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Abe Lincoln in Illinois: A Play
The play shows in a series of scenes the critical years of Lincoln's early manhood up to the moment of his election as president. We see the backwoodsman, a failure at shopkeeping, but a great favorite with friends and neighbors, slowly groping forward through the troubled years in Springfield, at last beginning to realize the great destiny before him.
Abe Lincoln in Illinois A Play in Twelve Scenes
Presented at the National Theatre, Washington, D.C., on October 3, 1938 and at the Plymouth Theatre Theatre, New York City, on October 15, 1938.
Abe Lincoln in Illinois A Play in Twelve Scenes
Presented at the National Theatre, Washington, D.C., on October 3, 1938 and at the Plymouth Theatre Theatre, New York City, on October 15, 1938.
250 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1938
164 people want to read
About the author
Robert E. Sherwood
68 books17 followersRobert Emmet Sherwood was an American playwright, editor, and screenwriter.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
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August 4, 2019Sherwood presents a vision that fits in with the legends of the sixteenth president that have been told to generations of American schoolchildren, but it gives these legends a human face.
This play is about the formative years of Abraham Lincoln, explaining how he grew in outlook and popularity from a simple countryman to the president of the United States. As a result, every scene of the play either has Lincoln in it or has people talking about him. In the beginning, Lincoln is in his early twenties and being tutored in English grammar at night, using a variety of texts for examples. Even at such a young age, he is financially destitute, having invested in a business with a man who ran away with all of the funds and feeling responsible for paying back all creditors. He is already haunted by death, having helped his father make a coffin for his mother when she died out in the prairie wilderness. He is popular with the men of New Salem, where he delivers mail. He is in love with Ann Rutledge, but when her fiance drops her and Lincoln has a slight chance with her, she dies. After Lincoln begins practicing in Springfield, he becomes engaged to Mary Todd, whose ambitions for his political career are greater than his own. On the day of his wedding, though, he runs away from her, and stays away for two years, until a chance encounter with an old friend and his family makes him think about responsibility, both to his family and to the country. He returns and marries Mary.
In the late 1850s, while they both are running for the United States Senate, he and Stephen A. Douglas have a series of debates on the subject of slavery: these debates receive much attention and make Lincoln's name a household word. A committee of civic leaders comes to him to ask if he is interested in running for president. The final chapter of the play presents his farewell speech to the people of Illinois. Lincoln is not entirely enthusiastic about being the president he tells friends that he expects to die, and he feels cut off by security measures from the people he knows best, the common people. He and Mary Todd are both unhappy in their marriage, but both are driven toward the presidency.
Over the course of the play, Lincoln grows from a shy, uneducated backwoodsman who was more willing to accept the enslavement of blacks than to accept war to the man who would lead half of the nation against the other half in the name of justice. When Sherwood's play was brought to the stage in 1938, its parallels to the international political situation were obvious. Adolf Hitler had established himself as the dictator of Germany and had started his expansion across Europe, and the people of America, an ocean away, found themselves faced with questions about whether to fight for justice or maintain peace. As the play continued to run on Broadway, Hitler invaded more countries, raising more and more support for America's entry into the war, giving audiences even more empathy for Lincoln's dilemma.
The play's relevance continues in the Age of Trump--who is the anti-Lincoln.
This play is about the formative years of Abraham Lincoln, explaining how he grew in outlook and popularity from a simple countryman to the president of the United States. As a result, every scene of the play either has Lincoln in it or has people talking about him. In the beginning, Lincoln is in his early twenties and being tutored in English grammar at night, using a variety of texts for examples. Even at such a young age, he is financially destitute, having invested in a business with a man who ran away with all of the funds and feeling responsible for paying back all creditors. He is already haunted by death, having helped his father make a coffin for his mother when she died out in the prairie wilderness. He is popular with the men of New Salem, where he delivers mail. He is in love with Ann Rutledge, but when her fiance drops her and Lincoln has a slight chance with her, she dies. After Lincoln begins practicing in Springfield, he becomes engaged to Mary Todd, whose ambitions for his political career are greater than his own. On the day of his wedding, though, he runs away from her, and stays away for two years, until a chance encounter with an old friend and his family makes him think about responsibility, both to his family and to the country. He returns and marries Mary.
In the late 1850s, while they both are running for the United States Senate, he and Stephen A. Douglas have a series of debates on the subject of slavery: these debates receive much attention and make Lincoln's name a household word. A committee of civic leaders comes to him to ask if he is interested in running for president. The final chapter of the play presents his farewell speech to the people of Illinois. Lincoln is not entirely enthusiastic about being the president he tells friends that he expects to die, and he feels cut off by security measures from the people he knows best, the common people. He and Mary Todd are both unhappy in their marriage, but both are driven toward the presidency.
