I am generally not a nonfiction reader; however, after reading (and loving) Larson’s “The Splendid and the Vile” in 2020 I was looking forward to reading his next book! My fiancé also enjoys reading Civil War history, so I had extra motivation to learn more about this time period and chat with him about it.

Ultimately, I enjoyed this one! I learned so much history without it feeling like a chore. Larson writes in a narrative style that flows extremely well with intrigue, suspense, and emotional connections to the historical people he writes about. I was so invested at some points I got “mad” at my fiancé for telling me “spoilers” when discussing the book (as if almost 200 year old history could be a spoiler 😂). I did think the first half dragged just a bit- some of the background on the ancillary characters was interesting but maybe not essential to the central storyline. However, once Larson reached Lincoln’s inauguration the book really took off- I was racing through the pages to find out what happened next.

Much to my fiancés excitement, I’m now inspired to read more about the Civil War and maybe even visit some of the places described! And at the end of the day, that’s all I really want from a nonfiction/history book- to keep me engaged, teach me something I didn’t know, and inspire me to learn more.

THE DEMON OF UNREST
BY: ERIK LARSON

About 4.5 Stars!

I met non-fiction author Erik Larson more than two decades ago at an Author event at a popular Independent Bookstore outside of Boston where the bookstore hosts him whenever he publishes a new book. He has a way of building suspense to his subject of history that he endeavors to illuminate. My first impression was that he is down to earth. This was when he published, The Devil in the White City: Murder, Magic, and Madness at the Fair That Changed America, which remains my favorite. It seemed to be well received by the many booksellers where I met him. It additionally is considered the number one favorite out of all of his books. Then I met him again for his book, Thunderstruck. That one ranks number two of readers favorites of his books. Isaac's Storm: A Man, a Time, and the Deadliest Hurricane in History, was published before his two that I mentioned that I attended his Author book reading and signing events, ranks number three of readers favorite Erik Larson's books. The ranking number four of reader favorites is called, In the Garden of Beasts: Love, Terror, and an American Family in Hitler's Berlin However, the most recommended to my amazement ranks number five of readers favorite Erik Larson books is called, Dead Wake: The Last Crossing of the Lusitania. That one happens to be my second favorite of this illustrious author. He has written many more non-fiction and fiction books, but those are the top five that rank as readers favorites in order of popularity.

I have the one published before this one which was also a bestseller about Winston Churchill and the London Blitz called, The Splendid and the Vile: A Saga of Churchill, Family, and Defiance During the Blitz, but I haven't read it yet. In this one which chronicles in minutia every detail of the five months between Abraham Lincoln who won the Presidential election in November of 1860, through April of 1861 when the Confederacy fired on Fort Sumter which started the Civil War. All of these details included, I thought making for a much more denser reading experience is called, The Demon of Unrest: A Saga of Hubris, Heartbreak, and Heroism at the Dawn of the Civil War These fraught five months draw on numerous sources such as diary entries and extensive meticulous research make for a riveting reading experience.

At the same time, going back and forth within the timeline takes concentration and paying close attention and still was almost impossible for me to remember all of the dates when too many details and dates of when things occurred. Basically, my most memorable moments were about Major Anderson's actions who was the United States commander in charge of Fort Sumter and his decisions. Another memorable thread was the dates of Abraham Lincoln's certification of the electoral votes on February 13, 1861, his Inauguration on March 4, 1861 and all of his quoted eloquent responses to what was taking place within those five months which he couldn't act since President Buchanan was still in charge. President Buchanan was a Democrat who seemed to take a passive role wanting to get through the rest of his administration in peace. President-Elect Lincoln had a yard sale in Springfield, Illinois to fund him and his family's journey to Washington on February 9, 1861. He sold furniture from his home which this book listed one eager buyer who was Samuel H. Melvin, a Springfield dealer in medicinal drugs and supplies. According to a receipt signed by Lincoln on the same date Melvin spent $82.25 on the following items:
6 chairs
1 Spring Mattress
1 Wardrobe
1 Whatnot (a cabinet with open shelves, equivalent to a French etagere)
1 Stand
4 Comforters
The Lincolns stayed in a hotel, Chenery House, for their final days in Springfield. On February 11, 1861 was Lincoln's last day. This is just one example of the thousands of factual information presented.

