In this comprehensive account of Abraham Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation; William K. Klingaman takes a fresh look at what is arguably the most controversial reform in American history. Taking the reader from Lincoln's inauguration through the Civil War to his tragic assassination; it uncovers the complex political and psychological pressures facing Lincoln in his consideration of the slavery question; including his decision to issue the proclamation without consulting any member of his cabinet; and his meticulous attention to every word of the document. The book concludes with a discussion of what the Emancipation Proclamation really meant to four million newly freed blacks and its subsequent impact on race relations in America.
#649853 in Books H G Wells 2007-07-31 2007-07-31Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 7.79 x .94 x 5.12l; .66 #File Name: 0141441828400 pagesA Short History of the World
Review
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful. Excellent Writing; But Somewhat DatedBy Alan Dale DanielThis is a review of the Kindle version of this product which does NOT have drawings; pictures; maps etc. This detracts from the book tremendously.The writing is excellent and pretty easy to follow. The chapters are well arranged to take the reader progressively through history. His analysis of history is normally spot on. Here is an example of the author's comments on the Treaty of Versailles: "The treaty of Versailles was intended to be exemplary and vindictive; it provided tremendous penalties for the vanquished; it sought to provide compensations for the wounded and suffering victors by imposing enormous debts upon nations already bankrupt; and its attempts to reconstitute international relations by the establishment of a League of Nations against war were manifestly insincere and inadequate." (Kindle Locations 5473-5475). That is about as good an analysis of the Treaty of Versailles in one sentence as you could ever get.Mr. Wells also lets us know when he is speculating about history. Note: "And now let us indulge in a very interesting speculation; how did it feel to be a man in those early days of the human adventure? How did men think and what did they think in those remote days of hunting and wandering four hundred centuries ago before seed time and harvest began." p.24 Kindle Edition. H.G. Wells clearly labels his comments as speculation. This is not usual for writers of history. Historians often tell us what happened in an era long before writing as if it were taken off of live film footage. Wells; at least; tells us we are guessing.The author's discussion of Socialism; page 152 - 156; is excellent and worth the price of the book.The book ends before the great depression; but that is OK as other books can take us from the 1920's to the present day. The writing is a bit out of date as their has been significant historical progress in many areas since Well's wrote; however; just keep in mind that some of the facts recited by the author may be dated. His conclusions of where history has been and where it may be headed are still excellent. Of course; Wells does not adopt the view that history is random with no overarching themes. He writes from the point of view that people have progressed from the early days of scratching in the ground for a living to a modern and very complex world. Progress is assumed and the theme of man's progress from primitive to modern is put forth without question. The reader should be aware that this reviewer has the same viewpoint; however; the newer views of history have changed this assumption dramatically. (See: Jeff Riggenbach; Why American History Is Not What They Say It Is - available on Kindle).Overall; an excellent work but I would advise buying the hard copy version for the maps and drawings. They are really first rate and help the reader follow the flow of history.AD20 of 0 people found the following review helpful. A truly inspired look at our history thus far.By Mark WiechertThis is an extremely well written book which takes a look at all of history as a single process; and evokes such a profound appreciation of the facts of history as much as it results in a profound appreciation of the true genius of its author; H. G. Wells; as well as his witty; entertaining; and even amusing writings. I have read this book in bits at a time just while traveling for a couple of years; and now that I've finished it; I can look back on the experience with sincere appreciation and warm affections for it.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. A Good Victorian look at HistoryBy David D. LawsonMr. Welles is one of my all time favorite authors. My parents being a lot smarter than I ever hope to be gave me this book many decades ago. From it; I developed a love of history. While it is a old book and lacks a non eurocentric view it is a good history book none the less. I used it a lot at University and found it to be very useful resource tool. But I would not recommend it for any light reading very soon.
