The Lincoln Murder Conspiracies (Paperback)

by William Hanchett (Author) "THE SHOCK AND MOURNING that followed Abraham Lincoln's assassination were profound and widespread, and the martyred president quickly became the most beloved of American heroes..." (more)
Key Phrases: abduction plot, grand conspiracy theory, simple conspiracy, War Department, John Wilkes, United States (more...)

Product Details

• Paperback: 328 pages
• Publisher: University of Illinois Press (September 1, 1989)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0252013611
• ISBN-13: 978-0252013614
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 5.9 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #727,103 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An important contribution to Lincoln assassination study, March 24, 2000

By	Scott E. Rosenau (Hanover, PA United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Since the day Lincoln was assassinated, many theories have emerged about who was the mastermind behind the plot. Among the accused have been members of the Confederate government, including Jefferson Davis, the Catholic Church and members of Lincoln's own Cabinet.

Hanchett examines these conspiracy theories and the people who put forward the theories in an attempt to find out if a higher authority, civil or religious, ordered John Wilkes Booth and his co-conspirators to kill Lincoln and members of his Cabinet. By examining each theory individually as well as the motives behind those who suggested the theories, Hanchett does an excellent job of refuting some of the more unlikely theories.

3.0 out of 5 stars Beyond the Whodunit, January 12, 2009

By	Randy Keehn (Williston, ND United States) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

My son bought me this book when he was at Ford's Theater because he knew I am a history buff. I'm thankful for the gift although I mistakenly let it sit on the shelf a bit too long. The author, William Hanchett is up front about what the purpose of the book is. His is not an account of the event so much as a focus on the political passions of the times and an analysis of the accounts of the assassination from the time of the event up to modern times. Following along those lines, this is a very good book. The author deserves credit for not wallowing in academic prose; "The Lincoln Murder Conspiracies" is a very readable book. Hanchett evaluates the various conspiracy theories that emerged from such a monumental event in US History and there are some interesting theories out there. Just the other day a learned friend of mine commented about Edwin Stanton's likely involvement in Lincoln's death. I ought to let him read this book. Then again, maybe not since conspiracy theories make for more interesting history. However, I'm glad I read this book. I rated it "Good" because it IS good. I've read too many "Very Good" and "Outstanding" books to rate everything else that way. Likewise, I've read enough academic prose to know how even the most compelling events in history can be a bore to read about. The bottom line on "The Lincoln Murder Conspiracies" is; if you want to know about Lincoln's Assassination, this is the place to start and, depending on your attraction to conspiracy theories, it may also be the place to end.

10 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Finally, Some Historical SANITY, June 11, 2004

By	Peter Stines (Anahuac, Texas USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I've had it with all these idiotic "conspiracy books" that flood the market. If it's not JFK, it's space aliens and "black helicopters" and sad to say, Abraham Lincoln is not imune to the lunacy. But for the SERIOUS student, here is a book that dispells all of the dribble concerning the assassination of our 16th president. The author takes on each of these wacked out theories and disects them. BRAVO! The most laughable ones concern the Vatican's involvement as well as the European bankers. When in doubt, blame the Catholic church or the rich was the montra in America during the late 1930's and '40's. I'm neither rich, nor Catholic, so I have no axe to grind. Oh, I'm sure the "believers" will continue this psychophantic devotion to blaming Stanton, Andrew Johnson, et al. But face it, Booth was a basket case and he destroyed any attempt at a peaceful reconstruction after the war. What really amazes me is how this hack actor managed to pull off the murder with such a motley collection of mental idiots and buffoons. Booth's derringer was of larger caliber than their collective I.Q. If you are tired of the nonsence of conspiracy theories and want to deal in solid fact, read this book.