Writing history is a daunting task. It requires exhaustive research and the ability to properly illustrate events that transpired decades or even centuries ago. In doing so, the historian must bring a sense of immediacy to the writing.

Erik Larson is an accomplished author who has brought unique and interesting historical events to life on the pages of his nonfiction books. In THE DEVIL IN THE WHITE CITY, he combined the story of the World's Columbian Exposition and a serial killer to capture the emerging city of Chicago at the end of the 19th century. THE SPLENDID AND THE VILE focused on the lives of the people of England as they defended their nation and the world from Nazi fascism. In these and other published accounts, Larson presents history in rich detail, complete with heroes, villains and a great deal of suspense.

"Erik Larson recreates history skillfully. Reading his vivid portrayals, you sometimes forget that he is presenting facts and actual events."

THE DEMON OF UNREST had Larson’s normal inspiration --- a desire to weave documents and written recollections into an account of an important historical event --- but he also had this on his mind: “I was well into my research on the saga of Fort Sumter and the advent of the American Civil War when the events of January 6, 2021, took place. As I watched the Capitol assault unfold on camera, I had the eerie feeling that present and past had merged.”

The book begins in Springfield, Illinois, on November 6, 1860, as Lincoln’s campaign office receives updates on the presidential election. The Sangamon County Courthouse was the city’s only polling place, and Lincoln walked a few blocks from his home to vote. In this four-candidate race, he was perceived as the frontrunner. As the evening progressed, Lincoln's victory became clear. It also was quite evident that the result would be met with resistance across southern states.

Lincoln assumed office on March 4, 1861, and Fort Sumter was attacked on April 12, 1861. In the five months since Lincoln was elected, America slowly marched toward conflict and civil war that would result in the deaths of more combatants than any war in American history.

Most of us associate the Civil War with such major figures as Lincoln, Ulysses S. Grant, Jefferson Davis and Robert E. Lee. But Larson’s history introduces readers to many of the lesser-known participants in the events that led to the commencement of the war and the secession of southern states. THE DEMON OF UNREST includes material on Major Robert Anderson, the commander of the small Union garrison at Fort Sumter, and Edward Ruffin, a Virginian who worked tirelessly to promote secession. Ruffin argued that the South was even more oppressed by the North than the early colonists had been by the British before the American Revolution. One observer called him “a fiery agent of disunion.”

Lincoln’s election may have been the final step leading to the Civil War. However, the political tension caused by slavery and states’ rights was exacerbated by misunderstandings, egos and codes of honor that reasonable men of the times could have avoided simply by exhibiting cool and logical behavior.

Erik Larson recreates history skillfully. Reading his vivid portrayals, you sometimes forget that he is presenting facts and actual events. THE DEMON OF UNREST is more than history. It is a cautionary tale reminding readers how fragile and frail democracy is and how it must be vigilantly protected.