“Lincoln’s Grave Robbers” is a non-fiction book written by Steve Sheinkin that explores a lesser-known aspect of Abraham Lincoln’s life – the attempted theft of his body. The book sheds light on a bizarre and shocking event that occurred in 1876, over a decade after Lincoln’s assassination.
The story revolves around a group of counterfeiters and their plan to steal Lincoln’s body from his tomb in Springfield, Illinois. Their motive was to hold the corpse for ransom, demanding a hefty sum of money and the release of one of their imprisoned associates. Sheinkin masterfully weaves together the historical context, the intricate details of the plot, and the characters involved to create a gripping narrative.
Through meticulous research, the author provides readers with a vivid account of the events leading up to the attempted grave robbery, the subsequent investigation, and the trial that followed. Sheinkin also explores the impact of this audacious crime on the public’s perception of Lincoln and the measures taken to ensure the safety of his remains.
What makes “Lincoln’s Grave Robbers” particularly compelling is Sheinkin’s ability to bring history to life. He seamlessly blends facts with storytelling, making the book accessible to readers of all ages. The author’s engaging style and attention to detail make it feel like you are right there, witnessing the events unfold.
Furthermore, Sheinkin delves into the lives of the individuals involved, shedding light on their motivations, backgrounds, and the social climate of the time. This adds depth to the story, making it more than just a tale of a failed grave robbery. It becomes a reflection of the post-Civil War era, the challenges faced by law enforcement, and the lengths people would go to for personal gain.
In conclusion, “Lincoln’s Grave Robbers” is a captivating account of an audacious crime that threatened to desecrate the final resting place of one of America’s most beloved presidents. Steve Sheinkin’s meticulous research, engaging storytelling, and attention to historical detail make this book a must-read for history enthusiasts and anyone interested in a lesser-known chapter of Abraham Lincoln’s legacy.
lincoln's grave robbers summary
“Lincoln’s Grave Robbers” is a non-fiction book written by Steve Sheinkin that explores the lesser-known story of a plot to steal Abraham Lincoln’s body from his tomb in Springfield, Illinois. The book sheds light on the little-known criminal activities surrounding the President’s burial site and the subsequent attempts to protect it.
The story begins with Abraham Lincoln’s assassination in April 1865, which left the nation in mourning. His body was laid to rest in a tomb in Oak Ridge Cemetery, where it was believed to be safe. However, in 1876, a gang of counterfeiters, led by a man named Big Jim Kennally, hatched a plan to steal Lincoln’s body and hold it for ransom.
Sheinkin takes readers on a thrilling journey as he recounts the events leading up to the attempted grave robbery. He introduces the key players involved, including Secret Service agents, local law enforcement, and the criminals themselves. Through meticulous research, Sheinkin uncovers the details of the plot, revealing the intricate planning and execution of the crime.
The author also delves into the motivations behind the grave robbery attempt. He explains how the counterfeiters believed that stealing Lincoln’s body would provide them with leverage to secure the release of their imprisoned leader, Ben Boyd. Sheinkin explores the historical context of counterfeiting during the post-Civil War era, highlighting the challenges faced by law enforcement in combating this criminal activity.
As the story unfolds, readers are introduced to the heroic efforts of those determined to protect Lincoln’s tomb. Sheinkin highlights the role of Secret Service agent Patrick Tyrrell, who played a crucial part in foiling the grave robbery plot. With his quick thinking and resourcefulness, Tyrrell manages to prevent the criminals from carrying out their plan.
“Lincoln’s Grave Robbers” offers a fascinating glimpse into a little-known chapter of American history. Sheinkin’s engaging storytelling and extensive research bring this captivating tale to life. The book not only sheds light on the criminal activities surrounding Lincoln’s burial site but also provides valuable insights into the post-Civil War era and the challenges faced by law enforcement during that time. Overall, it is a compelling read that offers a fresh perspective on a significant event in American history.
lincoln's grave robbers genre
The genre of “Lincoln’s Grave Robbers” is historical non-fiction. This captivating book, written by Steve Sheinkin, delves into the true events surrounding an audacious plot to steal Abraham Lincoln’s body from his tomb in Springfield, Illinois.
Sheinkin masterfully weaves together a thrilling narrative that reads like a crime novel, while remaining grounded in historical accuracy. The book meticulously details the planning, execution, and aftermath of the grave-robbing attempt, providing readers with a vivid account of this little-known episode in American history.
Through extensive research, Sheinkin brings to life the key characters involved in the plot, including counterfeiters, secret agents, and the grave robbers themselves. He explores their motivations, backgrounds, and the circumstances that led them to engage in such a daring act. By humanizing these individuals, the author adds depth and complexity to the story, making it all the more compelling.
