A distillation of James L. Swanson’s non-fiction thriller provides a concise overview of the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln and the subsequent twelve-day pursuit of John Wilkes Booth and his co-conspirators. This narrative offers a condensed retelling of the key events, characters, and geographical locations involved in the historical manhunt.
The value of such a compressed version lies in its accessibility for readers seeking a quick understanding of this pivotal moment in American history. It provides a framework for grasping the motivations behind Booth’s actions, the logistical challenges faced by law enforcement, and the national atmosphere of grief and uncertainty that followed Lincoln’s death. The summaries also highlight the historical context of the time, including the aftermath of the Civil War and the political tensions that fueled the conspiracy.
