Lincoln's Forgotten Ally: Judge Advocate General Joseph Holt of Kentucky (Civil War America)
"Leonard has done a great service to Holt and to modern readers by releasing his story from its reconciliationist captives. Holt's commitment to the Union. . . . reclaims the central tenet of Lincoln's willingness to go to war: preservation of the Union."--Journal of the North Carolina Association of Historians"A captivating biography of Joseph Holt. . . . Displaying the dexterity of an accomplished historian, Leonard reconstructs Holt's personal life to reveal a fascinating portrait of the type of representative--but not "great"--man who was instrumental in constructing the modern American nation." --The Annals of Iowa"A well-written and compelling biography. . . . Leonard skillfully illuminates, in a readable and engaging fashion, aspects of Holt and his world. . . . A useful book, both for the classroom and a popular audience."--Southern Historian"A model of scholarly biography."--Journal of the Illinois State Historical Society"[A] well-written, scholarly, and well-documented book. . . . Highly recommended for both academic and general readers interested in the Civil War, Reconstruction, the Lincoln assassination, and legal history."--The Register of the Kentucky Historical Society"[With] Leonard's skillful research and careful assessment. . . . Joseph Holt will no longer remain an obscure figure."--Journal of American History"Leonard skillfully and meticulously reconstructs Holt's 87-year life . . . . Judge Advocate General Holt will no longer be forgotten."--Civil War Book Review"An outstanding example of how even a diffident life like Holt's can be made emblematic of great themes in an era of great conflict."--Civil War News"Leonard's book is biography at its best in that it illustrates, informs, and deepens the written history of the American people and one's understanding of human nature."--Journal of Illinois History"[Leonard] has admirably brought Holt to life. . . . A sympathetic and sensible reading of a difficult personality and the making of federal legal power, recommended for serious readers and university libraries."--Library Journal