April 1865 by Jay Winik

"April 1865: The Month That Saved America" is a historical narrative that delves into the pivotal final month of the American Civil War, emphasizing how critical decisions and events in April 1865 helped to prevent the nation from fracturing permanently. The book explores key moments such as Robert E. Lee's surrender at Appomattox, Abraham Lincoln's assassination, and the lesser-known events that followed, which collectively helped to heal and reunite the country. Through detailed accounts and engaging storytelling, the author illustrates how the actions of a few individuals in the face of national crisis shaped the future of the United States, highlighting the delicate balance between war and peace, and the resilience of the American spirit.

The 10127th greatest book of all time

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Total Points: 33

Since this book was first published in 2001, there is a penalty of 43.2%. The age adjusted score is 18.74.

This is to prevent newer books from reaching super high on the ranked list of the greatest books of all time. The greatest books should also stand the test of time.