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He was the most eloquent of American presidents, with the possible exception of FDR, and the moral vision that sustained the nation during the Civil War illuminates nearly every page in this hefty collection of Abraham Lincoln's speeches, writings, and correspondence. It's not just the famous phrases--"mystic chords of memory" (first inaugural address), "government of the people, by the people, for the people" (Gettysburg Address), "with malice toward none" (second inaugural address)--that resonate. It's an artistic and political genius that could express complex ethical questions in simple, compelling language, as when Lincoln defined slavery's defenders as holding the "same tyrannical principle" as Europe's kings: "the same spirit that says, 'You toil and work and earn bread, and I'll eat it.'" Editor Philip Van Doren Stern's annotations provide helpful background, and his 200-page biographical essay ably encapsulates the principal developments in Lincoln's life and thought as they were known in 1940, when this volume was first published. The extreme privation of his youth, the terrible melancholy that often afflicted him, and the sorrows of his personal life make Lincoln's public achievements all the more staggering. Stern wisely respects the mysterious alchemy by which a plain man became a statesman; this respectful anthology seeks only to present Lincoln, not to explain him. --Wendy Smith ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Nice compact edition
There are some who consider Mark Twain and Abraham Lincoln the two greatest writers in American history- and not in that order. Others have compared Lincoln's eloquence to none other than Shakespeare. Both are wonderful compliments, and in my mind highly accurate. Abraham Lincoln was a master of the English language.

This is a nice single volume of Lincoln's best known writings. It has all the great speeches you have heard of (Gettysburg Address, etc.)plus many the non specialist might have missed. If you are a specialist, you probably already own Roy Basler's nine volume set of Lincoln's writings. If you do not, this fine volume will suit you nicely and help you to understand why Lincoln is the revered man that he is.

Honest Abe
This is a great book. I think the introduction is the best. It is interesting plus you really feel Lincoln was a man of the people. My favorite part was when Lincoln had one of his sons in a wagon. Lincoln was so much in his thoughts that the child fell out and was crying loudly and Lincoln kept walking dragging an empty wagon behind him.

A one-volume Lincoln library.
I have a large Civil War library, and if there was a fire, this is the one Lincoln book I would try to rescue. Despite being written almost 50 years ago, the book's strong point is not its selection of Lincoln's writings (although that is quite good), but its masterful biographical sketch of Lincoln by Stern. Almost seven score since Lincoln's death, there is still no other satisfying BRIEF biography. In about 200 pages, Stern has managed to capture, in skilfull prose, all the important facts while still having room for some less-wordy, interesting comments. Each important event is succinctly captured in a couple paragraphs. I like that Stern actually calls Lincoln "neurotic" in certain personal aspects. I also like his passages on Willie Lincoln's death, emancipation, and the war's closing. There's really not enough room for any heavy politically-influenced interpretations of issues like those in modern long biographies,and that's why Stern's sketch can't be considered outdated. Some people may not like the short description of Lincoln's assassination, and I thought Stern spent too much ink on Lincoln's final attempts to compensate the South. Since the book predates the most comprehensive, closely-inspected collection of Lincoln's letters, there may be some inaccuracies in the writings reproduced here. However, the selection is an excellent one, linked together well with intros by Stern. I can't imagine this was an easy job for Stern and I'm lost why it's been virtually ignored. But all in all, I can only repeat, if you want to know the most about Lincoln in the fewest words, and have your interest held throughout, just buy this book and you're set! ... Read more

Book Description

The life of Robert E. Lee is a story not of defeat but of triumphtriumph in clearing his family name, triumph in marrying properly, triumph over the mighty Mississippi in his work as an engineer, and triumph over all other military men to become the towering figure who commanded the Confederate army in the American Civil War. But late in life Lee confessed that he "was always wanting something." In this probing and personal biography, Emory Thomas reveals more than the man himself did. Robert E. Lee has been, and continues to be, a symbol and hero in the American story. But in life, Thomas writes, Lee was both more and less than his legend. Here is the man behind the legend. A National Book Critics Circle nominee, regional bestseller, New York Times Notable Book. ... Read more

Reviews (20)

The most objective account of Lee's life you'll find
Thomas presents Lee in his most human form possible and does a great job in separating the myth from the the man. Lee the man was a great American hero, a model in leadership and character for all Americans, but also a tragic figure in a lost cause. The book presents an objective account of the human side of Lee as well as the military genius that he truly was. I enjoyed the book from beginning to end. Emory Thomas displays a flair for a balanced accounting of this legend.

