Nigel Hamilton's new book, Lincoln vs. Davis, has much to be admired. It is reflective of clearly extensive research on both of the title titans from American history. And its basic premise of comparing and contrasting the two is a creative approach that has great merit. As Hamilton makes clear, they were two dramatically different men of dramatically different background who nonetheless found themselves facing off against each other in one of the most consequential moments of the country's life - and had notably similar experiences in many ways when they did so.

This reader has studied the life and career of Abraham Lincoln rather extensively over many years. I had far less knowledge about Jefferson Davis, however,, and learned (and enjoyed doing so) a great deal about him. Likewise, there were many new aspects of the complicated military encounters in the early years of the Civil War.

That being said, I was not a fan of the book. Objective history this is not. Hamilton clearly likes Jefferson Davis. He is portrayed as honorable and exceedingly capable in many ways despite some obvious shortcomings. Hamilton clearly does not like Abraham Lincoln, however (nor McClellan, Seward, and others from the Union side of the conflict). He acknowledges almost none of Lincoln's considerable strengths beyond having great political insight (which comes off as almost pejorative in this book). Rather, Hamilton spends most of the book criticizing the President's "innocence and gullibility," his supposedly constant "wailing" and "moaning," and other personality flaws (as Hamilton sees them). He also claims that Lincoln had no control over his cabinet and was totally under the thumb of Secretary of State William Seward. (Doris Goodwin's Team of Rivals would serve as an excellent counter to this view.) Hamilton is convinced that Lincoln was totally out of his depth dealing with crises like that at Fort Sumter as well as the first years of the war - a view not shared by the majority of scholars. I found Hamilton outright disrespectful at times: while he properly refers to most figures by their surname (Davis, Stevens, McClellan, etc.), he frequently refers to Lincoln as "Abraham." I used to tell my students that they were not on a first name basis with these men.

It may also disappoint the reader that this book ends with Lincoln's release of the Emancipation Proclamation. After approximately 800 pages, certainly the book had already covered ample detail. Yet one has to wonder how the comparison played out and whether Hamilton's view towards the principal players would change over the roughly two years that followed (as well as the rest of Davis' life).

Contrarian viewpoints of history are fine. They are a welcome addition to the considerable amount that has been written on this topic and can provide good insight. All characters have strengths and weaknesses that can and should be fairly pointed out. But it is just that - fairness - that seems to be missing in this book and left this reader so disappointed.

An interesting accounting of both sides of the Civil War and the challenges and successes of two presidents. I liked the unbiased approach and seeing the comparisons of both Lincoln and Davis.

Thank you NetGalley and Little, Brown and Company for the DRC in exchange for an honest review.
#NetGalley #LincolnVsDavis

Four stars!

An interesting look into the lives of two presidents during the Civil War and their struggles and triumphs. Each man's story is compelling and engaging.

I voluntarily read an advanced copy.

One of the most detailed accounts of the Civil War from both sides, Confederate and Union, that I have ever read. Definitely a good book to read!

This book, Lincoln vs. Davis: The War of the Presidents, is essentially two biographies in one place, showing the chronological progression in the lives of Abraham Lincoln and Jefferson Davis before their paths intersected and then examining the leadership of both during the American Civil War.

The lack of bias presented here is notable. Instead of just focusing on Lincoln as the magnificent leader he was, while treating Jefferson Davis as a Cotton-Headed Ninny Muggins, both men are portrayed realistically and honestly.

The information on the Lincoln marriage was more than I was aware of previously and was extremely interesting. I knew that Mary Todd Lincoln’s elevator didn’t necessarily always go to the top floor, but I had no idea she was so physically abusive in her marriage. She drew blood on her husband in anger, threw inanimate objects, and had screaming fits on the floor, and these are just examples of what was documented in some way.

Another engrossing part of this book was the relationship between Lincoln and George McClellan. McClellan was given command of the Army of the Potomac after the Union rout at the first Battle of Bull Run. Little Mac was a real piece of work, and although he did have a moment of redemption later at Antietam, early in the war he was shockingly incompetent, paranoid, arrogant, and downright disrespectful to Lincoln.

McClellan is the guy who decided to invade the Confederate capital of Richmond, VA, only a hop, skip, and a jump from Washington, and said, “Hey! I know! I will float 140,000 Union troops down the river to get there!” Needless to say, this plan was doomed from the start. After the Float of the Century, McClellan was pushed right back to the James River by Robert E. Lee, who had just been given command of the Army of Northern Virginia.

The relationship between McClellan and Lincoln represents the end of the era of Lincoln being a new, hesitant, and inexperienced president facing an unimaginable crisis and becoming the president who would deliver the Emancipation Proclamation to a fractured nation. It didn’t immediately bring out the better angels of our nature, but it put down the first building block of a new America.

