This book is fascinating in that it describes Seward as a complex mix of idealism and political ambition. He dearly wanted to be president but served Lincoln and Johnson faithfully. He had a vision of what America could be, was always interested in inmproving the young nation's infrastructure, reformed prisons as NY's governor, as Lincoln's Secretary of State, he kept France and England from supporting the confederacy, and almost single handedly arranged the purchase of Alaska. A detailed but very readable book for the history buff and general reader. Well done.