This very, very, very, very long audiobook (that I had to check out of my library multiple times so I could finish listening to it) recaps a year in Civil War era America.  During the battles, campaigns, political infighting, fatigue, and elections, Francis Carpenter would make a painting commemorating the Emancipation Proclamation. Carpenter doesn’t act as a major player compared to the constant presence of politicians, generals and secretaries, but Flood recounts him hanging around the White House.  While there, Carpenter drew plans for the painting and saw Lincoln in action.