In total, this is an excellent piece of work, and I found myself enjoying the read, and I learned new things on this topic. I highly recommend this work to anyone wanting to learn more about Lincoln and Davis and how their leadership impacted the Civil War in America. I wish, as I often have, that Lincoln could have lived to show us what else he was capable of.

I appreciate the author, Nigel Hamilton, the publisher, Little Brown and Company, and NetGalley for letting me read this advance copy.

I loved this book and I really appreciate the opportunity to read it early. As a history buff, this book really appealed to me. I thought the author did a wonderful job comparing Lincoln and Davis. I will be reccomending this book to others for sure as I believe it is a must read.
Thanks again!

This is a unique look at the 2 Presidents of that time. They took office about the same time. They held opposing viewpoints about the country and where it should go. Political savvy and opposing views clash with these 2 men. Lincoln wants the country to come back together and heal. Davis wants slavery to be the law of the land. When Lincoln makes the decision to free slaves, the South can no longer try to ger support from Europe because they don't want to "endorse" slavery. With the swipe of a pen he makes it almost impossible for the South to win. This was a great & very unique look at these too men and their impact on history.

Title: Lincoln vs. Davis, The War of the Presidents

Author: Nigel Hamilton

Publisher:  Litte Brown and Company

Genre:  Biography, History, Civil War

Available:  November 4, 2024

Rating: 3.5 of 5 stars

Thanks to the publisher for providing me with an advanced readers copy of this book. 

Summary: This books analyzes North vs. South, Abraham Lincoln and Jefferson Davis as they take on not only the role of president, but also that of commander and chief. This book basically covers the progression of Abraham Lincoln coming to the understanding that the war must be about more than the Union. The 3.5 million black men and women held as slaves in the Confederacy were a vital source of labor and war support that Union armies didn't have. Recognition of this fact would lead to the Emancipation Proclamation and change the direction of the war. The book also covers the mistakes and successes each president makes during this time period.

What I liked: Hamilton uses first person sources to tell this important tale of two presidents and the trials and tribulations they face in the early war years. The author does not make Lincoln a hero or Davis a scoundrel in his telling of these historical events. He shows readers the strengths and weaknesses of these two men and how they grow and change with the conflict. There are many interesting details and connections that he makes that are not found in other Civil War books about these men. The contrast is not only in who they are, but what they face.

What I didn't like: This book is far too long for the story. The author provides more than enough details on each situation drawing the narrative out for an unnecessary amount of time. He also overly focuses on the 3.5 million slaves of the Confederacy, which feels like it is mentioned in every other paragraph. While I agree it is an important part of the story, but think that the significance could be more aptly addressed with other narrative techniques. I have not read other material by the author, and this could be a style element that he uses in his work.

My overall opinion: I gave up on this book about half way through, skimming the second half of the book in particular areas of interest. I really enjoyed the writing style and what the author was conveying, but it could have been better edited to keep the story moving. The author's fixation on slavery and constant mentioning of it is unnecessary. If the story were succintly told, the slavery component would makes sense. I did enjoy his analysis of the two presidents, mentioning of Davis's military strategy and how it was foiled by the addition of Confederate states outside the deep south and Lincoln's early war mistakes, like chastizing Gen. John Fremont and later dismissing him. I also like that the author included information on the Mary Todd Lincoln and Varina Davis and the influence and effect these women had on their husbands.

As a Civil War historian, I have read countless books on the war and the two subjects. Despite that, I learned some new things and enjoyed the comparative progression of the story. I would recommend this for any person who is willing to tackle a longer work on these two presidents and might want a detailed insight on the early years of the Civil War.

Thanks again to the publishers for the chance to read this book!

This book is PHENOMENAL. I learned a great deal from it and appreciated the insightful comparisons and contrasts. As a history student, I consider it essential for my bookshelf. The portrayal of both presidents is vivid and humanizing, making the book highly engaging. Its accessible content means that readers of all experience levels will find it valuable. I highly recommend it and look forward to getting my own copy once it's published!

This is an excellent "semi-biography" of the only time in American history where two Presidents ruled: Abraham Lincoln for the United States of America, and Jefferson Davis for the Confederate States of America. It is not a full biography, as author Nigel Hamilton explains in his ending notes, but a look at both presidents beginning when both were elected in January, 1861, and taking the reader through January 1, 1863, the day Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation ending slavery in the Southern states.

Having never read anything about Davis, I found this "side" of the book fascinating. I learned a great deal about Jefferson Davis, and his wife Varina. There were a couple of interesting similarities between Lincoln and Davis. Both were the same age upon election, and both were born in Kentucky. Davis had a career as a military officer (he served in the Army and fought in the Mexican War); Lincoln never served in the military and was a politician. These two different perspectives are illustrated throughout the book, especially understanding the decision-making between the two leaders. Lincoln vacillated when faced with difficult decisions (such as the firing of General George McClellan) while Davis really didn't desire the Confederate presidency.

