Seward

Lincoln's Indispensable Man

By: Walter Stahr

Narrated by: William Dufris

From one of our most acclaimed new biographers - the first full life of the leader of Lincoln’s "team of rivals" to appear in more than 40 years. William Henry Seward was one of the most important Americans of the 19th century. Progressive governor of New York and outspoken U.S. senator, he was the odds-on favorite to win the 1860 Republican nomination for president. As secretary of state and Lincoln’s closest adviser during the Civil War, Seward not only managed foreign affairs but had a substantial role in military, political, and personnel matters.

Some of Lincoln’s critics even saw Seward, erroneously, as the power behind the throne; this is why John Wilkes Booth and his colleagues attempted to kill Seward as well as Lincoln. Seward survived the assassin’s attack, continued as secretary of state, and emerged as a staunch supporter of President Andrew Johnson, Lincoln’s controversial successor. Through his purchase of Alaska ("Seward’s Folly"), and his groundwork for the purchase of the Canal Zone and other territory, Seward set America on course to become a world empire.

Seward was not only important, he was fascinating. Most nights this well-known raconteur with unruly hair and untidy clothes would gather diplomats, soldiers, politicians, or actors around his table to enjoy a cigar, a drink, and a good story. Drawing on hundreds of sources not available to or neglected by previous biographers, Walter Stahr sheds new light on this complex and central figure, as well as on pivotal events of the Civil War and its aftermath.

©2012 Walter Stahr (P)2013 Audible, Inc.

Well written and informative

Seward: Lincoln’s Indispensable Man

By Walter Stahr

I really enjoyed learning more about William H. Seward. Most people who know who he is, at this point recall him as part of Lincoln’s “Team of Rivals” who had run against Lincoln in 1860, then accepted a position in his cabinet. Seward was the Secretary of State.

The book, which is well organized and informative, tells about Seward’s early life. He had an extensive political career long before the Civil War and was key in many significant events. He was an accomplished lawyer.

He was very adroit politically, but had a remarkable ability to tick people off. Many of his enemies spent their time trying to get him kicked out of the cabinet.

One thing I learned about him which endeared him to me was his loyalty. While it is true that he initially tried to run the government behind Lincoln’s back, once he realized Abe was more than competent, he forgot his only career desires and became one of Lincoln’s most faithful team members. They conferred constantly, and Seward became fiercely loyal. When Lincoln was assassinated, he became loyal to Johnson, who was Lincoln’s polar opposite. He argued often with Grant when Grant was a general, yet when Grant became president, Seward wrote favorably of him.

As the author described, some criticized him for this. But this is one of the things which made Seward great. When you work for someone, you owe them your honest counsel in private, and your support in public. That’s the job. I have received the same criticism (Mears is so and so’s boy). I was never anyone’s man. I just knew my job. I had people who worked for me who got it, and some who did not. Nothing makes your life hell more than having to fight with someone who is supposed to have your back while trying to do your job. All hail Seward on this point.

Seward is also responsible for gaining Alaska and the US Virgin Islands for the US, which he had to fight for amongst heavy criticism.

This was a good book and well worth the time.

Most interesting and educational

I highly recommended this book for everyone. Although we all know a lot about Lincoln, I think you will agree that this book about Seward will offer many fascinating details that you may not know.

Nice look at this iconic man.

This book seems to know when a deep dive is needed or just a high level view.

Seward

A great story. Beyond the purchase of Alaska I knew little. I recommend it.

This book is best read and listend simultaneously.

A must read for anyone with the slightest interest in the American history and politics, or in the lives of those who have positively changed the course of bistory.