Over the course of the play, Lincoln grows from a shy, uneducated backwoodsman who was more willing to accept the enslavement of blacks than to accept war to the man who would lead half of the nation against the other half in the name of justice. When Sherwood's play was brought to the stage in 1938, its parallels to the international political situation were obvious. Adolf Hitler had established himself as the dictator of Germany and had started his expansion across Europe, and the people of America, an ocean away, found themselves faced with questions about whether to fight for justice or maintain peace. As the play continued to run on Broadway, Hitler invaded more countries, raising more and more support for America's entry into the war, giving audiences even more empathy for Lincoln's dilemma.
The play's relevance continues in the Age of Trump--who is the anti-Lincoln.
June 8, 2017
A series of interrelated scenes covering Lincoln’s pre-presidential life, Abe Lincoln is Illinois is very much a play of its time. That’s not a criticism but rather a commentary that I don’t think audiences today, for better or worse, would flock to a play that celebrates moral, intelligent leadership. I enjoyed this Pulitzer Prize winner and wish we did still expect such lofty traits in our leaders. Recommended.
January 10, 2019
Fairly straight-forward account of the president in his early years right up until his first moments as president.
December 31, 2024
Okay so, mostly interesting as a historical piece — ie, Sherwood JUST won the Pulitzer for a play about how war shouldn’t be rushed into (idiots delight) and now won for a play that says war must be accepted for the sake of Justice (because it’s literally 1939 and war is coming). Also, again, the speeches he wrote for Abe in this are clearly an audition to be FDR’s speech writer
This was directed by Elmer rice, who won the Pulitzer for drama with his street scene, so that’s fun.
Ooh also, this was based of a biography of Abe Lincoln that won the Pulitzer for biography. Kind of a fun parallel for Hamilton (2016) winning after being based on pulitzer winner ron chernow’s hamilton biography. Kind of a two nickels situation?
This was the 22nd play I read in my quest to conquer the Pulitzer Prize for drama
This was directed by Elmer rice, who won the Pulitzer for drama with his street scene, so that’s fun.
Ooh also, this was based of a biography of Abe Lincoln that won the Pulitzer for biography. Kind of a fun parallel for Hamilton (2016) winning after being based on pulitzer winner ron chernow’s hamilton biography. Kind of a two nickels situation?
This was the 22nd play I read in my quest to conquer the Pulitzer Prize for drama
January 3, 2026
Sherwood does a reasonably good job of boiling down Lincoln’s life up to the point that he is elected president into a play. Based on Sherwood’s afterword explaining his sources and what he was trying to do, I think even he would agree that he presents the young Lincoln as more lost and less shrewd than he really was.
May 14, 2019
3.5 stars. I feel as though some scenes were underdeveloped (which lessened their impact). Other than that, this was good, especially the first few scenes.
February 6, 2020
Abe Lincoln in Illinois is a play written by the American playwright Robert E. Sherwood in 1938. The play, in three acts, covers the life of President Abraham Lincoln from his childhood through his final speech in Illinois before he left for Washington. The play also covers his romance with Mary Todd and his debates with Stephen A. Douglas, and uses Lincoln's own words in some scenes. Sherwood received the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 1939 for his work. The play premiered on Broadway on October 15, 1938, at the Plymouth Theatre and closed in December 1939 after 472 performances. Directed by Elmer Rice, it starred Raymond Massey as Lincoln, Muriel Kirkland (Mary Todd), Adele Longmire (Ann Rutledge), and Albert Phillips (Stephen A. Douglas) This play covers much more ground than Lincoln's early days in Illinois as an attorney and his courtship of Ann Rutledge. At the curtain close, he has been elected president. I found this "fictional" version interesting, but I am not certain how much of the dialogue is based upon fact. Several significant speeches are included. Recommend the play. Kristi & Abby Tabby
March 18, 2014
This play is not perfect. The action is disjointed. The growth of Abe Lincoln’s character takes place outside of the action of the play, as if the scenes only to serve as milestone markers for his character development, but not showing the process of change itself. That being said, Lincoln himself is a quintessential American character whose own reality often is more impressive than the mythology that now surrounds him. Sherwood uses Lincoln himself, and presents this play as a pseudo-dramatic biography that tells the truth of Lincoln’s life. In this this way, the play is a stunning success, the style of which can only be repeated when the material is as compelling as Lincoln’s.
The play starts early in Lincoln’s life, as he is accused by his mentor of being a misanthrope. Abe response, “Well—maybe that’s how I am. Oh—I like people, well enough—when you consider ‘em one by one. But they seem to look different when they’re put into crowds, or mobs, or armies.” This statement is quite true, and foreshadows Lincoln’s willingness to precisely avoid mob rule, and determine paths to manipulate their course.
Later, as he is being encouraged to run for office, Ninian says, “We have a need for good conservative men to counteract all the radical firebrands that have swept over this country in the wake of Andrew Jackson. We’ve got to get this country back to first principles!” Lincoln responds, “Well—I’m conservative, all right. If I got into the legislature you’d never catch me starting any movements for reform or progress. I’m pretty certain I wouldn’t even have the nerve to open my mouth.” Music to Ninian’s ears, but clearly Lincoln was completely incorrect about his future self. Conservative principles he certainly defended (those that he interpreted vs. the current order of the United States), but he would radically and publicly challenge the legislatures for the balance of his career.
