Ecstatic Nation: Confidence, Crisis, and Compromise, 1848-1877

Brenda Wineapple (Get this book)
A sweeping look at the Civil War in the context of its social, cultural and intellectual climate. Wineapple begins with a bang: the death of John Quincy Adams on the House floor, after decades of fighting to end slavery. From there, she takes up the narrative of some 50 years of turbulent American history, full of grand schemes, bitter conflicts, brilliant characters and unforgettable stories. The author effectively draws in all the currents of the time, from popular culture and polemical journalism to the grand literary monuments. Best of all, she brings it together in a compelling narrative that will enlighten readers new to the material and thoroughly entertain those familiar with it. History on the grand scale, orchestrated by a virtuoso.--Kirkus