A wonderful biography of a very complex and influential figure in the American Civil War. Edwin Stanton was a highly intelligent, controversial lawyer brought into Lincoln's cabinent as Secretary of War; one of the most effective and capable war ministers in history. The book follows Stanton from his early career as a successful attorney (meeting a less successful lawyer from Illinois named A. Lincoln at one point), through his involvement with the nascent Republican Party, to his selection and activities as Secretary. It also chronicles Stanton's change of opinion towards Lincoln; at first dismissive of Lincoln's intellect and capabilities ("I will make Abraham Lincoln President of the United States") Stanton gained a greater understanding and appreciation of Lincoln's qualities over time. Pratt also follows Stanton's post-war career, which was less dramatic but no less interesting. ( )