Lincoln's Assassins: Their Trial and Execution 
Acclaimed as the definitive illustrated history of Abraham Lincoln's assassination, Lincoln's Assassins, by James L. Swanson and Daniel R. Weinberg, follows the shocking events from the tragic scene at Ford's Theatre to the trial and execution of Booth's co-conspirators. For twelve days after the president was shot, the nation waited breathlessly as manhunters tracked down John Wilkes Booth—the story that was brilliantly told in Swanson's New York Times bestseller, Manhunt. Then, during the spring and summer of 1865, a military commission tried eight people as conspirators in Booth's plot to murder Lincoln and other high officials, including the secretary of state and vice president. Few remember them today, but once the names Mary Surratt, Lewis Powell, David Herold, George Atzerodt, Edman Spangler, Samuel Arnold, Michael O'Laughlin, and Dr. Samuel Mudd were the most reviled and notorious in America.
In Lincoln's Assassins, Swanson and Weinberg resurrect these events by presenting an unprecedented visual record of almost 300 contemporary photographs, letters, documents, prints, woodcuts, newspapers, pamphlets, books, and artifacts, many hitherto unpublished. These rare materials, which took the authors decades to collect, evoke the popular culture of the time, record the origins of the Lincoln myth, take the reader into the courtroom and the cells of the accused, document the beginning of American photojournalism, and memorialize the fates of the eight conspirators.
Lincoln's Assassins is a unique work that will appeal to anyone interested in American history, Abraham Lincoln, the Civil War, law, crime, assassination, nineteenth-century photographic portraiture, and the history of American photojournalism.
Reviews
The writing is vividly done, the photographs are mesmerizing, and the documentary evidence: overwhelming in presentation and abundance.
Those who study numerology might find it interesting that James Swanson and President Lincoln were born on the same day. Like many successful entrepreneurs, Mr. Swanson discovered at an early age, his passion in life. He started collecting artifacts about President Lincoln when he was ten years old.
Since becoming an investor in many companies, I know the importance of mergers, compatibility, and symbiotic relationships. Consequently, it was amusing to discover Daniel Weinberg has been the owner of a book store for more than thirty years that specialized in books dealing with President Lincoln.
Even though the events took place more than one hundred thirty years ago, the authors have compiled evidence and supporting materials in a way I could still feel the suspense, drama, and intrigue that was evidently experienced by those living during this historical period.
Napoleon Bonaparte once said: "A picture is worth a thousand words." If you accept this premise, you will love this book as there are scores of photographs (along with eloquently done text) that help the reader form a compelling, and coherent analysis of events that transpired more than one hundred thirty years ago.
Chapter four is the beginning of the conspiracy trial, which was unprecedented in so many ways. Presided over by President Andrew Johnson - it was initially going to be conducted in secret. At the last moment, compromises were made to allow selected people to attend.
The book reads like an episode of "24 (the television hit). Each page is tantalizing, breathtaking, and thought-provoking. One of the eight facing execution was Mary Surratt. The human drama, suspense, and turmoil involving her part in the plot, kept me riveted, intrigued, and captivated. The book is exceptional and has my highest recommendation.
Reginald V. Johnson, author, "How To Be Happy, Successful, And Rich"
Clinton, Maryland, and just by sheer luck, Mr. Swanson was in attendance and though it was the 3rd time I'd been on the tour, it was the best. He is a most enthralling person and though I didn't know who he was for almost an hour, he was obviously very knowlegeable on the subject of the assassination. He was kind enough to sign a copy of his book for me that I purchased in the Surratt Society bookstore and wrote a very lengthy and personal note in it-but I'm rambling- The book is simply fabulous-The text is extremely informative and the photos are the best I've ever seen-some are very rare and have never been published before-This book is a MUST for anyone interseted in either the Civil War or the Lincoln assassination- it's definitley top drawer and well worth ever cent-I can't recommend it highly enough!