Lincoln on LincolnPaul M. Zall Though Abraham Lincoln has been the subject of numerous biographies, his personality remains an enigma. During his lifetime, Lincoln prepared two sketches of his life for the 1860 presidential race. These brief campaign portraits serve as the core around which Paul Zall weaves extracts from correspondence, speeches, and interviews to produce an in-depth biography. Lincoln's writing about himself offers a window into the soul and mind of one of America's greatest president. His words reveal an emotional evolution typically submerged in political biographies. Lincoln on Lincoln shows a man struggling to reconcile personal ambition and civic virtue, conscience and Constitution, and ultimately the will of God and the will of the people. Zall frames Lincoln's words with his own illuminating commentary, providing a continuous, compelling narrative. Beginning with Lincoln's thoughts on his parents, the story moves though his youth and early successes and failures in law and politics, and culminates in his clashes and conflicts—internal as well as external—as president of a divided country. Through his writings, Lincoln said much more about himself than is commonly recognized, and Zall uses this material to create a unique portrait of this pivotal figure. |
From inside the book
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... practice law September 1837 April 1839 Moves to new capital, Springfield; law partner with John Todd Stuart Practices on new 8th Judicial Circuit (until named president) Broken engagement to Mary Todd supposedly causes depression Seeks ...
... practice what they called “polemics” (Howard 393; Mearns, Lincoln Papers, 1:157-58). Some neighbors owned a surprisingly rich collection of books, among them Hugh Blair's Lectures on Rhetoric, James Thomson's Seasons, Machiavelli's Art ...
... practice of the law, was also elected. During the canvass, in a private conversation he encouraged A. study law. After the election he borrowed books of Stuart, took them home with him, and went at it in good earnest. He studied with ...
... practiced law in Springfield a few years with Henry E. Dummer but much preferred politics. From Lincoln's later advice to prospective lawyers come hints of the course he himself followed: Get the books, and read, and study them ...
... practice law. In March he was licensed to practice only in the county; in September, after appearing before two state superior court justices, he could practice in the state. He was not officially enrolled, however, until March 1837 ...
Contents
Making His Way with Wit and Wisdom | |
Stumping the State and the Nation | |
Preserving Protecting Defending | |
Making Peace All Passion Spent | |
Notes | |