In a former chapter there was a woman named Dorothea Dix who reported that there was a coup-like group who were planning on assassinating Lincoln on the last leg of his train journey in Baltimore. Pinkerton and his detective agency were warned which allowed Lincoln to get off his train and switch schedules of traveling the last leg of his journey to Washington City incognito in disguise. He thwarted those who wanted to bring him harm. At Lincoln's arrival to the hotel in Washington he attended a Peace Convention where at the time the seventh State of Texas had also Seceded from the Union. Among the delegates at the convention was a man named William Rives who represented Virginia. He received a request from Lincoln as well as other Southern delegates to return to the Willard Hotel for a second meeting where he vowed to enforce the Fugitive Slave Act and protect slavery in the states where it already existed. One of the guests ominously named Charles Slaughter Morehead, a former Senator of Kentucky, earnestly asked Lincoln to remove all Federal troops from Fort Sumter "lest violence break out and a fratricidal war." At this Rives warned Lincoln that if he attempted coercion, his own home border State would not hesitate to secede. Lincoln told Rives if Virginia stayed in the Union he would withdraw the troops from Fort Sumter. There would be much miscommunication and duplicitous actions to follow by Lincoln's Secretary of State William Seward that would transpire along with the Southern instigator Edmund Ruffin whose infamous first shot was fired at Fort Sumter. Major Anderson's men were outnumbered twenty five to one.

It is worth noting that the Senate received the amendment proposed by the Peace Convention and promptly voted it into oblivion, 28 to 7. It never went to the House of Representatives. "But a vestige survived in the form of a parallel constitutional amendment proposed in the House by a Representative Thomas Corwin of Ohio and in the Senate by William Seward that guaranteed Congress would not interfere with slavery where it existed. This vestigial stub fared better. The House approved it by a vote of 133 to 65; the Senate did likewise, 24 to 12. Lincoln later forwarded the proposed amendment, the original thirteenth, to all state governors, including those in the Confederacy, for ratification by their legislatures. He neither endorsed it nor denounced it. As he saw it, the amendment merely made explicit--'express and irrevocable'--a principle already embodied in the Constitution and one he himself had espoused many times."

"Only a few states would ultimately ratify the amendment before events made it irrelevant. Known to future centuries as the Shadow or Ghost Amendment, it remained an active congressionally (Sic) approved but unratified (Sic) amendment into the twenty-first century, theoretically still open to a final vote by the states."

The above is a fascinating point, that in my humble opinion might have averted what was to come tragically and heartbreaking for the United States as the Civil War. I think that many things contributed to the war and Erik Larson has woven a fine tapestry of them in his newest offering. Since the South was so worried about the abolitionist North and thinking one of my favorite President's Abraham Lincoln, would interfere with their enslaved populations. Since this book documents that South Carolina's decision to secede and they were the first to do so; all because of Lincoln's election. Furthering Charleston's claim on the Forts and land where Federal troops were ordered by the armed forces in charge to remain. Major Anderson's sympathies were towards the South, but his duty to remain on Fort Sumter by the government unless him and his men were in danger he ended up honoring his duties to the U.S. military. He sent the women and children away as he witnessed the increasing Confederacy arm themselves with every passing day. He was so understaffed compared to the South's gaining more armed rebels surrounding his recent post at Fort Sumter. Inadvertently, Lincoln sent the same reinforcements to two different places in error. With the food sources depleted it's not surprising that the outcome was how Civil War transpired. The Confederate South seemed determined to wage war even though it was empathized throughout this book they held themselves with a heightened sense of chivalry and honor.

As Erik Larson was beginning to work on this extremely detailed window of history he relays he was watching the January 6, 2021 insurrection that took place. He refers to the word insurrection many times when describing events taking place during this five month period with documented facts backing up this time during history. He uses quotation marks to encompass the words spoken by a multitude of the people when they say something to further the narrative. Diaries, journals, planters records,letters, books, etc., are drawn from which give this non-fiction work called, The Demon of Unrest: A Saga of Hubris, Heartbreak, and Heroism at the Dawn of the Civil War authenticity.

