Speaking of Abraham Lincoln

Speaking of Abraham Lincoln examines key aspects of Lincoln's life, career and legacy through essays and speeches by historian Richard N. Current. The collection spans several decades of Current's Lincoln scholarship and brings together both previously published and new material. The work focuses on crucial elements of Lincoln's presidency, including his evolving views on slavery, his leadership during the Civil War, and his relationships with political allies and opponents. Current addresses long-standing debates about Lincoln's motivations and decisions through analysis of primary sources and historical records. Current evaluates how Lincoln's legacy has been interpreted and reinterpreted over time, exploring various historical perspectives and myths that have emerged. The book includes examinations of specific speeches, letters, and policy documents that shaped Lincoln's public image during his lifetime and after his death. The essays combine rigorous historical analysis with broader reflections on Lincoln's place in American history and democracy. Current's work contributes to ongoing discussions about presidential leadership and the enduring influence of Lincoln's principles on American political thought.

There are not enough internet reviews to create a summary of this book. Instead, here is a summary of reviews of Richard N. Current's overall work: 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

Team of Rivals by Doris Kearns Goodwin This political biography examines Lincoln through his relationships with cabinet members and rivals, revealing his leadership approach through direct accounts and primary sources.

Lincoln's Melancholy by Joshua Wolf Shenk The book uses historical records and letters to analyze how Lincoln's depression shaped his presidency and decision-making throughout his life.

Abraham Lincoln: Redeemer President by Allen Guelzo This biographical examination focuses on Lincoln's intellectual and spiritual development through his writings and speeches.

Lincoln at Gettysburg by Garry Wills The book deconstructs the Gettysburg Address through historical context and textual analysis to show how Lincoln transformed American political thought.

The Fiery Trial: Abraham Lincoln and American Slavery by Eric Foner This study traces Lincoln's evolving views on slavery through documents and correspondence from his early political career through his presidency.

🎩 While Richard N. Current spent decades studying Lincoln, he deliberately chose to focus on lesser-known aspects of Lincoln's life in this book, exploring topics like Lincoln's relationship with his stepmother and his early business ventures. 📚 The book contains detailed analysis of Lincoln's self-education process, revealing how he taught himself advanced mathematics and grammar despite having less than one year of formal schooling. ⚖️ Current challenges several popular myths about Lincoln in the book, including the romanticized notion that Ann Rutledge was Lincoln's true love and that her death sent him into a deep depression. 🎓 Richard N. Current won the prestigious Bancroft Prize for his Lincoln scholarship and served as president of the Southern Historical Association, making him one of the most respected Lincoln scholars of the 20th century. 📜 The book draws heavily from original documents and first-hand accounts that had been previously overlooked by other Lincoln biographers, including correspondence between Lincoln and his law partners.