Lincoln's Sword
The Presidency And the Power of Words
Wilson, Douglas L.
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BOOK SUMMARY
Abraham Lincoln now occupies an unparalleled place in American history, but when he was first elected president, a skeptical writer asked, Who will write this ignorant mans state papers? Literary ability was, indeed, the last thing the public expected fr
BOOK REVIEWS
Wilson expertly demonstrates just how much Lincoln used his flair for language to influence public opinion. By the time he was assassinated, it was clear that his pen had become as mighty as any sword."
--Justin Ewers, Washington Post Book World
A boomlet of books about Lincoln's oratory has flooded the market in recent years . . . All are excellent, but Douglas L. Wilson takes the conversation to an even higher level in Lincoln's Sword . . . Wilson . . . restores the humanity behind the famous face."
--Ted Widmer, The Los Angeles Times
"A delight . . . a wonder . . . For a few hours your faith will be restored in democracy and politics."
--Bob Blaisdell, The San Francisco Chronicle
"Wilson's may be the finest book yet produced about Lincoln's uncanny creative
process."
--Harold Holzer, The New York Sun
"Lincoln's Sword will not only cause readers to see Lincoln in fresh ways, but they will discover how disciplined exactness can sharpen their own writing--and rewriting."
--Myron A. Marty, St. Louis Post-Dispatch
"Wilson's most fascinating achievement in his new book is the glimpse he offers into Lincoln's mind."
--Christine Gibson, American Heritage
"Wilson does stellar work dissecting Lincoln's most prominent public utterances."
--Cheryl Truman, Lexington Herald-Leader
"Wilson . . . makes readers feel as if they were sitting at Lincoln's elbow as he writes. A perceptive portrait of Lincoln with pen in hand."
--Booklist
"Wilson contends that Lincoln's writing style reflects a clarity uniquely American in character that makes his works endure to the present day."
--Library Journal
This book is so good that it will shape Lincoln scholarship for generations. At the same time, it is so beautifully written that it will be read by the general reader for years to come. Never has the craft of Lincolns writing been more brilliantly revealed. Never has the mind of Lincoln been more deeply penetrated.
Doris Kearns Goodwin, author of Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln
This fascinating book is the first close scholarly student of the origins, drafting, writing, rewriting, and polishing of Abraham Lincolns most important presidential papers. Written by a master historian, it is not merely a superb study of Lincolns prose style; it offers fresh insights into the way the president thought and wrote. Every serious student of Abraham Lincolns career will find it indispensable.
David Herbert Donald, author of Lincoln
In a work of rare forensic skill and illumination, Douglas Wilson exposes the compositional layers of Lincolns key writings to reveal how the Union presidents indefatigable care over words served as an essential element of his political practice and leadership. Lucid, subtle, and persuasive, Lincolns Sword is both a joy to read and scholarship of the very highest order.
Richard Carwardine, author of Lincoln: A Life of Purpose and Power
Behind a folksy facade, Lincoln was three thingsa brilliant intellectual, a shrewd politician, and a literary genius. Douglas Wilson shows us how the first two qualities made the third one so effective.
Garry Wills, author of Lincoln at Gettysburg
Swathed in marble and myth, the very human Lincoln is as elusive as the icon is recognizable. It is Doug Wilsons genius to reconstruct the man by deconstructing his words. Persuasive, often surprising, and never dull, Lincolns Sword is wielded memorably by a scholar and historical sleuthat the peak of his powers.
Richard Norton Smith, founding director, Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum
Lincoln thought best with a pen in his hand. Wilsons quite stunning achievement is to recover Lincolns thought process as it drafted and edited its way to the simple truth that needed to be told.
Joseph J. Ellis, author of His Excellency: George Washington
Submit a book reviewFOR RELATED BOOKS
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MORE BOOK INFO
ISBN: 1400040396
ISBN(13-digit): 9781400040391
Dewey Decimal: 973.7092
Library of Congress: 2006045259
Book Publisher: Random House Inc
Language: ENG
No. of Pages: 352
Paper Weight (lb): 1.5044 lb
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