Covers the time period from Lincoln’s election to the Confederacy’s taking of Fort Sumter. Rich descriptions of key figures on the different sides of what became the Civil War. Lots of details gleaned from personal papers and diaries. The story moves along quickly.  I gained a better understanding of white southern culture and how they validated slavery in their minds and rhetoric. Edmund Ruffin, a prominent secessionist, will haunt me for awhile. Anderson’s holding of Sumpter for so long and with so little support also demonstrates his valor and sense of duty. Glad to read another Erik Larson book. Thanks to my public library for having this title on its book mobile when I visited.