Manhunt CD [Abridged, Audiobook] [Audio CD]

James L. Swanson (Author), Richard Thomas (Reader)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 7, 2006

The murder of Abraham Lincoln set off the greatest manhunt in American history -- the pursuit and capture of John Wilkes Booth. From April 14 to April 26, 1865, the assassin led Union cavalry troops on a wild, twelve-day chase from the streets of Washington, D.C., across the swamps of Maryland, and into the forests of Virginia.

At the very center of this story is John Wilkes Booth, Americas notorious villain. A confederate sympathizer and member of a celebrated acting family, Booth threw away his fame, wealth, and promise for a chance to avenge the Souths defeat. For almost two weeks, he confounded the manhunters, slipping away from their every move and denying the justice they sought.

Manhunt is a fully documented work, but it is also a fascinating tale of murder, intrigue, and betrayal. A gripping hour-by-hour account told through the eyes of the hunted and the hunters, this is history as youve never read it before.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Thomas has done many solid jobs of acting in all mediums since his television days on The Waltons, but it's the memories of the wide open American country tones of his flexible voice that add immeasurably to his reading of the audio version of Swanson's intensive new book about the assassination of Abraham Lincoln and the full-throttle hunt for the conspirators who planned and carried out the deed. Thomas's nuanced but never hyped narration serves as a seamless link between the words of the individual characters he brings to life. Some of the voices work better than others: his Lincoln is perhaps a bit too young and straightforward, especially compared to the darker, richer oratory of actors connected to the role such as Raymond Massey. But his John Wilkes Booth is just about perfect, catching the desperation and increasing lunacy of an actor getting ready for his role in history. And the other major characters—plotters, hunters, politicians, distraught family members—all bring a familiar story to exciting new life.
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About the Author

James Swanson is the Edgar Award-winning author of the New York Times bestseller Manhunt: The 12-Day Chase for Lincoln’s Killer. Born on Lincoln’s birthday, he has studied and collected books, documents, photographs, art, and artifacts from Abraham Lincoln’s life—and death—since he was ten years old.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Audio CD
• Publisher: HarperAudio; Abridged edition (February 7, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0060738359
• ISBN-13: 978-0060738358
• Product Dimensions: 5.8 x 5.3 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.9 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #114,078 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #26 in Books > Books on CD > History > United States

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Story--Keeps you rivited even though you know the outcome!, April 23, 2006

By 

John Dorman (Houston, Texas USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Manhunt CD (Audio CD)

You'll learn many fascinating facts about the conspiracy to assassinate Lincoln (and others) in this fast-paced, well written book. From Dr. Mudd's actual involvement with Booth, to the escape route, to Secretary of War Stanton's actions after the death of Lincoln.

A must for non-fiction readers.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars AMAZING, December 5, 2007

By 

Terrence Curran (Central NJ, United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Manhunt CD (Audio CD)

An absolutely captivating story. I knew the basics before but the detail by James Swanson and the wonderful performance by Richard Thomas made the story come alive. I have listened to many books on CD but this is the first one I have written a review on because it deserves it. Anyone interested in American History should listen to this book.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Manhunt CD:The 12-day Chase for Lincoln's Killer, January 11, 2007

By 

CCC One Putt (Boston, MA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Manhunt CD (Audio CD)

Hard to believe that a story so well known to every American school child can be so riveting. Historically entertaining and educationally engaging this CD is a must listen.