Abraham Lincoln

Description

America's greatest president rose to power in the country's greatest hour of need. His vision saw the United States through the Civil War. Abraham Lincoln towers above the others who have held the office of president -- the icon of greatness, the pillar of strength whose words bound up the nation's wounds. His presidency is the hinge on which American history pivots, the time when the young republic collapsed of its own contradictions and a new birth of freedom, sanctified by blood, created the United States we know today. His story has been told many times, but never by a man who himself sought the office of president and contemplated the awesome responsibilities that come with it. George S. McGovern -- a Midwesterner, former U.S. senator, presidential candidate, veteran, and historian by training -- offers his unique insight into our sixteenth president. He shows how Lincoln sometimes went astray, particularly in his restrictions on civil liberties, but also how he adjusted his sights and transformed the Civil War from a political dispute to a moral crusade. McGovern's account reminds us why we hold Lincoln in such esteem and why he remains the standard by which all of his successors are measured. - Publisher.

Description

Abraham Lincoln towers above the others who have held the office of president--the pillar of strength whose words bound up the nation's wounds. His presidency is the hinge on which American history pivots, the time when the young republic collapsed of its own contradictions and a new birth of freedom, sanctified by blood, created the United States we know today. His story has been told many times, but never by a man who himself sought the office of president and contemplated its awesome responsibilities. George S. McGovern--Midwesterner, former U.S. senator, presidential candidate, veteran, and historian by training-- shows how Lincoln sometimes went astray, particularly in his restrictions on civil liberties, but also how he adjusted his sights and transformed the Civil War from a political dispute to a moral crusade. McGovern's account reminds us why we hold Lincoln in such esteem and why he remains the standard by which his successors are measured.--From publisher description.

Subjects

Genres

• Biography

Series Statement

• The American presidents

Links

• URL
• URL

Other Editions

• Abraham LincolnHardcoverTimes Books/Henry Holt and Co.2009-01-01
• Abraham LincolnThorndike Press2009-01-01