Book · 2007 · Assassination
Manhunt
The 12-day Chase for Abraham Lincoln's Killer
Why people recommend it
Manhunt by James L. Swanson is a historical non-fiction account detailing the twelve-day pursuit of John Wilkes Booth following the assassination of Abraham Lincoln. When appearing on The Ezra Klein Show for an episode titled Should Trump Be Barred From the Ballot?, which aired on January 12, 2024, David French recommended the book. Addressing history enthusiasts in the audience, French described the publication as a twelve-day chase for Lincoln's killer written by James Swanson. He remarked that upon picking up the book and beginning to read, it immediately evokes the feeling of reading a script for a television crime drama, noting the compelling way the narrative unfolds. French used the recommendation to highlight the engaging, fast-paced nature of Swanson's historical writing, drawing listeners in with the promise of a true story told with the gripping momentum of a criminal procedural. The discussion of the book provided a vivid historical diversion within the broader political and legal conversation of the podcast episode.
Who recommended it
- David French Recommended
David French — 1 mention
“and then the next book is um back to your history Buffs and it's called Manhunt uh 12-day Chase for Lincoln's killer and it's by James Swanson and if you pick it up you start reading it and you realize it feels like I'm reading almost like a a script for a television crime drama it sort of takes the”