Lincoln's Wrath

Lincoln's Wrath examines the 1864 suppression of two Chicago newspapers during the Civil War. The book centers on the Chicago Times and its publisher Wilbur F. Storey, who faced government censorship after publishing content critical of President Lincoln and his administration. The narrative follows the events leading up to the military shutdown of these newspapers and the constitutional crisis that ensued. Through primary sources and historical documents, the authors reconstruct the complex relationships between Civil War-era journalists, military officials, and government authorities during a period of national emergency. This work challenges common assumptions about Abraham Lincoln and civil liberties during wartime. The book raises questions about press freedom, executive power, and the balance between national security and constitutional rights that remain relevant in modern discussions of government authority and media independence.

Readers found the book provided an interesting look at Civil War-era press censorship through the lens of a Chicago Times newspaper shutdown. Liked: - Detailed research on a lesser-known historical incident - Clear writing style that made complex legal issues accessible - Primary source documents and newspaper excerpts - Connection to modern free speech debates Disliked: - Some found the narrative too narrowly focused - Several noted repetitive sections - A few readers wanted more context about similar censorship cases - Multiple comments about lack of photos/illustrations Ratings: Goodreads: 3.6/5 (13 ratings) Amazon: 3.8/5 (6 reviews) Notable reader comment from Amazon: "Important story that deserved telling, but gets bogged down in minutiae about newspaper ownership disputes." LibraryThing review: "Sheds light on the tension between wartime security and press freedom, though the writing is sometimes dry."

Seizing the Times by Harold Holzer This book explores how President Lincoln controlled and manipulated Civil War media coverage to shape public opinion.

The Lincoln Conspiracy by Timothy L. O'Brien The book delves into the plot against Lincoln's life prior to his inauguration and the role of newspapers in spreading disinformation.

The War for Public Opinion by David B. Sachsman An examination of Civil War era journalists, publishers, and newspapers reveals the power struggle between government control and press freedom.

Freedom's Press by Gregory A. Borchard A study of the relationship between Lincoln's administration and newspaper editors during the Civil War illuminates the birth of modern political media.

Words at War by James M. McPherson This investigation of Northern and Southern newspapers during the Civil War demonstrates how both sides used media as a weapon.

🔹 During Lincoln's presidency, over 300 newspapers were shut down or suppressed by the federal government, marking one of the largest crackdowns on press freedom in U.S. history. 🔹 The book focuses heavily on the story of Democratic newspaper editor John Hodgson, whose Chicago Times was shut down by military order in 1863 for criticizing Lincoln's war policies. 🔹 Author Jeffrey Manber previously served as CEO of MirCorp, which operated Russia's Mir Space Station, making him an unusual choice to tackle Civil War era history. 🔹 The suppression of newspapers during the Civil War was done without direct Congressional approval, instead relying on military authority and Lincoln's suspension of habeas corpus. 🔹 The Chicago Times shutdown sparked such public outrage that Lincoln was forced to reverse the military order within three days, though many other newspapers remained closed throughout the war.