Guy Gugliotta
Hill and Wang
Hardcover, $35.00
February 28, 2012
978-0809046812
FREEDOM'S CAP is a remarkable historical narrative about the building of the nation’s capitol with a simultaneous counterpoint to the tearing down of the Union. Gugliotta outlines the political parties and their platforms with clear prose. As 1850 unfolds, the divisions that exist among the North and South are complex, yet Gugliotta crafts a unique package of history and intrigue that shows this writer’s artistry.
Personalities step out and breathe as he captures the political battles in Congress. The subterfuge among the three key men responsible for the magnificent building would make an ideal movie. Montgomery Meigs and Thomas Walter battled for credit and control. Until Jefferson Davis left Washington to lead the Confederacy, he was the most steadfast supporter of the project. It was an ongoing battle of wills and wit that encompassed many years. My one complaint is that readers may be misled by its title. FREEDOM'S CAP is a page-turner, despite its lackluster title. Gugliotta has blown the dust off American Civil War history shelves to make room for his exceptional addition.
January 22, 2013
Wisteria Leigh
Disclosure:
The copy of this book was provided by HNR for review and publication. The review is submitted without bias.
As it appeared in Historical Novels Review:August 2012 Issue 61 available at
http://historicalnovelsociety.org/reviews/freedoms-cap-the-united-states-capital-and-the-coming-of-the-civil-war/
© [Wisteria Leigh] and [Bookworm's Dinner], [2008-2013].
