Category — Abraham Lincoln

This book is about what the title says it is. But the focus is not as narrow as that title would suggest. Even Lincoln experts are likely to learn something from this far-reaching study of Lincoln and the Jews.   Read the rest of this entry »

Brewster's detailed account is an important addition to understanding the Proclamation and the circumstances of its genesis. The book is well researched and Brewster writes well, if somewhat acerbically.   Read the rest of this entry »

So much has been written about the 16th U.S. president that some may wonder what Brookhiser could add that has not already been amply covered. Read on to find out!   Read the rest of this entry »

This book is part biography and part social and political history. Quitt draws on previously untapped sources to try to do justice to a complex man now little more than a footnote to history. The irony is that, in his time, Douglas was widely admired and thought much more likely to ascend to the presidency than the man whose election relegated him to the shadows. If Douglas is remembered at all, it is for debating Lincoln in 1858 when Lincoln ran for Douglas’s Senate seat.   Read the rest of this entry »

The author’s claim that he offers a “new understanding” seems overblown to this reviewer. Truth to tell, there is little in this book about the American Civil War that hasn’t been covered by other historians. Fleming’s contribution is more a matter of emphasis than originality. That having been said, this is an interesting and readable book. In the course of Fleming’s narrative he casts light on some little discussed related events, one of which will be addressed later in this review.   Read the rest of this entry »

The Shut Mouth Society is a potboiler of the first order. James Best fans will be surprised as the author steps a bit outside of his regular genre, the classic American Western, and gives hero Steve Dancy a break. This reviewer wasn't sure what to expect as Jim has been fairly close mouthed about the book himself, except to say that this book is his wife's favorite.* After reading it, it's easy to see why. It is difficult to talk about the story without giving away any of its many twists and turns, which on reflection, is probably why the author was so "shut mouth" about it. Well, here goes.   Read the rest of this entry »

We Have the War Upon Us is an engrossing book, full of fascinating historical details. It is essential reading for anyone interested in the American Civil War and an excellent introduction to the people and events that led up to the bloodiest, most devastating war in American history.   Read the rest of this entry »

A good book challenges you to dig deeper. Destiny of the Republic is just such a book. Author Candice Millard mentioned that Garfield had been chosen to give an unprepared eulogy on the first anniversary of President Lincoln's assassination. The story is recounted in this New York Times article from 1881.   Read the rest of this entry »

An incredibly prescient letter from Madison to Jefferson, in which Madison offers his observations on the dangers of a tyrannical majority in a democratic system. Madison explains his views on the proposed Bill of Rights and one of the reasons for his reticence was simply because he didn't care for all those who supported it! "At the same time I have never thought the omission [of a Bill of Rights] a material defect, nor been anxious to supply it even by subsequent amendment, for any other reason than that it is anxiously desired by others."   Read the rest of this entry »

Blogger/Historian Anna The Imp, from across the pond, has a great article on the complexities of the British position on America's Civil War.   Read the rest of this entry »