Lincoln and the Border States

This book provides an informative, in-depth look at how President Lincoln wrestled with a variety of difficult political, legal, and military issues to keep the Border States (Maryland, Kentucky, and Missouri) in the Union during the Civil War. The author, a professor emeritus of history, does a very good job of showing how the personalities, ambitions, and rivalries of various civilian and military people added to the difficulties faced by President Lincoln and often threatened to derail his efforts to keep the Border States in the Union.