Award-winning biography of John Wilkes Booth by internationally-recognized authority on the Lincoln assassination; historian and author Terry Alford.2016 Abraham Lincoln Institute Book Award Winner2016 Theatre Library Association George Freedley Memorial Book Award Winner for Exceptional Scholarship on Live Theatre or Performance2016 Los Angeles Times Book Prize Finalist for Best Biography2016 National Book Critics Circle Book Prize Finalist for Best Biography2016 Mississippi Institute of Arts and Letters Award Finalist for Best NonfictionWith a single shot from a pistol small enough to conceal in his hand; John Wilkes Booth catapulted into history on the night of April 14; 1865. The assassination of President Abraham Lincoln stunned a nation that was just emerging from the chaos and calamity of the Civil War; and the president's untimely death altered the trajectory of postwar history. But to those who knew Booth; the event was even more shocking-for no one could have imagined that this fantastically gifted actor and well-liked man could commit such an atrocity. In Fortune's Fool; Terry Alford provides the first comprehensive look at the life of an enigmatic figure whose life has been overshadowed by his final; infamous act. Tracing Booth's story from his uncertain childhood in Maryland; characterized by a difficult relationship with his famous actor father; to his successful acting career on stages across the country; Alford offers a nuanced picture of Booth as a public figure; performer; and deeply troubled man. Despite the fame and success that attended Booth's career--he was billed at one point as "the youngest star in the world"--he found himself consumed by the Confederate cause and the desire to help the South win its independence. Alford reveals the tormented path that led Booth to conclude; as the Confederacy collapsed in April 1865; that the only way to revive the South and punish the North for the war would be to murder Lincoln--whatever the cost to himself or others. The textured and compelling narrative gives new depth to the familiar events at Ford's Theatre and the aftermath that followed; culminating in Booth's capture and death at the hands of Union soldiers 150 years ago. Based on original research into government archives; historical libraries; and family records; Fortune's Fool offers the definitive portrait of John Wilkes Booth.
#233394 in Books Terrence Des Pres 1980-02-07Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 5.31 x .49 x 8.00l; .43 #File Name: 0195027035240 pagesThe Survivor An Anatomy of Life in the Death Camps
Review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Profound and powerful read about overcoming overwhelming physical and mental ...By steve styersProfound and powerful read about overcoming overwhelming physical and mental atrocities. Anyone who reads this and walks away still delving in on one's life obstacles; missed one of the major points of this book.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Simple survival was a heroic act.By sfcapeAnswered some questions I had about survival in the camps. Dignity was a saving grace; but sometimes choices were made that caused others to perish. Author was a bit heavy handed explaining the communist triumph of the survivors; only groups survived; individual effort was suicidal; politicos were first in line for best clothes; food; God was declared guilty of Nazi atrocities.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Well worth the emotionally difficult readBy FourierDetailed description of the essential elements of character needed to survive murderous prisons; mainly the Nazi concentration camps and the Soviet Gulag. They are surprising. Every man for himself did not work. An appreciation for life; and a willingness to help when possible; are two of the surprising traits that emerge.Highly recommended. First part is relatively uninteresting. Keep going.