I should back up and say that when Lincoln who was a Republican won the election in November of 1860, South Carolina was the first State to Secede from the nation in response to it. Charleston, South Carolina was the area where there were many people who when the State Seceded wanted the Forts inhabited back. Major Anderson was the person who decided to leave Fort Moultrie and moved to Fort Sumter which was not yet finished. Fort Sumter was better strategically located should there be an attack from the increasingly armed Charleston and the rebel seizure of Fort Moultrie and Castle Pinckney. When Fort Sumter was fired upon by the Confederate South is what would eventually be the start of the Civil War, with a loss of 750,000, American lives.

After South Carolina Seceded first, next was Mississippi, third was Florida spurred on by an agitator named Edmund Ruffin, from Virginia. Next to Secede were Alabama and Georgia followed by Louisiana. Jefferson Davis from Mississippi was elected President of the South who at first reluctantly took the position. He was a graduate from West Point and he fought in the Mexican War. Montgomery was named the Capital of the South. There are many, many sources drawn from an immense bibliography that Erik Larson has taken quotations to recreate what is said by the massive amount of individuals that populate the pages of this tumultuous five months. The author often cites different statistics; for example in terms of money, he translates the monetary value of the costs then, and converts the amounts in today's worth. There are too many people to name in a book review that encompass this masterfully written work. As I said, the minutia of every detail, dates, and people involved has no doubt been a monumental undertaking by this author. He gives a telephoto lens into everything that happened from what is an impressive amount of diverse points of views from the full gamete of acting participants within these five months time. Recommended to readers interested in history. Definitely an eye opening account to Civil War fans. This is another well written book by Erik Larson that I really enjoyed.

Publication Date: April 30, 2024

Thank you to Net Galley, Erik Larson and Crown Publishing for generously providing me with my fantastic eARC in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

#TheDemonofUnrest #ErikLarson #CrownPublishing #NetGalley

Larsen provides a microscopic and thorough portrayal of the period leading up to the outbreak of the Civil War. Of particular interest are the rather shocking profile of cotton-is-king Hammond and the speculative fiction of secessionist Ruffin.

Larsen's writing benefits from the lively use of letters and other primary sources, with, of course, Mary Chestnut's diary. Despite the meticulous research, though, the storytelling bogs down under detail. I wish the book had been edited for more narrative punch. Yet Civil War buffs won't mind a bit.

Of course the parallels to today are obvious, and I imagine readers will be very awake to these comparisons and their lessons.

Thank you to NetGalley and Crown Publishers for the Advanced Reader Copy.

Firstly, thank you to Netgalley and Crown publishing for early access to this eARC title.
Erik Larson weaves the tales of history like no other. By combining and comparing many poignant first-hand accounts, Larson weaves a tapestry that lends the reader a view of historical events with three-dimensional people, thoughts, and actions. As a Charleston native, I was particularly interested in Larson’s research regarding the shelling of Fort Sumter and the beginning of the Civil War. Larson eloquently examines both sides of the war and how debates and politicking lead up to the bloody stain upon American history. Larson’s tomes can be dense at times, but he leads you by the hand throughout the tale and reminds you of the humanity and hubris of those involved in key events. I cannot recommend this book enough, especially if you are a history buff looking for a lively and engaging story.

In this stellar new popular history of the months leading up to the confrontation at Fort Sumter, Erik Larson has achieved that most difficult feat of history writing: keeping the reader thoroughly enthralled despite knowing, in the end, how "the story" is fated to turn out. Through a day by day narrative that shifts in perspective from the military men, to the halls of power, to proponents on both sides of what was to become the ultimate atonement for the American original sin of the "peculiar institution," Larson constructs a narrative wherein the suspense, as it were, is real.

