I had a wonderful time talking with historian Michael Vorenberg about his new book, Lincoln’s Peace: The Struggle to End the Civil War. For many students of the Civil War era, the question of when the Civil War ended has an obvious answer: Robert E. Lee’s surrender at Appomattox Court House on April 9, 1865.
Professor Vorenberg puts that answer to the test and in doing so exposes the complexity of the immediate postwar period, including the confusion and debate over when, where, and how the war ended. This is an incredibly thoughtful and well written book that does exactly what a good history book should do, namely force the reader to step back and rethink fundamental questions about the past.
I think you are really going to enjoy our conversation. In fact, I have decided that Lincoln’s Peace is going to be the next book for the Civil War Memory Book Club and I am happy to announce that Professor Vorenberg has already agreed to join us for the discussion.
Of course, you have to be a paid subscriber to join so go ahead and upgrade today.
Next Book Club Meeting
And don’t forget that on Sunday, March 30 at 8PM EST we will be meeting on Substack Live to discuss Bennett Parten’s new book, Somewhere Toward Freedom: Sherman’s March and the Story of America’s Largest Emanciption. It’s a wonderful book that I am sure you are going to enjoy.
All you have to do is download the Substack app to your phone. You will receive a notice when the discussion starts. It’s that easy.
I look forward to seeing you.
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