by Paul Kahan
When most people think of Simon Cameron, Abraham Lincoln’s
first Secretary of War, the first thing that typically comes to mind is the
label, “corrupt politician.” Paul Kahan,
lecturer at Ohlone College in Fremont, California, examines the life of the 26th
United States Secretary of War in his biography, “Amiable Scoundrel: Simon
Cameron, Lincoln's Scandalous Secretary of War.”
“Amiable Scoundrel” chronicles Cameron’s rise from poverty
to wealth and political power. Kahan sets the record of Cameron’s political
life straight and documents though Cameron was not always the most honest of
politicians he was not the corrupt politician of his historical reputation.
Kahan’s tome is well researched, well written and quotations
from primary sources are liberally spread throughout his narrative. He has done
an admirable job of resuscitating, clothing and restoring to Cameron his true and
accurate historical legacy. “Amiable
Scoundrel” is perfect reading for those interested in the Civil War and those
interested in United States politics of the latter half of the 19th century.
ISBN 978-1612348148, Potomac Books, Inc, © 2017, Hardcover,
384 pages, Photograph & Illustrations, End Notes, Bibliography & Index.
$36.95. To purchase a copy of this book click HERE.
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