History is contingency, and through his skillful relation of events, we come to appreciate the tenuousness of Union, the uncertainty that plagued the time, and the deeply ingrained hatred of each side on the part of the other. Here we sit in the Willard Hotel, the White House, the homes of "the chivalry," on Lincoln's Inaugural train, in Sumter itself, listening, absorbing, communicating through the centuries.

In a time of significant political division of our own, we would be wise to consider that the past has much to tell us, if we care to listen.

Recommended for general readership, for the usual undergraduate pre-1865 American history survey course, or for upper-level courses on antebellum history.

I have read all of Erik Larson's books, and he is one of my favorite authors (along with David Grann) in this genre. Meticulous research, along with the ability to capture the reader's interest make his books a pleasure to read. "The Demon of Unrest" is a fascinating look at the period leading up to the Civil War, and reading it, makes me even more afraid for the state our country is in these days.

I learned so much from this book: how James Buchanan was basically a milquetoast, Abraham Lincoln at first was for keeping the peace with slave states by letting them continue their despicable justifications for owning and basically abusing innocent black men, women and children. Thank god Lincoln came to his senses. Other characters I wasn't as familiar with, including Major Robert Anderson, in charge of Fort Sumpter, who had to make tough decisions without help from his superiors in Washington -- imagine what might have happened if there were telephones and internet then! The secessionist Edmund Ruffin, who was determined to get as many southern states as possible to leave the Union; his desires to be famous and admired were paramount in his quest. William Seward, who wanted power and would love to have been president instead of Lincoln. So many more characters who deserve mention: Mary Boykin Chesnut, Howard Russell, SC governor Frances Pickens, and Mary Todd Lincoln (who was a much stronger person than I ever gave her credit for). And many more.

As a North Carolinian, I have been to Charleston and Fort Sumter and these places are as much characters in Larson's book as the people are. While some might argue that "The Demon of Unrest" is more factual like a textbook, I enjoyed the writing style and appreciate Larson's thoroughness.

Thanks to NetGalley and Crown Publishers for the digital ARC.

Larsen never disappoints. This Civil War is the best aspect I’ve ever read. You will see the true strategy and fully understand the struggle to be the victor of battle. Enjoy his writing, then read it again for his masterful story you will fully understand the history that built this country.

The Demon of Unrest: A Saga of Hubris, Heartbreak, and Heroism at the Dawn of the Civil War by Erik Larson is a highly recommended in-depth look at the months between Lincoln’s November 1860 election and the surrender of Fort Sumter which lead up to the Civil War.

Larson brings to bear his penchant for presenting extensive historical research in a vivid, compelling manner in the telling the story of a deeply divided nation and the events leading up to the start of the Civil War. "At the heart of this suspense-filled narrative are Major Robert Anderson, Sumter’s commander and a former slave owner sympathetic to the South but loyal to the Union; Edmund Ruffin, a vain and bloodthirsty radical who stirs secessionist ardor at every opportunity; and Mary Boykin Chesnut, wife of a prominent planter, conflicted over both marriage and slavery and seeing parallels between them. In the middle of it all is the overwhelmed Lincoln, battling with his duplicitous secretary of state, William Seward, as he tries desperately to avert a war that he fears is inevitable—one that will eventually kill 750,000 Americans."

For those who enjoy any and all historical accounts surrounding the Civil War, The Demon of Unrest will be a welcomed addition to your library. This has been hailed as one of the most anticipated books of the year. Personally, ever since I read Isaac's Storm, still a favorite, reading any new Eric Larson book is a necessity. The presentation was compelling and the research is extensive, but I'll sheepishly admit I wanted the narrative to move along just a little bit faster. However, I know several Civil War buffs who will revel in the details.

In the opening Larson does write, “I was well into my research on the saga of Fort Sumter and the advent of the American Civil War when the events of January 6, 2021, took place.” Rather than be so specific and pinning the current ideological divisions on one day, it might have behooved him to simply say that turmoil and division between Americans is present again. Thanks to Crown Publishing for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.

The review will be published on Edelweiss, X, BookBrowse, Barnes & Noble and Amazon.

