From one of our most acclaimed new biographers– the first full life of the leader of Lincoln’s “team of rivals” to appear in more than forty years.

William Henry Seward was one of the most important Americans of the nineteenth century. Progressive governor of New York and outspoken U.S. senator, he was the odds-on favorite to win the 1860 Republican nomination for president. As secretary of state and Lincoln’s closest adviser during the Civil War, Seward not only managed foreign affairs but had a substantial role in military, political, and personnel matters.

Some of Lincoln’s critics even saw Seward, erroneously, as the power behind the throne; this is why John Wilkes Booth and his colleagues attempted to kill Seward as well as Lincoln. Seward survived the assassin’s attack, continued as secretary of state, and emerged as a staunch supporter of President Andrew Johnson, Lincoln’s controversial successor. Through his purchase of Alaska (“Seward’s Folly”), and his groundwork for the purchase of the Canal Zone and other territory, Seward set America on course to become a world empire.

Seward was not only important, he was fascinating. Most nights this well-known raconteur with unruly hair and untidy clothes would gather diplomats, soldiers, politicians, or actors around his table to enjoy a cigar, a drink, and a good story. Drawing on hundreds of sources not available to or neglected by previous biographers, Walter Stahr sheds new light on this complex and central figure, as well as on pivotal events of the Civil War and its aftermath.

Review

“This formidable figure has finally gained the biographer he’s long deserved…a first-rate biography.” —Publishers Weekly , starred review

“A worthy tribute to one of the most important political figures of the nineteenth century.” —Booklist

“A thorough, refreshing biography by an independent-minded historian.” —Kirkus Reviews

“Stahr completes Seward’s life and demonstrates his enormous impact on American history before, during, and long after the 1860’s.” —Library Journal

“This magnificent biography finally provides what William Henry Seward so justly deserves—a full, terrific and complex portrait of his endlessly fascinating life.” — Doris Kearns Goodwin, author of Team of Rivals

“After a rocky start during which Seward crossed swords with Lincoln in the issue of Fort Sumter and other matters, the secretary of state did indeed become the president's most indispensable ally. Politician, diplomat, raconteur, a figure of controversy and power, Seward has finally found a biographer equal to his importance.” — James M. McPherson, author of Battle Cry of Freedom: The Civil War Era

“An intriguing featured character in Lincoln lore and biography, William H. Seward has long needed an updated, authoritative biography—and Walter Stahr has last produced the life story Seward deserves. Mining neglected sources and bringing analytical wisdom and literary craft to Seward’s complicated life, Stahr reveals the principled humanity within a political giant too long considered merely a crafty, frustrated office-seeker. Seward emerges from these pages as a major influence—not only on Abraham Lincoln, but on the transformation of 19th-century America.” — Harold Holzer, author of Lincoln at Cooper Union and Lincoln President-Elect

“ Seward is a fascinating biography about one of the most elusive men in history. Seward once claimed that he was an enigma even to himself; fortunately, he is not an enigma to Walter Stahr, who has succeeded admirably in capturing the full complexity of President Lincoln's right hand man. Stahr has written an important and necessary book.” — Amanda Foreman, author of World on Fire: Britain’s Crucial Role in the American Civil War

“In this fine volume, Walter Stahr has rendered a signal service by resurrecting the life of the often neglected William Henry Seward. His sweeping portrait of the long-standing Secretary of State is always lucid, engaging, scrupulously fair-minded, and deeply researched. This biography stands as a valuable addition to the rich literature of American politics in the mid-nineteenth century.” — Ron Chernow, author of Washington: A Life

“A complex man, often engulfed in controversy before, during and after the Civil War, William H. Seward is one of those rare American politicians who made a significant difference in the history of his time. Walter Stahr has reminded us of his importance in this superbly written book.” — Thomas Fleming, author of The Intimate Lives of the Founding Fathers

"A beautifully told, carefully researched narrative of William H. Seward's momentous career, from his days as a rising young antislavery politician to his role as Lincoln's right-hand man during the Civil War, culminating in his achievements as architect of American empire. Walter Stahr has delivered a biography worthy of one of America's greatest statesmen." — Daniel Walker Howe, author of What Hath God Wrought: The Transformation of America, 1815-1848

“[A] masterly new biography . . . [of] one of the most influential and polarizing American politicians of the nineteenth century.” (The New Yorker)

“This magnificent biography finally provides what William Henry Seward so justly deserves—a full, terrific and complex portrait of his endlessly fascinating life.” (Doris Kearns Goodwin, author of Team of Rivals )

“Walter Stahr’s new biography offers an overdue reminder of the much broader scope of [Seward’s] work.” (The Economist)

“Stahr gives Seward his due in this intelligent and illuminating biography of one of the most important political figures of the 19th century. . . . He wasn't just Lincoln's indispensable man; throughout his career Seward was an indispensable man to the nation as well.” (Huffington Post)

“This formidable figure has finally gained the biographer he’s long deserved…a first-rate biography.” (Publishers Weekly, starred review)

“This highly readable biography, based on thorough research in original sources, effectively shows that Seward deserves more fame as a patriot-statesman than he has traditionally enjoyed.” (The Wall Street Journal)

"Politician, diplomat, raconteur, a figure of controversy and power, Seward has finally found a biographer equal to his importance.” (James McPherson, author of Battle Cry of Freedom: The Civil War Era )

“In this fine volume, Walter Stahr has rendered a signal service by resurrecting the life of the often neglected William Henry Seward. His sweeping portrait of the long-standing Secretary of State is always lucid, engaging, scrupulously fair-minded, and deeply researched. This biography stands as a valuable addition to the rich literature of American politics in the mid-nineteenth century.” (Ron Chernow, author of Washington: A Life )

About the Author

Walter Stahr is the New York Times bestselling author of Seward: Lincoln’s Indispensable Man , Stanton: Lincoln’s War Secretary , and John Jay: Founding Father. A two-time winner of the Seward Award for Excellence in Civil War Biography, Stahr practiced law in Washington and Asia for more than two decades. He is an honors graduate of Stanford University and Harvard Law School.