The book also explores the economic challenges faced by the Southern states, who faced a naval blockade following the attack on Fort Sumter and the inability to get cotton, their most lucrative asset, exported to Europe. The CSA wanted to be recognized by European countries as a separate nation in hopes that would give them more stability. Efforts were underway to entice Great Britain, France, and Spain but all was undone with the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation (EP).

Hamilton points out the many turning points in the first two years of the American Civil War. These included the key battles at Bull Run, Manassas, Antietam, Shilo, Frederricksburg, and other bloody confrontations. The ongoing indecision of McClellan to have any sort of wartime strategy is discussed in detail. CSA General Robert E. Lee's failed effort to invade Maryland and "free" those citizens from Northern control with his own proclamation in the fall of 1862 game Lincoln the impetus for his own, much more defining EP.

The book's ending left the reader wanting more, and Hamilton should consider a second volume detailing the last two years of the Civil War. Still, this is a book for anyone interested in military history and the Civil War.

I reviewed an advanced copy which did not contain any maps or illustrations. That's my only criticism of the book. I'm sure they will be part of the published work.

I want to thank NetGalley, the author, and publisher for the opportunity to review this ARC, and attest my review is my own work.

Lincoln vs. Davis by Nigel Hamilton is a deep dive into how two presidents, with much more in common than one might have thought, faced the challenges of the first two years of the U.S. Civil War. Nigel Hamilton is no stranger to writing histories and it shows in the length of this tome as well as how deeply researched it is. Much of what's been written about Lincoln borders on idolization but this does not. Hamilton lays bare how poorly he managed the Gen. George McClellan situation. It was painful to read, as you found yourself wanting to yell at Lincoln to snap out of it with each and every moment of indecision about what to do with the hapless General. Davis gets a bit shorter coverage but he is humanized in this book. Much ink has been spilled about the Civil War and this one concludes with the publication of the Emancipation Proclamation. Had it gone further, readers would have been lost. This book takes some time to read but I found it more than worth it. Thank you to #Netgalley and #LIttleBrownandCompany for the opportunity to preview this book.

Thank you Little, Brown and Company for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

I just finished Lincoln vs. Davis: The War of the Presidents, by Nigel Hamilton.

The book had a lot of good background information on Davis that I don’t remember ever seeing before. That wasn’t really the case with Lincoln, but was fine because I already had a much stronger prior knowledge base—which I assume will be the case with many readers.

Among the highlights of the book was the discussion of a plot by Secretary of State Seward to try to overthrow Lincoln, or at least sideline him while Seward took over power to control the administration. Seward initially refused to fortify Fort Sumpter, but, also an act of treason, was sharing his plans with confederate agents. Then, after Lincoln and the cabinet decided to resupply the fort, Seward attempted to come up with a plan where those efforts would fail, he would then step in and be seen as the hero who saved the day and averted a civil war. Seward even had the audacity to make a suggestion that “he stand down as president, formally or informally, in favor of the secretary of state; it was after all, more of a threat of a coup d’etat than an ultimatum.” The next year, Secretary of the Treasury Chase said he was told that Seward discussed the idea of a Cromwell-like coup in which Lincoln would be overthrown.

Speaking of Sumter, I can’t read the account of Major Anderson’s actions at Sumter without concluding that the man in charge there for the union wasn’t also engaged in treason. Meanwhile, General Beauregard “was equally disbelieving. Why was the U.S. Navy merely watching the battle as observers, not combatants?”

Another very interesting highlight of the book is the southern reaction to Lincoln issuing the preliminary Emancipation Proclamation. The confederate congress passed legislation calling for the death penalty for any union soldier who was captured. The law vested the power to enforce it in Davis’s hands. But, he knew how bad the consequences would have been, so he never did enforce it.

One of the great things about history books is the little tidbits of great factual tidbits that are found within them. One example from the book is I never knew that the media had erroneously reported Jefferson Davis’s death in early September 1861.

This was an excellent look at how Lincoln and Davis operated during their respective presidencies in the period leading up to the Emancipation Proclamation. The author has left open the possibility of a second volume, covering the remaining portion of the war and the aftermath. I am hoping that will be the case. After all, he did write three volumes on FDR as commander in chief (each one that I gave an A to) and two volumes on Bill Clinton.

Based on the combination of how enjoyable this book was to read, as well as how much I learned from it, it definitely deserves an A+, which results in its induction into the Hall of Fame. I will also be purchasing the audiobook when it comes out, along with the book and ebook versions on November 5. Goodreads and NetGalley require grades on a 1-5 star system. In my personal conversion system, an A+ equates to 5 stars. (A or A+: 5 stars, B+: 4 stars, B: 3 stars, C: 2 stars, D or F: 1 star).

This review has been posted at NetGalley, Goodreads and my blog, Mr. Book’s Book Reviews

Mr. Book originally finished reading this on June 27, 2024.

As a history major, this book as fantastic! I think this should be used at all college campuses for history majors. It was wonderfully written. Great facts, and laid out beautifully. Well done!