James M. McPherson takes the topic of an already well-documented figure, Abraham Lincoln, and explores his presidency through the lens of Commander in Chief. "Tried by War: Abraham Lincoln as Commander and Chief" is an exploration of the threads (political, military, diplomatic, international, social, etc.) that President Lincoln spun, throughout his presidency. The first and only president that was simultaneously contending with and implementing a political and military strategy that, if failed, so would the Union. This book gives both the history enthusiast and the casual spectator enough depth and breadth to stay engaged.