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Abraham Lincoln
by Lord Charnwood
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| Editorial Review |
| Editorial Review |
| One of the most important works on Abraham Lincoln from the era when he was passing out of living memory and into history, this 1917 classic is a rich, evocative portrait of the man and how actions as a leader were shaped by his character and ideals. From its British perspective, offering a fresh angle on an American legend, to its charming readability, Charnwood's treatise-which was called, in 1947, "the best one-volume life of Lincoln ever written" by historian Benjamin Thomas-today remains one of the most intriguing examinations of the great president, and a keystone for understanding the evolution of Lincoln scholarship. British author and academic GODFREY RATHBONE BENSON, 1st Baron Charnwood (1864-1945) also wrote the biography *Theodore Roosevelt* (1923). |
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| Product Details |
- Publisher: Cosimo Classics
- ISBN-10: 1-60520-693-8
- ISBN-13: 978-1-60520-693-6
- Amazon.com Sales Rank #5150450
- Published on: July 01, 2009
- Number of items: 1
- Binding: Hardcover
- 496 pages
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| Customer Review |
S. Wasserman: Plodding Prose  |
| Stylistically congested. Although written just after the turn of the 20th century, it could have been written a century before. In stark contrast, rejuvenate yourself with reading Lincoln himself, especially the 2 volume Library of America set. You will transform the chaos of life into a blissful afternoon by a peaceful stream in the loveliness of Spring. |
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Adam Tomczik: One of the Best  |
Lord Charnwood's 1916 volume remains one of the finest portraits of Abraham Lincoln yet produced. Charnwood offers nuanced insight into Lincoln's mind and his character, probing much deeper and more convincingly than later authors were able. Charnwood's brief treatment of Lincoln's complicated religious faith (tied in with the section on the Second Inaugural Address) was particularly poignant.
I suggest William E. Gienapp's "Abraham Lincoln and Civil War America" (2002) for learners who are new to Lincoln or have lost touch with him since 9th grade history class. Gienapp synthesizes all the latest research and criticism within Lincolnian studies into a brief yet surprisingly thorough 240-page book.
After that, step up to Charnwood. It is truly great historical writing (almost literary in moments) and one of the best character studies published of a truly incredible human being.
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| Kenneth D. Willis: Missing Pages |
I guess it was fluke, but I have tried two (2) copies of this book and in both copies pages 233-264 were missing and pages 265-296 are repeated twice. Too bad because it cuts off right at an interesting part leading up to the issuance of the Emancipation Proclamation and Lincoln's effort to keep the border states in the Union.
Apparently the missing pages situation was not the case with the copies had by the other reviewers here, or........they didn't read far enough into the book to notice. None makes any mention of the problem.
I give it five stars for the content that was contained in my copy anyway, but no stars at all to the printer. |
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| Joshua Reicks: Fascinating study of Abraham Lincoln |
There is something about the British and their outlook towards American politics which is quite enjoyable. They bring a refreshing civility and admiration for political thought and history that is more often than not absent in today's North American biographers. In this biography of Lincoln Charnwood delves deep into the political atmosphere in which Lincoln rose to power and saw America through one of its most trying hours. The author delivers a deep sense of what a thoughtful and kind man that Lincoln was. It is an an unflinching look at Lincoln's spiritual side in which in comparison to today's commander-in-chief is quite startling for their similarities and differences.
His dissection of the politics of the era is simply fascinating. This is a book for anyone who has a keen apreciation of politics and history. Charnwood's unflinching directness in his portrayal of Lincoln leaves the reader with the sense that not only does the author have the deepest respect for Lincoln but that that Lincoln deserved every bit of it. My copy of this book is a beat up 1950's paperback I found in a thrift store to accompany me on a trip to Louisiana and I would recommend to anyone who can get their hands on one. |
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| Joseph Harder: One of the greatest studies of Lincoln |
| Though it is dated in some of its facts and assessments,Lord Charnwoods classic study of Lincoln remains one of the dozen or so greatest books ever written about our greatest President.What sets it apart from most other studies of the sixteenth President is the attention it gives the intellectual and spiritual underpinnings of Lincoln's life and actions. It is, in short a work of philosophical history, not a dry recitation of facts. Charnwood is interested in the moral meaning of democracy and the scope and limits of democratic leadership. He performs his task beautifully. I , for one , found his old-fashioned Victorian prose a joy to read, and a relief from the cliche' ridden jargon that too often passes for literate prose today. A great book by a foriegn observer of America, fully worthy of being placed beside Tocqueville and Bryce. |
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