this one was no different. I really enjoyed learning more about the leadup to the civil war and all the major players. Being from Mississippi, I knew a good many of the names but not much about the leadup and what their role was. It was fascinating and shined a light on an often overlooked time in history due to how uncomfortable it is.

Thank you to Net Galley and the Publishing Company for this Advanced Readers Copy of The Demon of Unrest by Erik Larson!

I really wanted to like this more. I really like Larson and absloutly loved Devil and the White City and Demons of Unrest--but this did not holdup. I think the start wasn't as propulsive as the rest and didn't lead down the path that I wanted.

Well researched and written, Larson's masterful take on the beginning of the Civil War is a vital addition to historical scholarship with the non-academic reader in mind.

This was wild to be reading the days before and after the 2024 election. Reminded me that history is cyclical. The details in this did start to lose me, especially in the final 1/3, but I appreciate Larson’s meticulousness.’

In The Demon of Unrest, Erik Larson dives into the chaotic five months between Abraham Lincoln's 1860 election and the outbreak of the Civil War, with the focus squarely on Fort Sumter. Larson brings his trademark depth to the narrative, weaving together perspectives from key figures like Major Robert Anderson, a conflicted Union officer, and Mary Chesnut, a Southern diarist grappling with slavery and societal roles. Drawing from diaries, letters, and historical documents, Larson delivers a richly detailed account of how miscommunications and inflamed egos pushed the nation to the brink.

That said, this book didn’t quite land for me. While the level of detail is impressive, I found it a slog in parts. The meticulous descriptions of battles and strategies overshadowed the human side of the story. I wanted more insight into Lincoln’s personal struggles or Anderson’s moral conflict as a former slave owner loyal to the Union. Without those emotional threads, the book felt a little dry and better suited for academic research than casual reading.

Still, Larson's exploration of the era’s political polarization and ideological divides is timely, offering a cautionary tale for modern readers. Fans of in-depth military history and Civil War buffs will probably appreciate this book, but those looking for a more character-driven narrative might find it underwhelming. A slow burn with moments of brilliance, but not my favorite Larson work. 3.5 stars.

** Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a comp copy in exchange for an unbiased review. The opinions expressed are my own.

Eric Larson remains unrivaled in the detail and research that he brings to these historic stories. I always forget when watching my Kindle's progression % that I need to leave a hefty chunk for this abundant references that he meticulously cites.

This was not a piece of history that I was previously familiar with, so I really enjoyed diving into it and learning.

Overall: 4 stars (I really liked it)

**Thank you to NetGalley & Crown Publishing for the free ARC. All opinions expressed are my own.**

Even though I had my SUSPICIONS about how this would end (that's a joke), I found myself on the edge of my seat as Larson vividly captures every detail of the final few days leading up to the attack on Fort Sumpter. It's an exciting and fascinating tale and -- without being heavy-handed- he manages to make all sorts of terrifying connections with the world in which we currently find ourselves.

Erik Larson never fails to disappoint! This book provides me a keen insight into this critical period in U.S. history. A thoughtful and
evocative deep dive into South Carolina's antebellum culture and it's impact on creating a delusional vision of Southern greatness.

Once again Larson has brought history to life. This nonfiction book about the events leading up to the first shots fired in the Civil War is filled with details from both sides of the conflict that Larson gathered in his extensive research. He scoured books, letters, journals, newspaper accounts, diaries and museums to put together a scrupulously detailed account of the months preceding the first shots fired at Fort Sumpter.

As always, his book includes the author’s extensive listing of bibliographic citations of the sources of the facts he presents. There are no embellishments or editorial commentary except for his note to the readers at the beginning. The events and people are presented in detail as Larson describes Charleston and Washington activities in a country on the verge of civil war.

What becomes clear is the South’s adherence to a code of behavior and the North’s tension over agreement with Lincoln‘s policies. Some individuals are torchbearers for secession and some are willing to thwart the duly elected President. Each side has factions that cause clashes within their own loyalties and demonstrate confusion and contradictory actions. Caught up in the conflict is Major Robert Anderson who is commander of Fort Sumter. He receives little support in his job of overseeing the Union Fort off the coast of Charleston, SC. As more states secede and the soldiers at the fort become more cut off from supplies and communication, Anderson is trapped in a vise that’s an untenable situation.

Larson’s prowess as a writer is evidenced by the popularity of his books. This will be another shining addition to his books that shine the light on events that shaped our world.

Absolutely loved this book from start to finish, and the narrator for the audiobook was fantastic. Larson was very thorough in his research, and for something who lives in South Carolina, this made for a fun read about these beloved places and a crucial part of history.

Erik Larson does an amazing job of writing non fiction that reads like fiction. You are immersed in the story and I love it!

Larson continues to be a great researcher and in his newest book brought together many accounts to lay out the events of the beginning of the Civil War. Larson does a good job of making things readable, although there were of course a lot of names and motives to keep track of. Overall, readers interested in learning more about the onset of the Civil War will find this one informative.