Best-selling author James M. McPherson follows the son of Thomas Lincoln and Nancy Hanks from his early years in Kentucky; Indiana; and Illinois; to his highly successful law career; his marriage to Mary Todd; and his one term in Congress. We witness his leadership of the Republican anti-slavery movement; his famous debates with Stephen A. Douglas (a long acquaintance and former rival for the hand of Mary Todd); and his emergence as a candidate for president in 1860. Following Lincoln's election to the presidency; McPherson describes his masterful role as Commander in Chief during the Civil War; the writing of the Emancipation Proclamation; and his assassination by John Wilkes Booth. The book also discusses his lasting legacy and why he remains a quintessential American hero two hundred years after his birth; while an annotated bibliography permits easy access to further scholarship. With his ideal short account of Lincoln; McPherson provides a compelling biography of a man of humble origins who preserved our nation during its greatest catastrophe and ended the scourge of slavery.
#134290 in Books 2008-03-13 2008-03-13Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 5.50 x 1.00 x 8.10l; .92 #File Name: 0195339428368 pages
Review
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Excellent Source for Texts of Lincoln-Douglas DebatesBy Frances C. FowlerThe title of this book--"The Lincoln-Douglas Debates of 1858"--rather accurately reflects its contents. Based on verbatim contemporary newspaper accounts of the debates (as recorded by shorthand reporters); it provides not only an accurate version of the speeches as delivered from the platform; but also some of the audience response. In addition to the twenty-one speeches given during the seven joint debates; the book also includes Lincoln's "House Divided" speech of June 16; 1858 and Douglas' speech delivered in Chicago on July 9; 1858.The editor; Douglas expert Robert Johannsen; also includes a page long discussion of the basis for the text and a ten-page introduction that provides the reader with background information. A few notes at the end of each joint debate identify individuals mentioned in the speeches. In addition; the 43rd anniversary edition begins with a foreword by James Huston. It is an interesting and valuable critical review of the historiography of the debates.Two shortcomings led me to give this book four stars instead of five. First; it lacks an index. This makes it difficult to determine to what extent each speaker's expressed views shift during the course of the debates. This is important for interpreting the debates as one of Stephen Douglas' chief charges against Lincoln was that he delivered different messages in different parts of Illinois. Second; a map of Illinois in 1850; showing the location of each of the debate sites; would have been helpful for the same reason.This book is not easy reading even for a person with a good knowledge of antebellum politics; Lincoln; and/or Douglas. However; it is an excellent source for the texts of the debates and for that reason would make a good addition to the library of Civil War and nineteenth century history buffs.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. great readBy Darrin AndersonGreat book for anyone interested in the debates between Lincoln and Douglas. Would recommend to Lincoln and history buffs.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Five StarsBy karoon nitithamexcellent