Solid biography of Lee the man, short on military history
Thomas has given us a post-revisionist portrait of Lee that addresses the general as a human being much better than it presents him as a brilliant military strategist. His complicated relationship with his rakish father, his sainted mother, his demanding wife, and his children are all central foci of the book; his relationships with those outside his family get relatively short shrift. It is amazing how little of this book deals with the actual history of Lee's Civil War battles; more attention seems to be given to his involvement in the Mexican War. Indeed, the book seems to give disproportionate attention to his life prior to the Civil War, with relatively lesser attention to what happened after he became commanding general of the Army of Northern Virginia. Since the latter period is that in which he made his mark on history, this focus is rather disappointing. But Thomas does a relatively able job of dispelling the image of Lee as "the marble man," and for that, Civil War afficionados owe him a debt of gratitude.

An objective but sympathetic look at Lee.
I thought this was a personal biography of Robert E. Lee. I think some of the previous reviewers were looking for a military biography. But book talks more about Lee as a man instead of Lee as a military commander. On that, I found the book to be rather refreshing in outlook as the author intregated Lee's personal life into his military performances.

The author appears to be pretty sympathetic toward Lee, as a man with many problems at home before, during and after the Civil War. He writes with clarity and with empathy which helped the reader understand what sort of a man Lee was. While an analyical look, I found the book readable, enlightening and well presented.

Lee the man....maybe
Thomas has written a thorough, well-researched albeit opinioned biography of Robert E. Lee that focuses more on the man than the battles. I gave it 4 stars because the entire book was engrossing--never a bit dull. He claims to be middle-of-the-road between the extreme views of Lee. I think he leans quite a bit toward the detractors. Much of his portrayal of the inner man is speculative, in my opinion. While he may well have gotten most of it right, I don't think Thomas has Lee "all figured out" as much as he seems to think he does. His is another opinion on the field of many such. That said, Thomas has delved into the details with extreme scrutiny. You can see that he really tries to be fair. I think maybe most of my disappointment is that I had hoped this book would make Lee less a mystery, and it did not, not for me anyway.

I do highly recommend this book, not only because it has excellent scholarship, but also because it's a pleasure to read--a most difficult combination!

Save Your Money!
Though the book in it's entirity is filled with supposition, assumption, presumption, and speculation, the first two-thirds of the book are fairly entertaining. Mr. Thomas tries his hand as a psychic, military tactician, and psychoanalyst; he fails miserably on all counts. He also manages to omit several key incidents in Lee's life which point much more directly to the man's real character and values. While the last third of the book is boring and tedious, Mr. Thomas doesn't miss the opportunity to do a little politically-correct Southern bashing to assure good reviews from the New York Times, et al. In the end, Thomas tries to leave everyone with a comfy-warm feeling which really only serves to undermine much of his own thesis. By the way, nearly ALL white people in the US in the 1800's, whether North or South, abolitionist or slave-owner, educated or ignorant, rich or poor "believed" the white race to be superior...even Lincoln. You'd think a professor would know that. ... Read more

Book Description

This historical compilation of Martin Luther King, Jr.features live recordings of "The Great March To Freedom," "The GreatMarch To Washington" and the immortal "Free At Last" speech. Plus, apoignant eulogy by Robert F. Kennedy. Run time: 70:02 ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Being one with history...
MLK: The Martin Luther King tapes is the first Audio CD I've ever purchased. I am a new student of our great orators, and Martin, from what I've read, is the best. One of my only regrets concerning Dr. King's speeches is that I haven't been able to hear them all as spoken by his eloquent, yet powerful oratory style. This Audio CD has eliminated my concern. I can now hear Dr. King anytime I want to at work. I feel like I'm right there, listening with his audience. If this product is any indication of what to expect from future Audio CD's by other great orators such as JFK, FDR, and even Winston Churchill, then count me in! The only reason for the four stars as opposed to five stars is due to the rudely shortened eulogy of Robert Kennedy during Dr. King's funeral. There should have been more of it. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Beyond the Facade
This book might be approached as an examination of how a well-known personality is transformed for a human being into a cultural icon. Sequentially and chronologically Connelly takes his readers through that process using Robert E. Lee as the item of investigation. Along the way, Connelly makes commentary on the differences between the cultures of the north and south and how Lee's legion spread because of those cultural differences. That context has been well-established by numerous writers. Connelly simply uses it for a closer examination of Lee. For example, on page 102 he quotes another historian, Bradley T. Johnson in writing "Environmental factors had forced North and South to develop contrasting socieites. The North, 'invigorated' by constant struggle with nature, became materialistic, grasping for wealth and power. The South's 'more generous climate' had wrought a life-style based upon non-materialism and adherence to a finer code of 'veracity and honor in man, chastity and fidelity in women'"
This book helps a person to understand how history evolves in the process of retelling over a period of several generations.

