Mr. Lincoln's High-tech War
Starred Review. Grade 5 Up—This volume examines Lincoln's lifelong interest in technology and inventions and how he introduced these "new and useful things" to the nation. The 19th century saw transformations in transportation and industry, and many of these innovations were utilized by the North in its victory over the South. Offering an overview of the war, the book presents chapters on topics including Lincoln's pre-inauguration train trip to Washington in February 1861, the North's Anaconda Plan for blockading Southern ports, surveillance balloons, the ironclads, new guns and ammunition, and—most importantly—the telegraph and railroads. The lively, well-researched text makes it clear that Lincoln grasped the concept of "total war" and did not hesitate to exploit the latest know-how to ensure victory. Nineteenth-century photos, reproductions, and political cartoons appear throughout, each with an informative caption. Time lines and numerous sidebars treating topics such as the Emancipation Proclamation or Morse code are also included. An outstanding section of online resources sifts out sites of "especially high value." This book is a vital addition to the Lincoln shelf and an exceptional and novel approach for students investigating the Civil War.—Patricia Ann Owens, Wabash Valley College, Mt. Carmel, ILCopyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.