Presented in this lot is a First Edition of "Twenty Years of Congress 1861-1881" by James G. Blaine, 1884, The Henry Bill Publishing Company. This seminal two-volume political memoir provides an insider's history of the American Civil War and Reconstruction, detailing the pivotal events from 1861 to 1881. It look into the legislative battles, shifting political landscapes, and monumental shifts in federal power during one of the most tumultuous eras in United States history. Volume 1 focuses heavily on the deep-rooted constitutional compromises, the slavery question, the annexation of Texas, and the ultimate rise of the Republican Party that led to the political revolution of 1860. It details the onset of the Civil War and legislative dynamics under President Lincoln. Volume 2 transitions into the complex post-war period, diving into the administration of Andrew Johnson, the highly contested Reconstruction era, the executive-legislative branch clash that led to Johnson's impeachment, and the disputed presidential election of 1876, concluding around the presidency of James A. Garfield in 1881. Major themes discussed involved slavery with detailed retrospectives on the Missouri Compromise, the acquisition of Louisiana, and the growing polarization between Northern and Southern states; rebuilding a Nation from an insider perspective on the legislative battles regarding Union preservation, emancipation, and defining federal authority during Reconstruction; and firsthand character sketches of leading political figures, party conflicts, and structural shifts in how decisions were brokered inside the Capitol. James Gillespie Blaine (1830-1893) was an American statesman and moderate Republican who represented Maine in the US House of Representatives, the US Senate and also served two terms as the US Secretary of State. The browncloth bound gold gilt stamped illustrated hardcovers are in good overall condition, scuffing and splitting noted. Intact marbled top, bottom and fore edge pages exhibit age tanning and foxing. Each measures 6.5"W x 9.75"L x 2.5"D. Combined weight is 7lb, 10oz.