This is the definitive book on William H. Seward and his family. Exhaustive research clearly went into this book, as it appears no avenue of their lives was not touched upon. Through letters between members of the Seward family and friends, we get an intimate look into their lives.

What is a positive in the composition of this book is also a negative. While these letters shed light on the family, there were instances that made one wonder why they were included in the book. Several times a portion of a letter was shared that already had been touched upon earlier in the book.

The book really soars when dealing with the life of William. I appreciated the look into the lives of the people who helped shaped who he became in life. History buffs should enjoy this book, especially when it concentrates on the life of William.

This is an incredibly detailed, well-researched book. It gives readers a look not only into the family life and political life of the Sewards, but 19th century American life. I knew some things about Seward because I’m a Civil War buff and I’ve visited his house in Auburn, but I learned SO much reading this book! It is disappointing to learn just how thoroughly Seward failed as a father and husband, but this book was fascinating nonetheless. Many times while reading, I found the book difficult to put down because it was so riveting; the excerpts of letters exchanged between the Sewards described their heartbreaks and their hopes. At other times, I felt the book could have had a tighter focus (but perhaps it’s my fault for finding the sheer number of extended family and friends a lot to keep track of!). Overall however, this is a fascinating read. I recommend it to anyone who is interested in American history, especially the Civil War and the decades leading up to it.

Thank you to NetGalley and Cornell University Press for the eARC! I post this review with my honest opinions. This review is cross-posted to Goodreads and will be published on Instagram and Amazon with no one week of the book’s publication.

Content notes: illness, injury, and death, including of a child; mention of murder; mention of suicide