The Lincoln Obsession

The Author of Manhunt Chases Down His Own Lincoln Obsession

By: James L. Swanson

Narrated by: James L. Swanson

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.

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.

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.

Unique Historical insight

Simply put; This is audible is for anyone that has a firm love and burning passion for history in the way that James L. Swanson does. There are still people out there that feel a deep connection with our National past. And with his narrative, Mr. Swanson delivers that feeling in spades.

History Alive

Mr Swanson gives a historical overview on every detail of Lincoln, his life and death the perpetrators of his death and answers many questions .

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

The presentation of the man

It is a compelling story , artfully told bringing the man and his importance into a clear focus

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!

Recommend if you’re a Lincoln fan

I’ve always been fascinated by all things Lincoln. This book focuses more on his killer, John Wilkes Booth, than it does on Lincoln himself.
I could have put up with the droning monotone narration of the author, James Swanson, IF he hadn’t ended most sentences in a near whisper. More than a dozen times, I believed there was a technical problem with my device! His voice simply faded out at the end of nearly every sentence. I’m sure I missed many an important detail of his story, because it was not AUDIBLE.
In all, I still recommend this book to fans. Just be sure to turn up the volume & listen very closely!

Interesting

I'm only writing this review to counter some of the over the top bad reviews. I found this to be a very interesting short book that really held my attention.

Great book!

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