Lincoln's Last Trial: The Murder Case That Propelled Him to the Presidency

Dan Abrams · David Fisher

Jun 2018 · Harlequin

About this ebook

The award-winning, New York Times–bestselling chronicle of the sensational murder trial that would be the capstone of Lincoln’s legal career.

In the summer of 1859, twenty-two-year-old “Peachy” Quinn Harrison went on trial for murder in Springfield, Illinois. When Harrison’s father hired Abraham Lincoln to defend him, the case took on momentous meaning. Lincoln’s debates with Senator Stephen Douglas the previous fall had transformed the little-known, self-taught lawyer into a respected politician of national prominence.

As Lincoln contemplated a dark-horse run for the presidency in 1860, this case involved great risk. A loss could diminish Lincoln’s untarnished reputation. But the case also posed painful personal challenges for Lincoln. The victim had been his friend and his mentor. The accused killer, whom Lincoln would defend, was the son of a close friend and loyal supporter. And to win this trial he would have to form an unholy allegiance with a longtime enemy, a revivalist preacher he had twice run against for political office.

Lincoln’s Last Trial vividly captures Lincoln’s dramatic courtroom confrontations as he fights for his client—but also for his own blossoming political future. It is a moment in history that shines a light on our legal system, our history, and one of our greatest presidents.

A Winner of the Barondess/Lincoln Award

Ratings and reviews

A reporter's careful reconstruction and interpretation of the details surrounding the last major trial for lawyer Lincoln as seen through the eyes of the trial's "steno man."

Absolutely spellbounding Learned so much about Lincoln the greatest of lawyers and all he brought to the legal system as it was being formed in America,

This should be made into a movie.

About the author

David Fisher has been making soap for nearly 15 years and making candles since he was a child. He is the owner of Bath Rabbit Soap Company and a member of the Handcrafted Soapmakers Guild. He lives in Dallas, Texas.