WORST SEAT IN THE HOUSE Henry Rathbone's Front Row View of the Lincoln Assassination

Narrator Harry Shaw adopts an intriguing mixture of wise professor and newscaster to deliver this rare look at Major Henry Rathbone and his fiancée, Clara Harris, who accompanied the Lincolns on the night of the president's assassination. As Rathbone attempted to aid Lincoln, he was cut from elbow to shoulder and spent the rest of his life regretting his failure to help. Stephens recounts the compelling story with the right combination of historical language and modern terminology, such as "PTSD," to explain the tragedy that ultimately befell the Rathbone family. Particularly moving is Shaw's compassionate rendering of Clara's many letters in which she shares her grief, especially after the assassination. Listeners will be gripped by this sad piece of history. S.G.B. © AudioFile 2014, Portland, Maine [Published: JULY 2014]