The Impending Crisis

America Before the Civil War: 1848-1861

By: David M. Potter, Don E. Fehrenbacher

Narrated by: Eric Martin

Length: 22 hrs and 41 mins

Publisher's summary

David M. Potter's Pulitzer Prize-winning The Impending Crisis is the definitive history of antebellum America. Potter's sweeping epic masterfully charts the chaotic forces that climaxed with the outbreak of the Civil War: westward expansion, the divisive issue of slavery, the Dred Scott decision, John Brown's uprising, the ascension of Abraham Lincoln, and the drama of Southern secession. The Impending Crisis remains one of the most celebrated works of American historical writing.

©1976 Estate of David M. Potter (P)2017 Tantor

Critic reviews

"David M. Potter's magisterial The Impending Crisis is the single best account to date of the coming of the Civil War." ( Civil War History)

The Best Pre-Civil War Political History Yet

The single best POLITICAL history of the run-up to the Civil War I have yet read. If you're coming to this expecting a general history this isn't for you; but the political aspect of it all makes it a worthwhile read...

Excellent Book

I found this narrative history of antebellum America well written, well narrated, and we'll researched. There may be one or two places where I disagreed with the author's interpretation of the themes, events, causes, and consequences but I found his treatment of the history of the period solid. And the prose and narration were perfectly suited to each other.

Absolutely best written book on civil war causes!

For American history devotees, this is a must read. A worthy Pulitzer winner. Should be required reading in all US history classes. Fascinating how many themes and American politicians were included in this narrative. Very ably narrated.

Great book, OK audiobook

Read and loved the book years ago and thought the audiobook would add to my understanding of the era. Not that the narration was bad but I was easily distracted. Subject material just lends itself better to print instead of listening, at least that was the case for me.

Outstanding

Rigorous, cogent, and impeccably written. The reading performance is top notch and perfectly suited for the material.

Detailed and Interesting

A bit ponderous and dated stylistically, but still quite enjoyable and insightful for history buffs. This period remains a mystery for a lot of us who know the Civil War but can't explain exactly how we got there. This book walks you right up to Fort Sumpter. Evenly balanced, it treats North and South respectfully but might sound a little too neutral towards slavery by contemporary standards. Sections on John Brown and Stephen Douglas struck me as particularly interesting.

fantastic!

so good! loved it! perfect before diving into a civil war book! learned so much and narration was fantastic

Well written with appropriate detail

The book was very well written and very easy to read. The author did not get bogged down in unnecessary details and managed to weave together a compelling storyline. It was also one of the more balanced history books I have read, which I appreciated given the weight of the subject matter.

Dry but enlightening

The impending crisis is a fact packed telling of the lead up to the American Civil war. The various conflicts in policy and personality are explained in detail and cover how we as a nation were drawn into the conflict which shape our country to this day. Excellent information worth your time.

Excellent Political History

This is an outstanding political history of the years from the Polk administration to the surrender of Fort Sumter. The author presents a detailed examination of the federal, state and territorial struggles between the sectional forces striving for continuation and expansion of slavery and those fighting for containment and abolition of the institution. Narration is excellent. This is not a listen for anyone looking for an overview; treatment of the various crises during this critical period leading to the Civil War is painstakingly researched and presented. I recommend it to those looking for an understanding of how America arrived at the bloody war that followed Lincoln’s election in 1860.