In this landmark work of deep scholarship and insight, Eric Foner gives us the definitive history of Abraham Lincoln and the end of slavery in America. Foner begins with Lincoln's youth in Indiana and Illinois and follows the trajectory of his career across an increasingly tense and shifting political terrain from Illinois to Washington, D.C. Although "naturally anti-slavery" for as long as he can remember, Lincoln scrupulously holds to the position that the Constitution protects the institution in the original slave states. But the political landscape is transformed in 1854 when the Kansas-Nebraska Act makes the expansion of slavery a national issue. A man of considered words and deliberate actions, Lincoln navigates the dynamic politics deftly, taking measured steps, often along a path forged by abolitionists and radicals in his party. Lincoln rises to leadership in the new Republican Party by calibrating his politics to the broadest possible antislavery coalition. As president of a divided nation and commander in chief at war, displaying a similar compound of pragmatism and principle, Lincoln finally embraces what he calls the Civil War's "fundamental and astounding" result: the immediate, uncompensated abolition of slavery and recognition of blacks as American citizens. Foner's Lincoln emerges as a leader, one whose greatness lies in his capacity for moral and political growth through real engagement with allies and critics alike. This powerful work will transform our understanding of the nation's greatest president and the issue that mattered most.
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"Brilliant quasi-biography focused on Lincoln's ever-evolving approach to slavery. The book cements my view that Lincoln learned greatness during the course of his presidency. The book also gave appropriate attention to Lincoln's work as a practical politician, dealing with his party, congress, and patronage issues. Favorite anecdote: when Lincoln's black valet, William H. Johnson died in 1864, Lincoln arranged for him to be buried in Arlington cemetery, with a headstone (paid for by Lincoln) that read "CITIZEN."" — Bill (5 out of 5 stars)
"Brilliant quasi-biography focused on Lincoln's ever-evolving approach to slavery. The book cements my view that Lincoln learned greatness during the course of his presidency. The book also gave appropriate attention to Lincoln's work as a practical politician, dealing with his party, congress, and patronage issues. Favorite anecdote: when Lincoln's black valet, William H. Johnson died in 1864, Lincoln arranged for him to be buried in Arlington cemetery, with a headstone (paid for by Lincoln) that read "CITIZEN.""
[A] searching portrait.
" Fascinating and well-researched book. "
" Awesome. Dense. I put it down and then picked it back up a couple times. Well researched. It's a great examination of Lincoln views on slavery and how they evolved over time. "
" Revealing Makes you think, angry, appreciate and wonder. Highly recommended. "
" It took me two whole months to get through this 18-hour audiobook, but it was hugely interesting and educational. I'd probably never have plowed through it had I actually read it, but it was a pleasure to listen to. "
" Honors History Requirement- No Review Necessary "
" A thorough and fascinating account of the evolution of Lincoln's thoughts on slavery and race in America. "
" I always enjoy learning more about Abraham Lincoln. This book showed so well how Lincoln grew into his greatness because he was willing to grow. This growth often required great humility. "
" Terrific insight into the conflict in Lincoln's thinking between his adherence to natural rights, and his initial opposition to equal rights--among many other things. "
" I read this during the recent presidential election (2012). It gave me a perspective for the current political impasse and appreciation for the difficulties of leadership in trying times. "
" Another Lincoln Bio. "
" Absolutely the best history book I've ever read. I cannot recommend it highly enough. Read it!!! "
" If you read only one book about the Civil War, it should be this book. "
" Well-blanced historical account of Lincoln's presidency. "
" This is a comprehensive, academic study of Lincoln's view of slavery in the social context of the mid-19th century. It became rather tedious but the information is remarkable. His political genius was clear as he struggled to keep the party and union together. "
" Great read that treats Lincoln properly as a politician, not a god-like statesman. "
" Lincoln is one of my favorite subjects & his views on slavery are what I am most interested in. It was great reading about how his views evolved regarding race as he experienced new facts & events. "
" History buffs: Just when you thought you knew everything about Lincoln. Fascinating analysis about a pivotal time, and a very interesting man. Author gets a gold star for this in my book! "
" An excellent read. Well written, reasonably balanced. Great history. "
" This is an excellent book on the development of Lincoln and his attitudes toward slavery. The work is well researched and well written.I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in Lincoln and the fight for freedom in America. "
" A thorough, definitive and fascinating chronicle of Lincoln's changing relationship to the institution of slavery. "
" This might be an example I use for doing research well. I enjoyed reading of Lincoln's change. Why can't we see change in politicians as a good thing? "
" Superb. Foner's nuanced study of Lincoln and slavery is must-reading for anyone interested in the cause of the Civil War. "
Eric Foner is the author of many award-winning books on the Civil War and Reconstruction, including the winner of the Pulitzer Prize for History, The Fiery Trial: Abraham Lincoln and American Slavery. He is the 2020 recipient of the Anisfield-Wolf Book Award for lifetime achievement. He is DeWitt Clinton Professor Emeritus of History at Columbia University.
Norman Dietz is a writer, voice-over artist, and audiobook narrator. He has won numerous Earphones Awards and was named one of the fifty “Best Voices of the Century” by AudioFile magazine. He and his late wife, Sandra, transformed an abandoned ice-cream parlor into a playhouse, which served “the world’s best hot fudge sundaes” before and after performances. The founder of Theatre in the Works, he lives in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
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