First Among Equals: Abraham Lincoln's Reputation During His Administration

One hundred and forty years after his assassination on April 14, 1865, Abraham Lincoln towers more than ever above the landscape of American politics. In myth and memory, he is always the Great Emancipator and savior of the Union, second in stature only to George Washington. But was Lincoln always so exalted? Was he, as some historians argue, a poor President, deeply disliked, whose legacy was ennobled only by John Wilkes Booth's bullet? In this fascinating book, a leading historian finally takes the full measure of Lincoln's reputation. Drawing on a remarkable range of primary documents? speeches, newspaper accounts and editorials, private letters, memoirs, and other sources?Hans Trefousse gives us the voices of Lincoln's own time. From North and South, at home and abroad, here are politicians and ordinary people, soldiers and statesmen, abolitionists and slaveholders alike, in a rich chorus of American opinion. The result is a masterful portrait of Lincoln the President in the eyes of his fellow Americans. ?A much-needed corrective of the traditional story of a contrast between Lincoln's unpopularity while president and his elevation to heroic stature after the assassination.??James M.McPherson, Princeton University, author of Battle Cry of Freedom ?An astute analysis of the various opinions of our greatest president, an illuminating work of scholarship.??John Patrick Diggins, Distinguished Professor of History, Graduate Center, CUNY ?A portable treasure trove of primary sources and reasonable interpretations. ? ?Harold M.Hyman, William P. Hobby Professor of History, Emeritus, Rice University
Wydawnictwo: FORDHAM UNIV PR, Ilość stron: 216, Oprawa: hardback, ISBN: 0823224686

Zobacz wszystkie książki autora: Hans L. Trefousse.