I doubt that there has ever been a more detailed account of this time in US history as this one. While I found much of it fascinating, there were times when I wanted to skim over some of the minute details and get back to the meat of the story. But overall, this is very well done. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Erik Larson never disappoints with anything he writes. He turns events of history into beautiful day by day “fictionalized” narratives with everything being heavily researched. Just with every other book Larson rights, he brings two narratives into one and in this one, the beginning of Lincoln’s presidency and the fall of Fort Sumter and the rest of the South. There is a ton of information in here but I was never overwhelmed by it. Overall very well written and I thoroughly enjoyed this offering from Erik Larson!

I received a free advanced copy of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you NetGalley and Crown Publishing for this ARC. This is my honest review.

I was ecstatic to be chosen to read this ARC. I am not an avid NF history reader, but years ago a friend gave me a copy of Devil in the White City because she knew I loved true crime. That began my love affair with Mr. Larson’s books!

I read other reviews that said there is a lot of his research material included in this book, and that it sometimes got tedious. I did not find this to be the case at all. Yes, he includes the research and identifies the sources. But I would hope if you are reading history you would want sources stated and verified. I also felt that his research really fleshed out the people involved.

This is a fascinating book that explores all events leading up to the Civil War. It is so interesting to see through diaries and court accounts and senate reports the thoughts and actions of Anderson, Lincoln, Ruffin, and a myriad of other people. We see them as real people from childhood to adulthood. I love that through the author’s detailed approach, the reader is able to see every component that led to this war. I learned a lot of new information, and found the population of South Carolina at that time fascinating, and also frightening.

There is disturbing personal information about Anderson that had me seething. The description of slave life is detailed and heartbreaking. Larson does not gloss over this- he paints a very real yet heartbreaking visualization.

I feel that we need to know the history so that we can learn from it, and pave a brighter future.

I highly recommend this book!!!

3 stars; I’m normally a huge fan of Erik Larson (Dead Wake is one of my favorite books ever) but while this one started out well, it soon got bogged down in the details. It was impeccably researched and Civil War fanatics will love it, but it lost me for a while. Thank you to the publisher and Net Galley for an arc in exchange for an honest review.

I’ve read and enjoyed many of Erik Larson’s books. This one was not as captivating as the others. I struggled to get through it. If you are a Civil War buff then this is likely the book for you. Thank you NetGalley for the ARC.

Meticulously detailed well researched book about the immediate causes of the Civil War and many of the major and minor players involved.

Really liked giving color TP the players by the details of their backgrounds and motivations. Also appreciated the details of the Zeitgeist on how the populations of the North and South saw things as influenced by the media of the times.

However the book will not be interesting to many who aren't into the subject already. It's more research and detail heavy than story heavy. A must read for Civil War enthusiasts and those who want to understand the Civil War in a more detailed way.

The Demon of Unrest
The author did much research (including diaries & journals) to report on the political climate in both the North and South in the 5 months between Lincoln’s election and the beginning of the Civil W. He gives examples of the lives of slaves on Southern plantations as well as those up North. The Southern planter class was in favor of secession from the Union but other people in those states were not as wiling to do so. Powerful legislators were able to sway the people and some of them even resigned their positions in Congress to protest Lincoln’s election. There is also information about the military fortifications outside Charleston, SC.
He claims that Lincoln was really a moderate who did not want to see the Southern states secede.
Unlike the author’s other books, this book would appeal mostly to history and military buffs. I received this ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher Crown Publishing for an advanced copy of this book that looks at the events leading up to the firing of the guns on Fort Sumter, an action that began the American Civil War.

