Judah P. Benjamin, The Jewish Confederate (Four Stars)

 

This book is a fascinating look at a unique American character, Mr. Benjamin, and his role in the CSA. Benjamin was not only the first Jewish member of Congress but also played several important roles in the Confederacy when his home state of Louisiana seceded. As Attorney-General he provided first-class legal advice to the fledgling CSA. As Secretary of War he managed as much as anyone could of the rebel's war effort. As Secretary of State he ran the Confederate Secret Service and plotted ways to draw in France and England into the war on the Confederacy's side.

This is a very thorough book. It is SO thorough that it has much to do with Jefferson Davis and the plot to kill Lincoln. It does go on at parts but it's worth it for the insights into the running of the Confederacy. The only question I was left with was what happened to Benjamin's wife during the Franco-Prussian War and the Paris Commune?