The Impending Crisis Audiobook By David M. Potter, Don E. Fehrenbacher cover art

The Impending Crisis

America Before the Civil War: 1848-1861

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The Impending Crisis

By: David M. Potter, Don E. Fehrenbacher
Narrated by: Eric Martin
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David M. Potter's Pulitzer Prize-winning The Impending Crisis is the definitive history of antebellum America. Potter's sweeping epic masterfully charts the chaotic forces that climaxed with the outbreak of the Civil War: westward expansion, the divisive issue of slavery, the Dred Scott decision, John Brown's uprising, the ascension of Abraham Lincoln, and the drama of Southern secession. The Impending Crisis remains one of the most celebrated works of American historical writing.

©1976 Estate of David M. Potter (P)2017 Tantor Americas

Critic reviews

"David M. Potter's magisterial The Impending Crisis is the single best account to date of the coming of the Civil War." ( Civil War History)
Comprehensive Narrative • Detailed Examination • Balanced Interpretation • Compelling Storyline
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The single best POLITICAL history of the run-up to the Civil War I have yet read. If you're coming to this expecting a general history this isn't for you; but the political aspect of it all makes it a worthwhile read...

The Best Pre-Civil War Political History Yet

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I found this narrative history of antebellum America well written, well narrated, and we'll researched. There may be one or two places where I disagreed with the author's interpretation of the themes, events, causes, and consequences but I found his treatment of the history of the period solid. And the prose and narration were perfectly suited to each other.

Excellent Book

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For American history devotees, this is a must read. A worthy Pulitzer winner. Should be required reading in all US history classes. Fascinating how many themes and American politicians were included in this narrative. Very ably narrated.

Absolutely best written book on civil war causes!

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Even knowing the collapse is coming, its clear many tried to head off the disaster. Of course no war is short and easy. In the case here the loss of life and property are greater than anyone expected. Compromise, had already failed and too many reasonable men (Clay, Webster, et al) had passed new heroes stepped forward, even Davis who had opposed Lincoln.

An unavoidable tragedy

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written many years ago, but it is stil by far the best on the subject

the best book on this period, still

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Read and loved the book years ago and thought the audiobook would add to my understanding of the era. Not that the narration was bad but I was easily distracted. Subject material just lends itself better to print instead of listening, at least that was the case for me.

Great book, OK audiobook

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Rigorous, cogent, and impeccably written. The reading performance is top notch and perfectly suited for the material.

Outstanding

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A bit ponderous and dated stylistically, but still quite enjoyable and insightful for history buffs. This period remains a mystery for a lot of us who know the Civil War but can't explain exactly how we got there. This book walks you right up to Fort Sumpter. Evenly balanced, it treats North and South respectfully but might sound a little too neutral towards slavery by contemporary standards. Sections on John Brown and Stephen Douglas struck me as particularly interesting.

Detailed and Interesting

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so good! loved it! perfect before diving into a civil war book! learned so much and narration was fantastic

fantastic!

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Excellent dive into the political, economic, and social forces that brought the United States to Civil War. I teach early American history, and I found this book to be very informative. A basic knowledge of this period of U.S. History is necessary to fully appreciate the information in this book.

An In-depth Study

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