Seward: Lincoln's Indispensable Man
“[A] masterly new biography . . . [of] one of the most influential and polarizing American politicians of the nineteenth century.” (The New Yorker)“This magnificent biography finally provides what William Henry Seward so justly deserves—a full, terrific and complex portrait of his endlessly fascinating life.” (Doris Kearns Goodwin, author of Team of Rivals)“Walter Stahr’s new biography offers an overdue reminder of the much broader scope of [Seward’s] work.” (The Economist)“Stahr gives Seward his due in this intelligent and illuminating biography of one of the most important political figures of the 19th century. . . . He wasn't just Lincoln's indispensable man; throughout his career Seward was an indispensable man to the nation as well.” (Huffington Post)“This formidable figure has finally gained the biographer he’s long deserved…a first-rate biography.” (Publishers Weekly, starred review)“This highly readable biography, based on thorough research in original sources, effectively shows that Seward deserves more fame as a patriot-statesman than he has traditionally enjoyed.” (The Wall Street Journal)"Politician, diplomat, raconteur, a figure of controversy and power, Seward has finally found a biographer equal to his importance.” (James McPherson, author of Battle Cry of Freedom: The Civil War Era)“In this fine volume, Walter Stahr has rendered a signal service by resurrecting the life of the often neglected William Henry Seward. His sweeping portrait of the long-standing Secretary of State is always lucid, engaging, scrupulously fair-minded, and deeply researched. This biography stands as a valuable addition to the rich literature of American politics in the mid-nineteenth century.” (Ron Chernow, author of Washington: A Life)