The Best American History Essays on Lincoln

by Kenneth A. Loparo, S. Wilentz (Editor)

This new volume in the Best American History Essays series brings together classic writing from top American historians on one of our greatest presidents. Ranging from incisive assessments of his political leadership, to explorations of his enigmatic character, to reflections on the mythos that has become inseparable from the man, each of these contributions expands our understanding of Abraham Lincoln and shows why he has been such an object of enduring fascination.Contributions James McPherson on Lincoln the military strategist* Richard Hofstadter on the Lincoln legend* Edmund Wilson on his contribution to American letters* John Hope Franklinon the Emancipation Proclamation* James Horton on Lincoln and race* David M. Potter on the secession* Richard Current on Lincoln's political genius* Mark Neely on Lincoln and civil liberties.

Genres: History, American History, Politics, Civil War, Biography

269 pages, Hardcover

First published December 15, 2008

Reviews

[Elaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you're interested in Lincoln and know something about how he rose to the Presidency and how he managed the Civil War, this is an excellent collection. I downgraded it only because it includes Hofstadter's 1948 essay claiming that Lincoln didn't care about slavery, an opinion easily refuted starting with his 1831 avowal that if he ever had a chance, he would get rid of it. Other than that, I enjoyed this and learned much new about Lincoln and I have been reading about him for years. I especially recommend the essay on Lincoln's marriage and relations with his wife and also those about his alleged love for Ann Rutledge.

[Mickey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous book of essays! Of course, some were better than others, but most were first-rate. There was a great variety of focus in the essays: some were about one aspect or one short period of time, some were a summary of his impact. My favorite was David M. Potter's "Why the Republicans Rejected Both Compromise and Seccession". I also thought that the essay on the formation of the Emancipation Proclamation was a stand-out.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is not for the faint of heart, it is dense reading but if you like that sort of thing and want to learn more about Lincoln and his politics on the civil war and a general overview of the man himself. If you like to learn about civil war or war stratagy, this is your kind of reading. This is an excellent overview of Lincoln.

[Allison · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is a collection of various essays, some of which I enjoyed more than others. I felt like I have a better idea of who Abraham Lincoln is after reading this and would recommend it.

[Brant · Rating 4 out of 5]

Essential reading on our 16th President!