“In telling the story so thoughtfully and with such attention to detail, this fine piece of scholarship certainly deserves to take its place alongside the familiar historiographical landmarks.” — American Historical Review
“[This] work should . . . be the beginning of a reappraisal.” — The Journal of American History
“McClintock understands . . . the complexity of what was happening in the slave states.” — History News Network
“A balanced and erudite examination of the secession crisis from the all too neglected northern political angle. . . . [This] deeply researched study promotes fresh interpretations and insights that are deserving of a wide readership. The literature of the secession winter is appreciably richer for its existence. Highly recommended.” — Civil War Books and Authors
“[McClintock’s] analysis is exceptionally clear and well written, easily accessible to the layperson as well as the scholar; it stimulates thought about the nature of leadership and crisis management.” — CHOICE
“McClintock transports the reader into the realm of antebellum American brinksmanship. . . . [A] satisfying account.” — Civil War Times
“A substantial contribution. . . . A fine study that deserves to be read along with the work of Daniel Crofts, Kenneth Stampp, and David Potter.” — Journal of Illinois History
“Indispensable for students of political history.” — Georgia Historical Quarterly
“This fine analytic book anatomizes the currents of need at the time, the efforts of the many varied cultures to cope with them and the results.” — Journal of American Cultures
“Ably researched and well-written.” — Bowling Green Daily News
