When it Was Grand by LeeAnna Keith predates the origins of the Republican Party by discussing Kansas -Nebraska the early anti-slavery movement and politics and John Brown.

The book continues to evolve with the development of the Republican Party, the Dred Scott decision and attempts to undermine it in the North. The evolution of the Republican Party is composed of old Whigs, conservative anti-slavery Democrats, and other anti slavery conservative elements,formed by some including Salmon Chase, William Seward, and Abraham Lincoln.

The book continues to discuss the war years, Radical Republicans and the political development of the anti-slavery movement both politically and socially.

An interesting book on an undeveloped aspects of the war years and both moderate and radical Republicans. I would recommend the brief book on a focused subject. ( )