At a critical point, Lincoln waxes poetic about paths he could’ve chosen. Mary demands of him, “And you will promise that never again will you falter, or turn to run away?” Lincoln responds, “I promise, Mary—if you will have me—I shall devote myself for the rest of my days to trying—to do what is right—as God give me power to see what is right.” And it is at this point that we find Lincoln develop into his own, with a righteous determination, despite the consequences. He goes on to comment on the fallibility of the Supreme Court in criticism of Dred Scott, “I am only saying that the decisions of mortal men are often influenced by unjudicial bias—and the Supreme Court is composed of mortal men, most of whom, it so happens, come from the privileged class in the South. There is an old saying that judges are just as honest as other men, and not more so; and in case some of you are wondering who said that it was Thomas Jefferson.” He then summarizes his purpose and philosophy, “Many good citizens, North and South, agree with the Judge that we should accept t that conclusion—don’t stir up trouble—‘Let each State mind its own business.’ That’s the safer course, for the time being. But—I advise you to watch out! When you have enslaved any of your fellow beings, dehumanized him, denied him all claim to the dignity of manhood, placed him among the beasts, among the damned, are you quite sure that the demon you have thus created will not turn and rend you? When you begin qualifying freedom, watch out for the consequences to you! And I am not preaching civil war. All I am trying to do—now, and as long as I live—is to state and restate the fundamental virtues of our democracy, which have made us great, and which can make us greater.”
These words are prophetic, and serve to complete Lincoln’s maturation. It is the power of Lincoln himself that make this a remarkable play.
The play starts early in Lincoln’s life, as he is accused by his mentor of being a misanthrope. Abe response, “Well—maybe that’s how I am. Oh—I like people, well enough—when you consider ‘em one by one. But they seem to look different when they’re put into crowds, or mobs, or armies.” This statement is quite true, and foreshadows Lincoln’s willingness to precisely avoid mob rule, and determine paths to manipulate their course.
Later, as he is being encouraged to run for office, Ninian says, “We have a need for good conservative men to counteract all the radical firebrands that have swept over this country in the wake of Andrew Jackson. We’ve got to get this country back to first principles!” Lincoln responds, “Well—I’m conservative, all right. If I got into the legislature you’d never catch me starting any movements for reform or progress. I’m pretty certain I wouldn’t even have the nerve to open my mouth.” Music to Ninian’s ears, but clearly Lincoln was completely incorrect about his future self. Conservative principles he certainly defended (those that he interpreted vs. the current order of the United States), but he would radically and publicly challenge the legislatures for the balance of his career.
At a critical point, Lincoln waxes poetic about paths he could’ve chosen. Mary demands of him, “And you will promise that never again will you falter, or turn to run away?” Lincoln responds, “I promise, Mary—if you will have me—I shall devote myself for the rest of my days to trying—to do what is right—as God give me power to see what is right.” And it is at this point that we find Lincoln develop into his own, with a righteous determination, despite the consequences. He goes on to comment on the fallibility of the Supreme Court in criticism of Dred Scott, “I am only saying that the decisions of mortal men are often influenced by unjudicial bias—and the Supreme Court is composed of mortal men, most of whom, it so happens, come from the privileged class in the South. There is an old saying that judges are just as honest as other men, and not more so; and in case some of you are wondering who said that it was Thomas Jefferson.” He then summarizes his purpose and philosophy, “Many good citizens, North and South, agree with the Judge that we should accept t that conclusion—don’t stir up trouble—‘Let each State mind its own business.’ That’s the safer course, for the time being. But—I advise you to watch out! When you have enslaved any of your fellow beings, dehumanized him, denied him all claim to the dignity of manhood, placed him among the beasts, among the damned, are you quite sure that the demon you have thus created will not turn and rend you? When you begin qualifying freedom, watch out for the consequences to you! And I am not preaching civil war. All I am trying to do—now, and as long as I live—is to state and restate the fundamental virtues of our democracy, which have made us great, and which can make us greater.”
These words are prophetic, and serve to complete Lincoln’s maturation. It is the power of Lincoln himself that make this a remarkable play.
July 15, 2015
A very compelling and intriguing depiction of Lincoln's Illinois origins and failures before winning the presidency. Just as interesting as the play itself our the notes that outline Sherwood's rationale for crafting scenes as he did and the research that went into the play. The only problem is that Sherwood is somewhat limited by the hagiography/historiography of his time. Still a fine read for any student of Lincoln, the Civil War and the memory of the War.
March 8, 2010
It won a Pulitzer but I honestly have very neutral feelings about this show. It's a bit dated in feel, and neither brilliant nor tragic.
April 6, 2011
Found in:
"Five Broadway Plays - Hardbound
and
"Modern World Dramas - hardbound
I'm a fan of Robert Sherwood.
"Five Broadway Plays - Hardbound
and
"Modern World Dramas - hardbound
I'm a fan of Robert Sherwood.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews