Richard N. Current

Richard Nelson Current (1912-2012) was an American historian widely recognized for his extensive scholarship on Abraham Lincoln and the Civil War era. His work earned him multiple prestigious awards, including the Bancroft Prize and the Lincoln Prize. Current served as a professor at multiple institutions including the University of Illinois, University of Wisconsin, and the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. His most influential works include "The Lincoln Nobody Knows" (1958) and "Lincoln and the First Shot" (1963), which challenged existing interpretations of Lincoln's presidency and the Civil War's origins. Beyond Lincoln scholarship, Current wrote extensively on other aspects of American history, particularly Reconstruction and nineteenth-century political figures. His book "Those Terrible Carpetbaggers" (1988) offered a revisionist perspective on the Northern politicians who went South after the Civil War. Current's approach to historical writing emphasized meticulous research and a willingness to challenge conventional wisdom. His work continues to influence Lincoln scholars and Civil War historians, and his methodological contributions helped shape modern approaches to American historical research.

Readers value Current's detailed research and ability to challenge standard Lincoln narratives without sensationalism. His writing receives praise for clear presentation of complex historical evidence and arguments. What readers liked: - Thorough documentation and use of primary sources - Objective analysis that avoids hero worship of Lincoln - Clear prose style accessible to non-academics - Fresh perspectives on well-covered historical events What readers disliked: - Some found his academic tone dry - Occasional repetition of points - Limited coverage of certain aspects of Lincoln's personal life - Dense footnotes can interrupt reading flow Ratings summary: Goodreads: "The Lincoln Nobody Knows" - 3.9/5 (127 ratings) "Those Terrible Carpetbaggers" - 3.8/5 (42 ratings) Amazon: Average 4.2/5 across titles Reader quote: "Current strips away the myths while maintaining respect for Lincoln's achievements" - Goodreads review "Meticulously researched but requires concentration to follow the detailed arguments" - Amazon review

American History: A Survey - A comprehensive examination of American history from pre-colonial times through the modern era, written in collaboration with other historians.

The Lincoln Nobody Knows - A critical analysis that challenges popular myths and misconceptions about Abraham Lincoln's life and presidency.

Lincoln and the First Shot - A detailed investigation of the events and decisions leading up to the start of the Civil War at Fort Sumter.

Those Terrible Carpetbaggers - A historical reexamination of Northern politicians who moved to the South during Reconstruction, presenting evidence that challenges their traditional negative portrayal.

Lincoln's Loyalists: Union Soldiers from the Confederacy - A study of Southern soldiers who chose to fight for the Union during the Civil War.

Wisconsin: A Bicentennial History - A state history covering Wisconsin's development from territory to statehood and beyond.

Daniel Webster and the Rise of National Conservatism - An analysis of Webster's political career and his influence on American conservative thought.

Why the North Won the Civil War - An exploration of the various factors that contributed to the Union's victory in the Civil War.

Speaking of Abraham Lincoln - A collection of essays examining Lincoln's rhetoric and public speaking abilities.

David Herbert Donald served as a leading Lincoln scholar who, like Current, focused on meticulous primary source research and myth-busting. His work "Lincoln Reconsidered" and "Lincoln" biography share Current's commitment to challenging popular misconceptions about the 16th president.

James M. McPherson approaches Civil War history with similar attention to detail and willingness to question established narratives. His research methods and focus on both military and political aspects of the era align with Current's comprehensive approach to Civil War scholarship.

Eric Foner examines Reconstruction with the same revisionist perspective that characterized Current's work on carpetbaggers. His research on the post-Civil War period demonstrates comparable attention to primary sources and questioning of traditional interpretations.

Michael Burlingame produces Lincoln scholarship that builds on Current's foundation of extensive archival research and biographical detail. His work "Abraham Lincoln: A Life" follows Current's pattern of examining Lincoln through multiple lenses while maintaining strict historical accuracy.

Kenneth M. Stampp wrote about the Civil War era with similar emphasis on challenging conventional wisdom and established interpretations. His work on slavery and Reconstruction parallels Current's approach to questioning traditional historical narratives while maintaining scholarly rigor.