Synopses & Reviews
Abraham Lincoln never wrote a book: his ideas are contained in speeches, letters, and various occasional writings. By bringing these works together into a single anthology, this book shows that Lincoln deserves to be counted among the great political philosophers.
In addition to many examples of Lincolns writings, this volume includes four interpretive essays that will provide an intellectual feast for any reader exploring his complex legacy. Danilo Petranovich looks at Lincolns conception of the Union and its radically new focus on purging the nation of the problem of slavery. Ralph Lerner reconsiders Lincolns relation to the American framers and in particular his effort to put the Declaration of Independence on a new foundation. Benjamin Kleinerman examines Lincolns always controversial views on the scope of executive power during war. And Steven Smith considers the place of religion in Lincolns political thought through a close reading of his Second Inaugural Address.
Review
"Lincoln is our most unsettling president. This selection invites us to wrestle with him—and with our own, and God's actions in the world."—Richard Brookhiser, author of James Madison
Review
"A handsome collection of Lincoln's finest utterances. The appended essays are broadly critical, but they rightly conclude that Lincoln's thought is more than a match for ours."—Harvey Mansfield, Professor at Harvard University and Senior Fellow at the Hoover Institution, author of Manliness
Review
“The selection of Lincoln writings is first-rate, and the secondary essays are original and thought-provoking. Citizens and students will long note what is published here, and will be grateful to Yale University Press, the editors—and to Lincoln!—for this volume.”—William Kristol, Editor, The Weekly Standard
About the Author
Steven B. Smith is Alfred Cowles Professor of Political Science and Master of Branford College at Yale University. He lives in New Haven.