The Lincoln Obsession

The Author of Manhunt Chases Down His Own Lincoln Obsession

By: James L. Swanson

Narrated by: James L. Swanson

Length: 3 hrs and 39 mins

Publisher's Summary

With an entirely fresh take on presidential history, James Swanson, author of the New York Times best-selling, Edgar Award-winning Manhunt: The 12-Day Chase for Lincoln’s Killer, shares the story of his lifelong obsession with the murder of America’s most revered president and the frantic hunt for his assassin.

The renowned Lincoln scholar treats listeners to an audible “walking tour” of the people, places, events, and artifacts that tell the story of those horrible days in April 1865. Taking listeners behind the scenes of his research, Swanson discusses the origins of his boyhood passion for Lincoln, including his first visits to Springfield, Illinois, and Ford’s Theatre as a high school student; accounts for Booth’s movements during the manhunt; reveals how he authenticates Lincoln blood relics; and offers details about historic sites that remain little-known or obscure.  

Swanson describes the intrigue he continues to pursue - the women who aided Booth, lingering questions regarding other conspirators, and a timeline for both Lincoln and the conspirators on the night of April 14, 1865.  

The Lincoln Obsession is a uniquely personal look at how historical places and relics will forever shed new light on the first presidential assassination in America. 

©2021 James Swanson (P)2021 Audible Originals, LLC.

who is this about?

This story is about the author. Any info about Lincoln is highly diluted by the author's story about himself.
It is OK as a story to pass on to children or family. This is not a scholary presentation of history. Sorry I am not interested in the author's childhood, adolescence, or education.

Delicious Leftovers

A review I read of this book completely missed the point, calling it "Unscholarly." James Swanson has written the definitive history of the the hunt for Booth and the other conspirators in "Manhunt." This book is a collection of Lincoln asides that didn't fit into his scholarly work, and yes, a memoir of why and how the author became obsessed with Lincoln. And at a nice, compact 3 and a half hours, perfect for a couple of days of commutes to work. I really enjoyed it!

In my family also

Presidential birthdays run in my family also. We celebrate Washington, Adams the senior, and Lincoln with our birthday experiences. Our Lincoln obsession was limited to a Lincoln plastic bust from the Museum of Science and Industry. It had a small deformity in the back of the head. This listening experience was both fun and educational.

Was this just to sell a book?

I thought I was listening to a forward at first. The information was good but most of the information was about the author and referencing his other works. I am from springfield illness, can relate to his passion but this just wasn’t what I was looking for. I will be getting his other book though.

Intrigue

This took me through the fascinating history of an event that shook the world. It helped me understand with a new perspective how the writer created his book Manhunt.

Fantastic Companion

For fans of Manhunt, this book was a fantastic companion. Not often does one get such insight into an author’s background and process. Made me feel more connected to Swanson and to Lincoln’s legacy.

Great book!

It reminded me of some great memories. Thank you James. I am also a Lincoln fan.

Author has issues

This seems more like a trip into the world of necrophilia. The author’s obsession with everything related to the assassination and the aftermath, including bodily fluids seems weird and perhaps perverse.
I did learn a few things:
(1) The history channel doesn’t really portray real history.
(2) Even though there wasn’t the inter-webs back in the 1860s, people are still looking to turn a quick profit on fake or real memorabilia. Greed is a constant.
I was looking forward to reading the actual Manhunt novel, but now I think I will pass.

Interesting history

The author is very thorough; you immediately know his do knowledge of everything Lincoln. I could have done without the lengthy detailing of his other books, especially Manhunt. Otherwise, a great listen.

teaser

more of a teaser to read his other books this just explains why he is passionate about the Lincoln story and does offee some nuggets but that was not the main goal