Had People magazine been around during the Civil War and after; Kate Chase would have made its “Most Beautiful†and “Most Intriguing†lists every year. The charismatic daughter of Salmon P. Chase; Lincoln's treasury secretary; Kate Chase enjoyed unprecedented political power for a woman. As her widowed father's hostess; she set up a rival “court†against Mary Lincoln in hopes of making her father president and herself his First Lady. To facilitate that goal; she married one of the richest men in the country; the handsome “boy governor†of Rhode Island; in the social event of the Civil War. She moved easily between the worlds of high fashion; adorning herself in the most regal Parisian gowns; and politics; managing her father's presidential campaigns. "No Queen has ever reigned under the Stars and Stripes;" one newspaper would write; "but this remarkable woman came closer to being a Queen than any American woman has."But when William Sprague turned out to be less of a prince as a husband; Kate found comfort in the arms of a powerful married senator. The ensuing sex scandal ended her virtual royalty; after the marriage crumbled and the money disappeared; she was left only with her children and her ever-proud bearing. She became a social outcast and died in poverty; yet in her final years she would find both greater authenticity and the inner peace that had always eluded her.Kate Chase's dramatic story is one of ambition and tragedy; set against the seductive allure of the Civil War and Gilded Age; involving some of the most famous personalities in American history. In this beautifully written and meticulously researched biography; drawing on much unpublished material; John Oller captures the extraordinary life of a woman who was a century ahead of her time.
#1346901 in Books Scott Bowden Bill Ward 2003-06-05 2003-06-05Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.00 x 1.45 x 5.99l; 2.00 #File Name: 0306812614640 pagesISBN13: 9780306812613Condition: NewNotes: BRAND NEW FROM PUBLISHER! 100% Satisfaction Guarantee. Tracking provided on most orders. Buy with Confidence! Millions of books sold!
Review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Interesting PerspectiveBy Marc WardMost books about Gettysburg; whether intentional or not; approach the battle from a Union perspective. Because this book is from the Confederate point of view it was an interesting and sometimes fascinating read. While I'm still not convinced that there is a difference between a discretionary order and an order with discretion; regarding Ewell's inaction on the evening of the 1st of July; I appreciate the authors' argument. I do agree with the author's regarding Stuart's recalcitrant behavior in ranging far and wide rather than staying close to Ewell's right flank in the days leading up to the battle (take that for what it is worth!) The authors also argue that the loss was not Lee's fault but that of his subordinates and even his superior; Jefferson Davis. A lot of interesting "what ifs" to ponder. Belongs on the bookshelf of every student of Gettysburg.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Last Chance is a great studyBy Ronald M. AbbottGreat book... General Lee was a study of the Tactical Arts from leaders like Napoleon. He was always working his battle plan on where he could unhinge or dislodge his opponent. I think the study further shows the situation the confederates were in; the clock was running against them and Lee needed a decisive victory.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Great book!By Jason GriffithI have read a lot of books about Gettysburg; but this is by far the best yet! Great read! Very thought provoking!
