DESCRIPTION
The assassination of President Lincoln in the spring of 1865 features some remarkable similarities with that of John F. Kennedy nearly a century later: both were shot on a Friday, in the back of the head and with his wife seated at his side; both were killed at a time when they were fighting vigorously on the civil rights issue; both were succeeded by a Southerner named Johnson, and in each case the assassin was shot before being brought to trial and the way left open for fantastic speculation. The human weakness for intrigue rather than simple explanation ensured that the Lincoln murder was surrounded by dozens of rumours and theories suggesting hidden motive. This narrative presents the facts and attempts to ascertain which of those rumours carries the most likelihood. Was it a gigantic conspiracy? Was Lincoln betrayed by his own government? Or was it merely the work of a mentally-disturbed actor? John Cottrell has been gathering material for this dramatic study for nearly ten years. Scrupulous attention has been paid to historical accuracy and detail and he presents some fascinating new evidence that goes a long way to satisfying the most outlandish scandalmongers.