American Brutus

John Wilkes Booth and the Lincoln Conspiracies

In American Brutus, popular historian Michael W. Kauffman delivers a history that reads more like a best-selling novel. This definitive masterwork dispels commonly held myths and reveals the truth about John Wilkes Booth.

Luring Southern sympathizers into a “noble” presidential kidnapping, Booth stunned his puzzled pawns by murdering Lincoln. From Booth’s early life and acting career to his escape and death, this meticulously researched book re-examines it all using a wealth of primary sources.

©2004 Michael W. Kauffman (P)2005 Recorded Books

Reseñas de la Crítica

“Kauffman … offers a beautifully written, exhaustive and well-reasoned reassessment of … Booth and the murder of [Lincoln].” ( Publishers Weekly)

Gripping account of Booth and his associates

I thought it would take me a long time to finish this audiobook, but there were so many twists and turns to this well-trod story that I kept on listening.

Definitive Lincoln assassination book

This is a fantastic listen, and is the definitive book on Lincoln’s assassination, including the plot, the act, and the aftermath. Mr. Kauffman did exhausting research delving into first hand accounts and evidence in archives to produce this highly detailed recounting of the events. Numerous interesting facts and misconceptions are articulated in this work. It is a fantastic piece of literature, and a great listen!

Great book and I think I’m now about 97% convinced that Booth was killed by Corbett

I was hoping for a deeper look into the claim of Booth escaping to Texas and Oklahoma and living into the 20th century but there was a brief mention of it in the epilogue. After listening to this book though I think I’m fairly convinced he didn’t make it past where it’s been reported he died for 160 years now. This seems to be the definitive book about this subject though Manhunt is also a classic.

Mention needs to be made about the narrator. Narrator good, pacing bad. I don’t know if it’s the narrator’s fault over the insane amount of pregnant pauses within the transcript or it’s the director/editor’s. The book would’ve been an hour shorter at least had those been edited out. Lord have mercy!

A Killer and his Excuses

I enjoyed this book and narration. It is thorough and insightful. One of interesting things is how different the law was then and how that trial got set rup and went down. Booth's self serving final letter sounds like many killers I've read and studied.

Story of John Wilkes Booth

Incredible story-full of so many details. Narrator was great. I very much appreciated the follow up to the lives affected by Lincoln’s assassination. Listened to this over a period of three days-was absolutely transfixed!