Killing Lincoln Book Summary - Killing Lincoln Book explained in key points
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Killing Lincoln summary

The Shocking Assassination that Changed America Forever

4.3 (80 ratings)
14 mins

Brief summary

Killing Lincoln by Bill O'Reilly and Martin Dugard is a historical book that details the events leading up to and following President Lincoln's assassination. It provides a vivid account of the conspiracy behind the assassination and the immediate aftermath of the tragedy.

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    Killing Lincoln
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    It’s April 1865, the end of American Civil War is in sight, but a conspiracy against President Lincoln looms.

    Let’s travel back in time to 1865 and the first days of April. At this time, the United States had been struggling through four violent years of civil war, ever since eleven Southern states had decided to secede and form the Confederacy in an effort to preserve the practice of slavery.

    For four bloody years, Confederate and Union forces had been engaged in brutal combat, while the Union president, Abraham Lincoln, continued to hold on to his hopes for reunification.

    That April, Lincoln’s hopes seemed about to come true; an end to the bloodshed was finally in sight.

    The years of fighting were taking a toll on the dwindling number of soldiers fighting under Confederate general Robert E. Lee. Of the 50,000 men remaining, only 35,000 could still fight, and these men were weary and miserable after months of endless combat.

    Meanwhile, Union general Ulysses S. Grant had around 200,000 men at his disposal and a thousand more canons than his Confederate counterpart. So when the Union forces took Richmond, Virginia, the capital of the Confederacy, it was clear that the war was all but finished.

    However, the end of the Civil War was the beginning of the assassination plots against Abraham Lincoln.

    There were so many angry Southerners that some people believed it was only a matter of when, not if, the president would be assassinated.

    One such Southerner was John Wilkes Booth, who believed that drastic action must be taken if slavery, and the southern way of life, was to be preserved. Booth believed that, if Robert E. Lee failed, it was up to men like him to carry on the fight for the Confederacy.

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    What is Killing Lincoln about?

    Killing Lincoln (2011) tells the story behind the assassination of president Abraham Lincoln, which took place in 1865, shortly after the Confederate army had surrendered, effectively putting an end to the US Civil War. Learn all about the conspirators who plotted the killing, what their motives were and the details surrounding the fateful night at Ford’s Theater.

    Killing Lincoln Review

    Killing Lincoln (2011) is a gripping historical account that delves into the events surrounding Abraham Lincoln's assassination. You should definitely read this book because:

    • It provides a detailed narrative of the events leading up to and following Lincoln's death, offering a comprehensive understanding of this pivotal moment in history.
    • By weaving in compelling anecdotes and historical context, the book brings the characters to life and immerses readers in the drama of the time.
    • The authors' meticulous research and attention to detail make the book a captivating read, ensuring that it is anything but boring.

    Best quote from Killing Lincoln

    If Im killed I can die but once. – Abraham Lincoln

    —Bill O’Reilly and Martin Dugard
    example alt text

    Who should read Killing Lincoln?

    • History buffs
    • Readers curious about Lincoln’s assassination
    • Civil War fanatics

    About the Author

    Bill O’Reilly is best known for his political commentary show, The O’Reilly Factor, on Fox News. He is also the coauthor of a series of historical books, including Killing Kennedy, Killing Reagan and Killing Jesus.

    Martin Dugard is an American author and journalist. With Bill O’Reilly, he coauthored Killing Kennedy, Killing Reagan and Killing Jesus.

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    Killing Lincoln FAQs 

    What is the main message of Killing Lincoln?

    The main message of Killing Lincoln is a gripping account of the assassination of Abraham Lincoln and its impact on American history.

    How long does it take to read Killing Lincoln?

    The reading time for Killing Lincoln varies depending on the reader, but it typically takes several hours to read the book. However, you can read the Blinkist summary in just 15 minutes.

    Is Killing Lincoln a good book? Is it worth reading?

    Killing Lincoln is a compelling read for history buffs. It offers a detailed narrative and sheds light on a pivotal moment in American history.

    Who is the author of Killing Lincoln?

    The authors of Killing Lincoln are Bill O'Reilly and Martin Dugard.

    What to read after Killing Lincoln?

    If you're wondering what to read next after Killing Lincoln, here are some recommendations we suggest:
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    • New Cold Wars by David E. Sanger
    • The Volunteer by Jack Fairweather
    • Jerusalem by Simon Sebag Montefiore
    • The Autobiography of Malcolm X by Alex Haley
    • The Spy and the Traitor by Ben Macintyre