No man is good enough to govern another man without that other's consent....Dr. Ben Tolila tells in his lecture about Abraham Lincoln, the president who freed the slaves in the 19th century, and who lived from 1809-1865. Lincoln's uniqueness lay in the fact, that in the context of his position, he insisted in adhering to the national goals that he had set out for the American nation - unity and the liberation of the slaves.
Although many people opposed him, both among his people and in his own party, he exhibited determination and consistency, which in the end cost him his life. Lincoln was murdered several days after the end of the Civil War in the United States, and became a legend not only in his own country, but the world over.
Dr. Yossi Ben Tolila is a graduate of the Department of Jewish History in Bar Ilan University, who lectures in various social contexts about historical personalities. In the lectures he discusses the biographies of the people in light of their times; the circumstances that contributed to their appearance on the stage of history; their thought and activity; and the influence of all these on their generation and future generations. As we know, biographies are of assistance in the study of history, and shed light on the personal, social and political factors, that formed the basis of past events.
Download and start listening now!
"Definitely a weighty book. Donald by most accounts if the most accomplished, dignified historian of his generation delivers an exceptional account of Old Abe, in this 1995 biography. As most Lincoln attest, it is the best they have read. I'll take their word for it. The minutiae and details which Donald has extracted from every part of Lincoln's life are fascinating. Certainly, it is not a puff-piece, nor devolves to synchophantic nostalgic myth-making. Donald provides such a richly contextualized presentation that often I sat there, thinking to myself, "Well, maybe, I too would have thought Lincoln a tyrant" or "He is too interested in politicking to tackle the moral issues." While reading it, I wrestled with Lincoln's place in pantheon of American Presidents, often wavering on the side that he is overrated. To be sure, he is more myth than man at this point in our national story, but his brilliance shines forth from the final pages of this biography. As his political critics and rivals fall by the wayside and step in line behind him, he rises above the petty bickering and sees his office as a moral vocation. Donald should constantly lauded for the master he is, for this book, and more. It is as lesson on civic responsibility and integrity as it is a historical masterpiece."
—
Michael (5 out of 5 stars)