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eforthof's review
informative
reflective
slow-paced
4.0
Great book! I read this one a while ago but still remember it for how much I learned about the context of the Lincoln assassination and America at that time.
stolencapybara's review
3.0
Interesting, but a little top heavy - lots of backstory, and not much about the assassination and the aftermath.
feralreader's review
5.0
The fascinating story of Edwin Booth and his less talented younger brother, John Wilkes.
dws405's review
4.0
The research on this subject was very, very well done. An interesting thesis that the murder of Abraham Lincoln was an extension of brotherly rivalry.
brightredday's review
5.0
This book is fantastic. Fascinating, entertaining, and readable, and so clear in outlining the events and personalities involved. I might have liked a tad more explanation of JWB's actions around the assassination itself, but that's very much not the point of this book and there are others that probably cover that territory.
karleeursta's review
5.0
Nora Titone has nailed the two characteristics that make a great historical read: impeccable research and an engaging narrative. The book read like a novel, although the hundred pages of research notes at the back proved its authenticity. I learned something new on each page, not just about Edwin and John, but about the Civil War, 19th century American life, and the theatrical world at large.
I think the reason I gave it 5 stars and added it to my personal shelf of favorites is Titone's storytelling ability. I can finally say that I know the tale behind one of American history's most infamous villains.
I think the reason I gave it 5 stars and added it to my personal shelf of favorites is Titone's storytelling ability. I can finally say that I know the tale behind one of American history's most infamous villains.
screwydecimal's review
4.0
Engaging, meticulously researched, and really, really interesting. Took off a star because the ending was rushed compared to the slow build-up of rest of the book.
heyelzbi's review
5.0
Very informative about the story you've never been taught about America's most infamous man. I give it four stars because it abruptly cuts off after Booth moved to DC in late 1865 and gives little to no info about the assassination plot, which would have rounded off the entire story quite nicely.
Very informative about the rivalry between Edwin and Wilkes. Far superior to "Good Brother, Bad Brother" in terms of details and dates.
Very informative about the rivalry between Edwin and Wilkes. Far superior to "Good Brother, Bad Brother" in terms of details and dates.