In addition to the main narrative, Sheinkin provides readers with valuable insights into the social and political climate of the time. He explores the impact of Lincoln’s assassination on the nation, the intense public mourning that followed, and the measures taken to protect the president’s body. This contextual information enriches the reader’s understanding of the events and highlights the significance of the grave-robbing plot.
“Lincoln’s Grave Robbers” is not merely a retelling of a historical event; it is a thought-provoking exploration of the complexities of human nature and the lengths people will go to achieve their goals. Sheinkin seamlessly combines meticulous research with an engaging storytelling style, making this book accessible and enjoyable for readers of all ages.
In conclusion, the genre of “Lincoln’s Grave Robbers” is historical non-fiction. Steve Sheinkin’s expert storytelling and attention to detail make this book a must-read for history enthusiasts and anyone interested in a thrilling true story from America’s past.
lincoln's grave robbers book trailer
“Lincoln’s Grave Robbers” is a thrilling historical non-fiction book written by Steve Sheinkin. The book explores a little-known event in American history, where a group of criminals attempted to steal President Abraham Lincoln’s body from his tomb in Springfield, Illinois.
The book trailer for “Lincoln’s Grave Robbers” effectively captures the essence of the story and leaves viewers intrigued. The trailer begins with dramatic music and a visual of Lincoln’s tomb, instantly setting the tone for the suspenseful narrative. The narrator introduces the main characters, including Secret Service agent Patrick Tyrrell and counterfeit artist Benjamin Boyd, who form an unlikely alliance to prevent the grave robbery.
The trailer skillfully highlights the historical significance of the event, emphasizing Lincoln’s importance and the reverence with which he is remembered. It showcases various newspaper headlines and photographs from the era, giving viewers a glimpse into the chaos and public outrage that followed news of the attempted theft.
The visuals in the trailer are well-chosen, combining historical photographs, illustrations, and reenactments to bring the story to life. The use of sepia tones and vintage effects adds to the authenticity and helps transport viewers back to the 19th century. The trailer also incorporates animated sequences that depict the planning and execution of the grave robbery, adding an element of suspense and intrigue.
The narration in the trailer effectively conveys the book’s main themes, such as loyalty, justice, and the lengths people will go to protect their heroes. It provides enough information to give viewers a taste of the story without revealing too much, leaving them eager to learn more.
Overall, the “Lincoln’s Grave Robbers” book trailer successfully captures the essence of the thrilling and little-known historical event. It combines compelling visuals, an engaging narration, and a sense of intrigue to pique viewers’ interest. Whether one is a history enthusiast or simply loves a good suspenseful story, this book promises to be an exciting read that sheds light on a forgotten chapter in American history.
lincoln's grave robbers book
“Lincoln’s Grave Robbers” is a captivating book that delves into the little-known story of a group of counterfeiters who attempted to steal Abraham Lincoln’s body from its resting place in 1876. Written by Steve Sheinkin, this non-fiction book sheds light on a fascinating yet chilling episode in American history.
The narrative begins with the end of the Civil War, a time when counterfeit money was rampant. The Secret Service, still in its infancy, was tasked with combating this illegal activity. Sheinkin skillfully weaves together the lives of several individuals involved in counterfeiting, including Benjamin Boyd, a skilled engraver, and Terrence Mullen, a notorious counterfeiter.
As the story unfolds, the reader is introduced to a bizarre plan hatched by Boyd and Mullen: stealing Lincoln’s body and holding it for ransom. The duo believed that by doing so, they could secure the release of their imprisoned counterfeiting partners. Sheinkin masterfully builds suspense as he describes the meticulous planning and audacious execution of this audacious plot.
The author also provides valuable historical context, painting a vivid picture of post-Civil War America. Sheinkin explores the social and political climate of the time, highlighting the reverence and adoration that surrounded Lincoln’s memory. The book offers insights into the public’s reaction to the news of the attempted grave robbery, showcasing the deep emotional connection Americans had with their fallen leader.
“Lincoln’s Grave Robbers” is not just a thrilling tale of crime and deception; it also explores the birth of modern American law enforcement. Sheinkin highlights the critical role played by the Secret Service in combating counterfeiters and protecting the nation’s currency.
In conclusion, “Lincoln’s Grave Robbers” is a gripping account of an extraordinary event that took place in the aftermath of the Civil War. Steve Sheinkin’s meticulous research and engaging storytelling make this book a must-read for history enthusiasts and anyone intrigued by true crime narratives. It serves as a reminder of the enduring legacy of Abraham Lincoln and the lengths some would go to exploit it.
