From the two-time winner of the prestigious Lincoln Prize; a stirring and surprising account of the debates that made Lincoln a national figure and defined the slavery issue that would bring the country to war.In 1858; Abraham Lincoln was known as a successful Illinois lawyer who had achieved some prominence in state politics as a leader in the new Republican Party. Two years later; he was elected president and was on his way to becoming the greatest chief executive in American history. What carried this one-term congressman from obscurity to fame was the campaign he mounted for the United States Senate against the country’s most formidable politician; Stephen A. Douglas; in the summer and fall of 1858. As this brilliant narrative by the prize-winning Lincoln scholar Allen Guelzo dramatizes; Lincoln would emerge a predominant national figure; the leader of his party; the man who would bear the burden of the national confrontation. Lincoln lost that Senate race to Douglas; though he came close to toppling the “Little Giant;†whom almost everyone thought was unbeatable. Guelzo’s Lincoln and Douglas brings alive their debates and this whole year of campaigns and underscores their centrality in the greatest conflict in American history. The encounters between Lincoln and Douglas engage a key question in American political life: What is democracy's purpose? Is it to satisfy the desires of the majority? Or is it to achieve a just and moral public order? These were the real questions in 1858 that led to the Civil War. They remain questions for Americans today.
#8970 in Books Simon Schuster 2002-09-03 2002-09-03Ingredients: Example IngredientsOriginal language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.25 x 1.40 x 6.12l; 2.25 #File Name: 0743223136752 pagesGreat product!
Review
53 of 55 people found the following review helpful. This book moved meBy E. MiglioriI don't know how to describe this book. I am an avid reader but have not read a lot of history because I never seemed to finish the books. I couldn't stop reading this one. Have you ever been so engaged that you walk and read and the same time? That you carry the book with you everywhere you go in the hopes you will have a spare minute to crack it open and absorb a few pages? Well this book did that for me. I did not think I would find John Adams compelling but the book won a Pulitzer and I had heard the hype so I thought "why not?". This book is very well written. It covers the scope of John Adams' life in it's entirety - with honesty and sensitivity. I was inspired by the genius cluster that founded our nation; the danger and uncertainty they went through with complete fortitude. This book is so relevant today because it helps us understand the thought and consideration Adams and other men went through when considering the construction of our government and their understanding of human nature that provided them the insight to create laws that to this day afford us the freedoms we enjoy. The topics of women's rights; slavery; military strength; the economy; immigration are all touched on as they had the forethought to understand what was coming. I wish there were more people serving in public office today like those original founders and especially John Adams.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Great read on our 1st vice president; and 2nd PresidentBy BanqueroDavid McCullough's biography of our 2nd president is a well researched and thorough work. He chronicles John Adam's life from the attorney defending the British officers after the Boston Massacre; revolutionary as a member of the Continental Congresses; diplomat to France and the Netherlands; 1st Vice president of the US; 2nd President; and life thereafter. McCullough did not just document the historical facts but rather used a wealth of correspondence to relay the feelings of John Adams. This helped you really get a personal viewpoint of what John Adam's life was really like.It was very interesting how he handled so many unprecedented events. As the 1st Vice President how should one conduct themselves? As there was no guide on what to do he actually presided over the Senate in most sessions! He won the first contested election for president and then had to figure out how to conduct oneself as the first president not to win re-election.There isn't much I can say that the other 1000 reviews on this book haven't already said. I found it a great read; a good biography that really draws you into the life and times John Adams experienced.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Political giants.By Donald TrueI am finding great comfort in reading the biographies of our greatest men who helped form and lead our country. In the hands of a skilled writer like David McCullough it is comforting to know that American did in her beginning produce such men of integrity and honor.
