Lincoln on Democracy [Paperback]

Back in print after ten years, this unique book brings together 141 speeches, speech excerpts, letters, fragments, and other writings by Lincoln on the theme of democracy. Selected by leading historians, the writings include such standards as the Emancipation Proclamation and the Gettysburg Address, but also such little-seen writings as a letter assuring a general that the President felt safedrafted just three days before Lincolns assassination.

In this richly annotated anthology, the writings are grouped thematically into seven sections that cover politics, slavery, the union, democracy, liberty, the nation divided, and the American Dream.

The introductions are by well-known historians: Gabor Borritt, William E. Gienapp, Charles B. Strozier, Richard Nelson Current, James M. McPherson, Mark E. Neely, Jr., and Hans L. Trefousse. In addition, each sections title page displays a photograph of Lincoln from the time period covered in that section, with a paragraph describing the source and the occasion for which the photograph was made.

More than anything else, Lincoln's power came from his pen. This superb selection reveals anew his poetic power. . . . Reading again his campaign and presidential speeches, Gettysburg Address, and Inaugural Address, one can appreciate why Lincoln, more than any other American, speaks to the yearnings of people to be free. . . . A gem of a collection, for all libraries.Back in print after ten years, this unique book brings together 141 speeches, speech excerpts, letters, fragments, and other writings by Lincoln on the theme of democracy.