Customer Reviews

Pen of Fire: John Moncure Daniel

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I'm uncertain anyone could do a better job with the life of this controversial mid-nineteenth century figure, best known for his editorship of the RICHMOND EXAMINER, during the Civil War. Author Bridges concentrates a great deal more, however, on his diplomatic career of the 1850's, than on the portion of his life better known. Having just completed the work, I feel I've come "to know" Mr. Daniel fairly well, and, though it's difficult, in these 21st Century days, to agree with much of what he wrote, the man has proven more likeable than I'd thought possible. Daniel accomplished a great deal, in his thirty-nine years, and it's, I would say, impossible not to admire him for that. I think this excellent biography, alongside Frederick Daniel's THE RICHMOND EXAMINER DURING THE WAR, now completes the historical record of the opinionated journalist, diplomat, and military officer. I recommend it.