Ways and Means tells the story of how Abraham Lincoln and his cabinet managed to finance the Civil War without resorting to crippling taxes or printing money. Historian Roger Lowenstein provides a detailed account of the complex financial maneuvers undertaken by Lincoln and his advisors, including Jay Cooke, Salmon Chase, and Edwin Stanton. He also explores the ways in which fiscal policy shaped Union strategy on the battlefield.
For who is this book for ?
This book is for history enthusiasts who are interested in the Civil War and how Lincoln and his cabinet managed to finance it without resorting to crippling taxes or printing money.
Pros :
- The author provides a detailed account of the complex financial maneuvers undertaken by Lincoln and his advisors.
- The book explores how fiscal policy shaped Union strategy on the battlefield.
- This is an interesting, well written book about an important but often overlooked topic in history
Cons :
- It is a dense and detailed history book that may be difficult for some readers to follow
- It offers a unique perspective on the Civil War that goes beyond battles and strategy
- The author has done an impressive amount of research in order to provide a comprehensive account
Learn more about the author
Roger Lowenstein is the author of six previous books, including Origins of the Crash and Buffett: The Making of an American Capitalist. He has written extensively for magazines and newspapers, including The New York Times, Newsweek, Time, Fortune, Slate, and National Geographic.
Reader Reviews
“An insightful and impeccably researched account of the Civil War’s financing.”
“Ways and Means is a must-read for anyone interested in Lincoln, the Civil War, or American financial history. Lowenstein has produced a gripping narrative that brings these complex topics to life.”
“Ways and Means is a beautifully written and exhaustively researched account of the financial side of the Civil War. Roger Lowenstein has done an amazing job bringing to life the complex story of how Lincoln and his cabinet raised money to finance one of the most bloody wars in American history. Anyone interested in American history, or in how governments operate, will find this book fascinating.”
“Clearly written and admirably concise, this volume offers a compendium of financial history pertinent to the Civil War period.”