The Devil's Own Work

The Devil's Own Work examines New York City's Draft Riots of 1863, a period of violent civil unrest during the American Civil War. The book reconstructs the social and political conditions that led to the worst riot in American history. Schecter chronicles the complex web of tensions between Irish immigrants, free Black residents, wealthy New Yorkers, and government officials in Civil War-era Manhattan. The narrative follows key figures on multiple sides of the conflict, from local politicians to military commanders to citizens caught in the chaos. The book draws from extensive primary sources including newspaper accounts, trial transcripts, military correspondence, and personal diaries to document the five days of violence. Schecter provides context about the broader Civil War developments and national policies that impacted events in New York. This historical account demonstrates how racial and class divisions, combined with wartime pressures, can rupture the social fabric of even a major American city. The book raises enduring questions about democracy, civil rights, and social justice during times of national crisis.

The book receives limited reviews online, with most readers focusing on its coverage of the 1863 New York Draft Riots. Readers highlighted: - Thorough research and use of primary sources - Clear connections between politics, race, and class tensions - Detailed mapping of how the riots spread through the city - Context about Irish immigrants and African Americans in 1860s NYC Common criticisms: - Dense writing style with excessive detail - Slow pacing in early chapters - Some repetition of facts and events - Limited perspective beyond Manhattan Ratings: Goodreads: 4.0/5 (16 ratings) Amazon: 4.5/5 (8 ratings) One reader noted: "The detail and maps help place you right in the middle of these chaotic events." Another wrote: "Important history but required patience to get through some sections." Reviews remain scarce compared to other Civil War histories, with most discussion appearing in academic circles rather than consumer reviews.

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📚 The book examines the violent Draft Riots of 1863 in New York City, which remain the deadliest civil uprising in American history, resulting in over 100 deaths 🏛️ Author Barnet Schecter conducted extensive research in the Municipal Archives of New York City, uncovering previously overlooked primary sources about the riots 💰 The riots were triggered by a law allowing wealthy men to pay $300 to avoid military service - equivalent to about $6,500 today - leading to claims that it was a "rich man's war but a poor man's fight" 🔥 During the four days of rioting, protesters burned down the Colored Orphan Asylum, attacked black residents, and destroyed numerous buildings including police stations and armories 🗽 The book connects the Draft Riots to broader themes in New York City's history, including immigration, racial tensions, and class conflicts that shaped America's largest city