Book Review: Every Drop of Blood by Edward Achorn

Every Drop of Blood: The Momentous Second Inauguration of Abraham Lincoln

by Edward Achorn

“Every drop of blood” is a melancholy line from Lincoln’s second inaugural address. It is an appropriate title for Achorn's book. What should have been a glorious occasion was marred by the ongoing Civil War. As the subtitle states, the book focuses on Lincoln’s second inaugural and is filled with contemporary perspectives and quotations. Supposedly, Every Drop of Blood covers twenty-four hours around the inauguration, but Achorn cheats a bit, occasionally using flashbacks to put the narration in perspective.

As I mentioned in previous book reviews, I like single-issue books on the Civil War era. So much happened that any attempt to cover the entire time period must be a summary, leaving much detail on the cutting room floor. Achorn fulfills the mission of single-issue history, providing trivia, facts, and insights for enthusiasts.

This is a must-read for those who seek to understand the tragedy of the Civil War. (It is also titillating for gossip devotees.) The writing is clear and moves at a good pace. The only complaint is that at times Achorn shows off his research with repetitive perspectives that add nothing but confirmation.

Although this is a heartbreaking story, I recommend Every Drop of Blood. Lincoln and the country are war-weary, and Achorn makes it clear that Jefferson Davis is not yet ready to call it quits. Lincoln's inauguration and his address fit his and the country’s mood.

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