Description
Book SynopsisWhile the heart of the book focuses on the Civil War, Gienapp begins with a finely etched portrait of Lincoln''s early life, from pioneer farm boy, to politician and lawyer in Springfield, to his stunning election as sixteenth president of the United States. We see how Lincoln grew during his years in office, how he developed a keen aptitude for military strategy and displayed enormous skill in dealing with his generals, and also how his strategy evolved from a desire to preserve the Union into one of emancipation and total war.A former backwoodsman and country lawyer, Abraham Lincoln rose to become one of America''s greatest presidents. The biography offers a vivid account of Lincoln''s dramatic ascension to the pinnacle of American history.
Trade Review"Abraham Lincoln and Civil War America is the best brief biography of Lincoln that I have read. Briskly written, concise, and informed by the latest scholarship, it is destined to become a standard book in its field."-- David Herbert Donald, Charles Warren Professor of American History Emeritus, Harvard University and author of Lincoln "In a notoriously crowded field, this book is something quite rare: a truly concise, authoritative overview of Abraham Lincoln and the Civil War. While scholars will admire its sure command of the subject and its deft treatment of complicated historical issues, this book will be particularly valuable for non-specialists. Written in clear and direct prose by one of the leading scholars in the field, it is an ideal choice for the student or general reader."--Douglas L. Wilson, McCabe-Greer Professor of History of the Civil War Era at Pennsylvania State University and Pulitzer Prize-winning author of The Fate of Liberty: Abraham Lincoln and Civil Liberties "Abraham Lincoln and Civil War America is the best brief biography of Lincoln that I have read. Briskly written, concise, and informed by the latest scholarship, it is destined to become a standard book in its field."-- David Herbert Donald, Charles Warren Professor of American History Emeritus, Harvard University and author of Lincoln "In a notoriously crowded field, this book is something quite rare: a truly concise, authoritative overview of Abraham Lincoln and the Civil War. While scholars will admire its sure command of the subject and its deft treatment of complicated historical issues, this book will be particularly valuable for non-specialists. Written in clear and direct prose by one of the leading scholars in the field, it is an ideal choice for the student or general reader."--Douglas L. Wilson, author of Honor's Voice: The Transformation of Abraham Lincoln "The best brief biography of Lincoln. Eloquently written, accessible to students, based on a synthesis of the scholarly literature, yet an original contribution."--Roy E. Finkenbine, University of Detroit Mercy
Table of ContentsPreface: 1: A Son of the Frontier 2: Thwarted Ambition 3: Rise to Power 4: A People's Contest 5: From Limited War to Revolution 6: Midstream 7: To Finish the Task 8: With Malice Toward None Chronology of Abraham Lincoln: List of Abbreviations: Notes: Bibliographical Essay: Index:
