Killing Lincoln is a historical non-fiction book written by Bill O’Reilly and Martin Dugard. The book explores the events leading up to the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln and the aftermath of his death. The book is well-researched and provides an in-depth look at the life of Lincoln and the events that led to his untimely death. The book is divided into several chapters, each focusing on a different aspect of Lincoln’s life or the events leading up to his assassination.
Chapter Summaries
Chapter 1: The Fateful Journey
The first chapter of Killing Lincoln sets the stage for the events that follow. The chapter begins with a brief overview of Lincoln’s life and his rise to the presidency. The chapter then shifts to focus on John Wilkes Booth, a famous actor who was also a Confederate sympathizer. Booth became obsessed with the idea of assassinating Lincoln and spent several years planning the perfect murder. The chapter ends with Booth’s decision to assassinate Lincoln and his plan to do so during a performance of the play Our American Cousin at Ford’s Theatre.
Chapter 2: The Plot Unfolds
The second chapter of Killing Lincoln focuses on the events leading up to the assassination. The chapter provides a detailed account of the events that occurred during the performance of Our American Cousin. Booth was able to sneak into the presidential box and shoot Lincoln at point-blank range. The chapter also discusses the reaction of the audience and the efforts of those around Lincoln to save his life. Despite their efforts, Lincoln died the next morning.
Chapter 3: The Manhunt Begins
The third chapter of Killing Lincoln focuses on the manhunt that followed the assassination. Booth was able to escape from Washington, D.C., and make his way to Virginia. He was eventually cornered in a barn and killed by Union soldiers. The chapter also discusses the capture and trial of several other conspirators who were involved in the plot to assassinate Lincoln.
Chapter 4: The Aftermath
The fourth chapter of Killing Lincoln focuses on the aftermath of the assassination. The chapter discusses the impact of Lincoln’s death on the nation and the world. Lincoln’s death was a shock to the nation and many people were left feeling lost and disoriented. The chapter also discusses the efforts of those who were close to Lincoln to preserve his legacy and ensure that his vision for the nation was not lost.
Conclusion
Killing Lincoln is a fascinating look at the life of Abraham Lincoln and the events that led to his assassination. The book is well-researched and provides an in-depth look at the events that occurred during this tumultuous time in American history. The book is divided into several chapters, each focusing on a different aspect of Lincoln’s life or the events leading up to his assassination. Overall, Killing Lincoln is a must-read for anyone interested in American history or the life of Abraham Lincoln.
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