The Demon of Unrest

A Saga of Hubris, Heartbreak, and Heroism at the Dawn of the Civil War

By: Erik Larson

Narrated by: Will Patton, Erik Larson

Length: 17 hrs and 18 mins

Publisher's summary

#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • The author of The Splendid and the Vile brings to life the pivotal five months between the election of Abraham Lincoln and the start of the Civil War in this “riveting reexamination of a nation in tumult” (Los Angeles Times).

“A feast of historical insight and narrative verve . . . This is Erik Larson at his best, enlivening even a thrice-told tale into an irresistible thriller.”—The Wall Street Journal

On November 6, 1860, Abraham Lincoln became the fluky victor in a tight race for president. The country was bitterly at odds; Southern extremists were moving ever closer to destroying the Union, with one state after another seceding and Lincoln powerless to stop them. Slavery fueled the conflict, but somehow the passions of North and South came to focus on a lonely federal fortress in Charleston Harbor: Fort Sumter.

Master storyteller Erik Larson offers a gripping account of the chaotic months between Lincoln’s election and the Confederacy’s shelling of Sumter—a period marked by tragic errors and miscommunications, enflamed egos and craven ambitions, personal tragedies and betrayals. Lincoln himself wrote that the trials of these five months were “so great that, could I have anticipated them, I would not have believed it possible to survive them.”

At the heart of this suspense-filled narrative are Major Robert Anderson, Sumter’s commander and a former slave owner sympathetic to the South but loyal to the Union; Edmund Ruffin, a vain and bloodthirsty radical who stirs secessionist ardor at every opportunity; and Mary Boykin Chesnut, wife of a prominent planter, conflicted over both marriage and slavery and seeing parallels between them. In the middle of it all is the overwhelmed Lincoln, battling with his duplicitous secretary of state, William Seward, as he tries desperately to avert a war that he fears is inevitable—one that will eventually kill 750,000 Americans.

Drawing on diaries, secret communiques, slave ledgers, and plantation records, Larson gives us a political horror story that captures the forces that led America to the brink—a dark reminder that we often don’t see a cataclysm coming until it’s too late.

©2024 Crown (P)2024 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

“Larson, one of today’s pre-eminent nonfiction storytellers, trawls a variety of archives to explore the historically momentous months between Abraham Lincoln’s election and the Battle of Fort Sumter.”—The New York Times

“Perhaps no other historian has ever rendered the struggle for Sumter in such authoritative detail as Larson does here. . . . Few historians, too, have done a better job of untangling the web of intrigues and counter-intrigues that helped provoke the eventual attack and surrender.”—The Washington Post

“A feast of historical insight and narrative verve . . . Larson’s great gift is his uncanny ability to spin a chronological story whose ending we already know—secession, rebellion, victory, emancipation and assassination—yet keep the narrative as crisp and suspenseful as an Anthony Horowitz suspense novel. . . . This is Erik Larson at his best, enlivening even a thrice-told tale into an irresistible thriller.”—The Wall Street Journal

Narration was so irritating!

Very glad to hear this story but wish it was narrated by someone else. Patton's attempts at female voices as well as British and French accents were almost laughable if not so irritating.

Answered questions about Lincoln and the Civil War that I had not thought to ask.

Somewhat put off by Patterson’s whispery voice. His efforts to convey the speaker’s voice when reading direct quotes were spot on.
Larson’s writing is compelling even though we already know the basic story. The details he provides are impressive and add immeasurably to the historical context.

Too Close To South

The history and storytelling is fascinating. However, I felt he glamorized the successionist south and left out the tragedy of human suffering felt by slaves. So for me as much as I enjoy this author, he shortchanged or maybe it was his editor that shortchanged history by not including more, in detail the cruel punishment by slaveholders. For every writing by this Mary Chestnut you would have found the writings of slaves to include in your chronology. May we learn to live authenticly and harmoniously. May our freedoms be preserved without more bloodshed.

No Saving Grace

It’s an illuminating story with its focus on Fort Sumter — but so incredibly sad in every way I can think of in terms of human loss on both sides and the abysmal treatment of slaves, even after they were freed. The damage from the Civil War continues to play out today and I wonder if we will escape it. No one comes out looking good in this story, perhaps with the exception of Major Anderson who commanded the fort. The book was hard to stick with despite great research and narrative.

Portending

This might be his best yet. Deep dive into the heart of the beginging of the United States Civil War. Details of Lincoln's election and the intrigue which followed, bear remarkable similarties to recent events intrigue. Time will tell whether today's has a softer landing.

Well done

A well put together audio book. Reader was excellent. I especially liked how it was an almost day by day account, and was read as such. If you like civil war history, this book is certainly one not to miss.

Amazing account of the America’s march towards Civil War

Wonderful listen for any history enthusiasts of the days and months leading up to the start of America’s Civil War. A fascinating look at antebellum America.

The Story Behind Sumter

Sumter to me was simply where the first shot was fired, but Larson brings to light all that led to it.

A personalized view of an historic topic.

Phenomenal writing, as usual. It was so gripping I just kissed the rest of my life goodbye until I finished it. The reader was superb- loved it all!

Larson does it again!

Once again Eric Larson has written a captivating, turn pager! I highly recommend this book which will appeal to both Civil War historians and casual readers.