Customer Reviews

Lincoln and the Tools of War

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This book examines President Abraham Lincoln's efforts to encourage the Union military to be open to new technology that could give the Union military an advantage on the battlefield during the Civil War.

The fascinating aspect of the book is the author's presentation of the very human side of the story behind the military technology and weaponry. The author does not provide a dry, sterile survey of inventions and proposed military technology during the Civil War. Rather, the author sets forth an engaging and lively portrayal of President Abraham Lincoln and the personalities, character traits, and idiosyncracies of the many people -- both military personnel and civilians -- involved in the invention, development, testing, selection or rejection, and production of many weapons and would-be weapons that were offered to the Union during the Civil War. The people involved, not the technology and weapons, are the primary focus of this book.

I recommend this book for anyone: (1) interested in the history of military technology and weapons; (2) looking for a book that examines a different aspect of the Civil War; (3) studying the human element in the success or failure of military innovation; or (4) seeking a different perspective on President Abraham Lincoln.