Lincoln and the Politics of Slavery

“With impressive research in politicians’ speeches and correspondence, Crofts reconstructs the tangled legislative history of the amendment during the secession winter of 1860-1861, as moderates North and South struggled to find a compromise that would forestall disunion and war.” — Journal of American History

“An intelligent and absorbing book. . . . Challenges the dominant emancipationist narrative and forces a new look at the dynamics and directions of politics and public interest during the secession crisis.” — Library Journal

“With astute inferential skill and admittedly sparse archival attestations to build from, he pieces together the processes and hints of backroom deals that carried the amendment through both chambers by the narrowest of margins and through deft parliamentary maneuvering and overnight vote reversals.” — Reviews in History

“A worthwhile addition to our literature on the Civil War and the slavery issue in general.” — American Historical Review

“An essential study of Republican ideology and the political efforts to prevent secession in the months following Lincoln’s election.” — Register of the Kentucky Historical Society

“A well researched and thought-provoking book about Abraham Lincoln and his position on slavery.” — North Carolina Historical Review

“A well-written and exhaustively researched study” — Civil War Monitor

“Meticulously detailed. . . . A thorough look at the dissension that tore the country apart.” — Kirkus Reviews

“A highly readable account of a seldom-remembered feature of early Civil War history. Highly recommended.” — CHOICE

“Daniel Crofts’s meticulously argued and well-researched book shows us how Abraham Lincoln and a host of other key players attempted to keep the Upper South in the Union. The result is a contrarian and rich book that makes a significant addition to the scholarship of this vital period.” — Jonathan H. Earle, Louisiana State University