One of those characters in history whose life would make a great movie; except critics would pan it for being 'too unrealistic'. Like many Northern veterans of the Civil War, Sickles went on to a long and successful career in politics and business, despite (or perhaps because) of his notable eccentricity. A very readable book. ( )

1599 Sickles the Incredible, by W. A. Swanberg (read 27 Nov 1980) This is a fantastically good book about Daniel E. Sickles, who was born in New York City on 20 Oct 1819, served three terms in the House of Representatives (1857-1861, and 1893-1895), and died 3 May 1914. An enthralling book, and though it has not one footnote, and no bibliography, it is written in the breezy style that so easily captivates, and I was tremendously caught up by it and I have been reading it continuously all day. The book starts with the fantastic account of how Sickles killed Philip Barton Key (son of Francis Scott Key) on 27 Feb 1859, then goes back to the beginning and tells the whole amazing, incredible story of his life, with lots of attention to his Civil War career, including his role at the battle of Gettysburg. As Horatio King wrote in his old age:
I see him on that famous field,
The bravest of the brave,
Where Longstreet's legions strove to drive
The Third Corps to its grave.
The fight was bloody, fierce and long,
And Sickles' name shall stay
Forever in the hall of Fame
As he who saved the day.

A despicable character and yet his life is a fantastic saga. Excellent book! ( )

To me, most interesting for his killing Francis Scott Key Jr.
for adultery with Sickle's wife, getting acquitted, and then forgiving his wife -- taking back the wife, not killing Key, got him shunned in Congress. Beside this, his dubious exploits at Gettysburg pale. ( )

Dan Sickles was one of the most fascinating characters of the 19th century. He was born in 1819 and lived in the household of Lorenzo da Ponte of all people (the libettist of three of Mozart's greatest operas) when he was young. He became a politican affiliated with Tammany Hall and was most famous (or infamous) before the Civil War for murdering his wife's lover Philip Barton Key (the son of Francis Scott Key) and then being acquitted on the grounds of temporary insanity (the first person ever to use that defense). His attorney was Edwin Stanton, the future Secretary of War. His exploits at Gettysburg (where he lost his right leg) are still debated today. His shattered tibia and fibula (which he used to visit) are still on display at the Smithsonian. He became a diplomat after the war and was involved in numerous shady schemes. He died in 1914 after a long eventful life. This book was the first (and best in my opinion) to tell his story. It is essential for students of American history. ( )