Bloody Times: The Funeral of Abraham Lincoln and the Manhunt for Jefferson Davis

James L. Swanson

Dec 2010 · Harper Collins

About this ebook

New York Times bestselling author James L. Swanson brings to life the fast-paced, suspense-filled story of Abraham Lincoln's and Jefferson Davis's final journeys through our wounded nation following the Civil War. This middle grade nonfiction book is an excellent choice for tween readers in grades 7 to 8, especially during homeschooling. It’s a fun way to keep your child entertained and engaged while not in the classroom.

This suspense-filled true-crime thriller—the young readers’ adaptation of Swanson’s BloodyCrimes—explores two epic events of the Civil War era: the manhunt to apprehend Confederate president Jefferson Davis in the wake of Abraham Lincoln’s assassination and the momentous 20-day funeral pageant that brought President Lincoln’s body from Washington, DC to his home in Springfield.

Full of fascinating twists and turns, and lavishly illustrated with dozens of rare historical images, Bloody Times captures the riveting stories of these two fallen leaders who changed the course of history. It’s perfect for young readers who enjoy dramatic nonfiction tales from the likes of Steve Sheinkin and Patricia McCormick.

This book contains a note from the author, a glossary, a list of important Civil War figures, and a guide to visiting the historic sites mentioned within. A companion to the bestselling and highly acclaimed Chasing Lincoln's Killer.

Ratings and reviews

Very well written history of a tumultuous time in history. Swanson does a good job of taking the reader back in time with using direct quotes from diaries and other writings from that time and applying them to everything that happened. My only little thing I don't like was no clear breaks from when switching to different journeys he is writing about (Lincoln vs. Davis). I appreciate the clear time line but knowing when switching to different subjects would have been helpful as well. Overall a good read.

Very informative and a good number of Nonfiction points I need.... I still don't understand the point of the civil war and the intended solution for it. I was surprised to find out (SPOILER ALERT DO NOT READ FURTHER IF U HAVENT READ THIS BOOK.) That Willie was abes favorite and Eddie died at three.

Bloody Times is a very well written book. The events are detailed and accurate. Quotes in the text are sentences actually said. If you pick this book up, you won't be able to put it down.

About the author

James Swanson is the Edgar Award-winning author of the New York Times bestsellers Manhunt and its sequel, Bloody Crimes.