Tried by War

Abraham Lincoln as Commander in Chief

"James M. McPherson’s Tried by War is a perfect primer . . . for anyone who wishes to under­stand the evolution of the president’s role as commander in chief. Few histo­rians write as well as McPherson, and none evoke the sound of battle with greater clarity." —The New York Times Book Review

The Pulitzer Prize–winning author reveals how Lincoln won the Civil War and invented the role of commander in chief as we know it

As we celebrate the bicentennial of Lincoln's birth, this study by preeminent, bestselling Civil War historian James M. McPherson provides a rare, fresh take on one of the most enigmatic figures in American history. Tried by War offers a revelatory (and timely) portrait of leadership during the greatest crisis our nation has ever endured. Suspenseful and inspiring, this is the story of how Lincoln, with almost no previous military experience before entering the White House, assumed the powers associated with the role of commander in chief, and through his strategic insight and will to fight changed the course of the war and saved the Union.©2008 James M. McPherson; (P)2008 Penguin Audiobooks

Critic reviews

"James M. McPherson’s Tried by War is a perfect primer . . . for anyone who wishes to under­stand the evolution of the president’s role as commander in chief. Few histo­rians write as well as McPherson, and none evoke the sound of battle with greater clarity. There is scarcely anyone writing today who mines original ­sources more diligently. In Tried by War, McPherson draws on almost 50 years of research to present a cogent and concise narrative of how Lincoln, working against enormous odds, saved the United States of America." —The New York Times Book Review

Outstanding in every way.

This is a remarkable account of a horribly troubling period in U.S. history, wonderfully executed!

Fantastic Read

Such a great perspective of the Lincoln presidency. This book is highly recommended. Also be sure to read, "Team of Rivals" in addition to this book. Read both.

Well written, clearly elucidates Lincoln’s conduct of the war

As in his other writings on the Civil War, James McPherson creates a compelling story of Lincoln’s direction of the war. For example, he explains why he had to keep General McClellan in place despite McClellan’s failure to go on the attack. I was disappointed only when the book reached its conclusion - I didn’t want the book to end.

A good review of Lincoln as Commander-in-Chief

The difficulties Lincoln encountered with his Civil War generals is well explained. Suffering through a variety of worthless commanders, Lincoln was at a loss until he promoted Grant to overall command. Read by one of my favorite narrates, this is a very enjoyable production.

Interesting focus, but not differentiated enough

This book is very well-researched and -written, but it read quite a bit like a condensed version of Battle Cry of Freedom. McPherson does focus differently in the two books, but his treatment is still very similar in both. Perhaps because I read the two books back to back, I felt that McPherson might have benefited from a more analytical, and less narrative/episodic approach to the question of Lincoln's role as CINC. Regardless, it is still a very good book and better than most Civil War histories you will read. Despite my quibbles, I enjoyed it and will likely return to it again in the future.