About the Author

THOMAS H. O'CONNOR (1922-2012) was the unofficial dean of Boston historians and the author of numerous books.

Reviews

"This is the best book on the history of Boston to be written in decades . . . ranking in readerly charm and narrative grip with the books of Barbara Tuchman and Doris Kearns Goodwin."--Jack Beatty, Boston magazine

"This is an indispensable book for any serious student of the Civil War."--David Herbert Donald

"This is a fine addition to the growing literature about the home fronts in the Civil War."--James M. McPherson

"[Thomas O'Connor] captures these tumultuous times with vital portraits of preachers and workmen, copperheads and abolitionists. O'Connor has again done Boston the favor of resurrecting its riotous and vivid past."--Martin F. Nolan, Boston Globe