I'm just finishing up a good read which I highly recommend. It's titled "1861: The Civil War Awakening" by Adam Goodheart. (Would I lead you astray?)

This is not your typical boring historical blather. No battles are fought (perhaps some pre-war squirmashes), many obscure people/heroes highlighed.

From the book cover intro: "The book introduces us to a heretofore little-known cast of Civil War heroes--among them an acrobatic militia colonel, an explorer's wife, an idealistic band of German immigrants, a regiment of New York City firemen, a community of Virginia slaves, and a young college professor who would one day become president."

The book goes from New York to California, Washington D.C. to Missouri, Ft. Sumpter, SC to Chicago.

The issue of slavery is the heart of the story, abolitionists vs. slave owners. But it's the in-depth look at the characters that altered the course of American history that really drives the book.

Abraham Lincoln is mentioned throughout the book, but more as an indirect participant. Personally, I've never been an ardent supporter of him. Perhaps I'm being biased, but the speeches and actions (inactions) of Lincoln confirms my beliefs. First of all, he hardly campaigned for the Presidency. He was a virtual unknown, a backwoods, homespun "railsplitter". Because he was "the salt of the earth", I think he became a folk hero of sorts--and has remained that way. (Although Lincoln was a Republican, remember, yesterday's Republicans are today's Democrats.)

On the issue of slavery, his policy was "noninterference" (live and let live). He claimed slavery "is nothing that really hurts anybody...nobody is suffering anything." Lincoln remained mostly silent on the subject, agreeing with the Dred Scott ruling (Supreme Court) that Negroes had no rights, slavery justified.

In his inaugural address, President Lincoln quoted his own speech from 1858 saying, "I have no purpose, directly or indirectly, to interfere with the institution of slavery in the States where it exists. I believe I have no lawful right to do so, and I have no inclination to do so." We all know that the "Emmancipation Proclamation" wasn't issued for two more years. His "wait and see" approach to so many issues have always irritated me. (He should have fired McClellan long before he did.)

I think any Civil War (or historical) buffs would enjoy this book. I found it to be a fascinating account of "behind the scenes" events occuring before and during 1861, 150 years ago.