I have loved history books for almost as long as I have been reading. This might have started with some of the books assigned in school, but I was also blessed with a great public library that had a big section of colorful covered history books that drew the eye and my interest. Military history was something I enjoyed reading, but I never really and still have little interest in the American Civil War. Understanding the war and its meaning would probably help explain to me why people continue to believe the way they do, the Lost Cause, state's rights, not about slavery people. I have read Eric Foner, James McPherson and even watched the PBS Civil War, but again, never really got deep into them. Maybe it was the rawness that a people, neighbors could kill each other so easily over a battle for rich people to own others. All war is stupid, but this war, based on racism, just seems the oddest reason to kill over. This book in many ways proves my point, but has given me even more insight into the mind of people, their belief in their cause, mixed with religion, and fear that it could all be taken away. The Demon of Unrest: A Saga of Hubris, Heartbreak, and Heroism at the Dawn of the Civil War by Eric Larson, is a look at America from the election of Lincoln to the firing on Fort Sumter, the events leading up, and what followed.

The book begins in a governor's office in Illinois where a young political upstart, called by some a Giant Killer, Uncle Abe, or even Honest Abe is waiting to find out the results of an election that could change everything. The presidency. Abraham Lincoln was one of four men running, with results for the first time coming from all over the United States by telegraph. The momentum seemed to be headed Lincoln's way, culminating in a show of support from the New York, which but Lincoln over the top. However there were still doubts, as one of the men running, was also in charge of the certification of the election. Also in the South there was a lot of upset people. And none were as upset as the people in the state of South Carolina. Men quit their federal jobs, including one judge who announced the Constitution was as good as dead. Lincoln while of the South could not understand. Lincoln had one a fair election, not seeing the rage, the anger or the fear his election was causing. All of which would come to a point a firing point on the Federal fort of Fort Sumter, a prelude to a great Civil War.

I have long been a fan of Eric Larson's from his early smaller books to his success with In the Garden of Beasts, that made him as both writer and historian. Larson can look at the big issue, but never loses sight of the human factor that makes this big issue so big. People on both sides from plantation owners, pumped up military leaders, Federal leaders and even slaves are given a chances to share their tale, their place in this narrative and make this events seem not only real, but how they were perceived. Larson has done great research, explaining the major players, but in new ways, with stories that make them human, even when engaged in questionable behavior. Larson acknowledges the biggest issue the South had, honor, and not wanting to be told what to do, how to do it, or God forbid, prove to be wrong.

Another fascinating look at history, from an author who never forgets that humans make up these events and that their stories are just as important. Fans will enjoy it, and Larson might gain a few new readers because of the subject matter.

Civil War buffs will enjoy this book. It is rather long and slow to read bit full of information. Fascinating accounts of people behind the scenes. Readers who enjoy learning about some less know details concerning the war will want to read this.

This isn't my first Erik Larson book. LOVED Devil in White City, really liked The Splendid and the Vile and In the Garden of Beasts. but this one--oof. Too long, too detailed. In Larson's other books, he wrote as if writing the most entertaining novel about the events. But this one felt like he was just showing all the research he did and vomiting it back onto the page.
Now, that being said, anyone obsessed with the Civil War and Lincoln's story will probably love it. I will likely buy my husband a copy when it comes out because he DEVOURS anything to do with the Civil War.
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

It's a safe bet that the typical read of Demon of Unrest will not be picking the book up because they have developed a sudden interest in the fall of Fort Sumter; rather they are relying on Erik Larson to make any story interesting. They won't be entirely wrong, but this isn't Larson at the top of his form. Sections involving the fort seem a little drawn out with too much detail, and the story of the southern states' secession from the Union is one that many of us have read about a few too many times already. Nevertheless, there is some good stuff here with some of the personal dynamics involving Abner Doubleday and the senior officer at Fort Sumter (Major Robert Anderson) being pretty interesting, and the double-dealings of Lincoln's Secretary of State, William Seward, are quite astonishing.

A solid read but far from essential. After reading Larson's last book about Churchill and the Blitz, and this new account of the outbreak of the civil war, I hope that Larson switches back to writing about more obscure topics.

Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for providing a pre-relase electronic copy.

Unfortunately, I could not get into this book. I really enjoyed Larson’s The Devil in the White City; it is actually one of my favorite true crime novels of all time. However, I will admit that his style is kind of dry and can be hard to engage with. I listened to the audiobook of The Devil in the White City, which might have made the difference for that book, because I found The Demon of Unrest to be difficult to get into. Sadly, I will not be finishing it.