A Hard Look at Lee and The Lost Vause Syndrome
This book is not just a revisionist look at Robet E. Lee but also an objective evaluation of the Southern Lost Cause Syndrome that utilzed Lee as their flagship for a just cause. Thomas Connelly is a great writer of the western theater notably the history of the Army of the Tennessee and of the western Confederate cabal that had conflicts with Jefferson Davis. Connelly offers what southerners and partiucularly Virginians may find as a harsh evaluation of Lee during the war. This book also includes some psycho-analysis that offers some reasoning for Lee's very formal demeanor which is in far contrast's to Joe Johnston whose troops would pat him on the head on occasion but not dare approach Lee in such an informal manner. In my opinion the book demonstrates that Lee was simply not infallible like amy man who has overall responsibility, he must accept some of the blame for failure. There is also the question of whether Lee was too aggressive with limited manpower (Gary Gallagher has referred to this as crucial, that the Confederacy was in serious need of military victories for morale). The Lost Cause contingent made up of Jubal Early and company always gave Lee total credit for victory but not in defeat, Early & company always made someone other than Lee a scapegoat in their version of history. Gettysburg serves as the grand indictment of this philosophy where Longstreet becomes the total goat at Gettysburg in the 1870's while one of his accusers, Early, covers his own lackluster performance by publicly hanging Longstreet. Early raps himself with the cloak of Robert E. Lee to deflect criticism of his own actions and post war exile. To my mind, Connaly expolores better than anyone else the self serving relationship of Jubal Early to the Lost Cause syndrome in Early's attempt to rewite history. Connelly brings out that Jackson was the south's great hero until Lee's death and the emergence of Lee's rise among southern writers. He also argues that Lee lacked a national picture of how to best serve the Confederacy by his opposing transferring troops west to bolster those failing armies with limited resources. He argues that Virginia was Lee's first and main focus. Highly reccommend this book, whether you agree or not, Connelly makes you look at the facts presented and while not meaning to destroy Lee's image of a competent and charismatic general, it tends to show him as human and mortal who like everyone made some mistakes. We all have to look at historians presentations carefully, even Douglas Freeman in Lee's Lieutanents slightly diminishes Jackson's role and he makes Longstreet shorter, fatter and a plotter of self grandization. This is an intellectually challenging book best appreciated by those that have an open mind. This book most likely helped foster Alan Nolan's "Lee Considered."

From marble to dust?
This book should probably only get one star but I gave it two because it does give the reader a good look at Lee the man instead of the saint. The problem is that it goes too far. It is hard but possible to make a much loved figure human without going to the extreme Connelly goes to. A happy medium would have been much more likely to bring us the real Lee. Sadly instead of going after the real General Lee Connelly goes on the attack and gives us a picture of a sad person who does not reflect the real man. Was Robert E. Lee the pure figure he is often pictured as? Not likely. On the other hand he also was not the pathetic figure given us by Connelly. In an attempt to destroy the myths of the past Connelly creates a set of his own half truths and myths. Shame on him!

the marble man knocked off his pedestal
thomas connelly's book on r.e. lee is quite simply one of the best studies of the man that i have ever read. in stark contrast to southern lost cause scholars such as douglas s. freeman, bob krick and clifford dowdy, connelly has presented an objective approach to the historical status of r.e. lee. this book is not, strictly speaking, a biography, but rather a comprehensive study of how r.e. lee fits neatly into the mythos of the "lost cause" fashioned by southern propagandists in the decades follwing the civil war. in order to glorify the dubious confederate cause, it became necessary to virtually deify r.e. lee, the south's most famous general. connelly shows how not only southerners, but northerners as well, bought into the elevation of r.e. lee to superhuman dimensions. hence the title of the book. the mortal man, with all his fallibilities, became obscured by the legend.

connelly has succeeded in stripping away the lost cause veil covering lee's humanity in a most dignified fashion. there are no polemics here. the biographical data on lee is revealing. the fact that he was a "party animal" as a young man, and perhaps a repressed one in middle age, came as a revelation. lee's icy sense of duty had complex psychologocal dimensions that freeman and dowdy did not fully explore. connelly's scholarship does just that. what emerges from connelly's work is a complex, brilliant and flawed human being, and not the "god" of the south that is still worshipped today. all students of the civil war and military history should read this book, regardless of their respective views on lee.

the other icon of the confederacy, stonewall jackson, could use a connelly-like approach to his life and place in american history, especially in the wake of james robertson's slobbering salute to this other "christian warrior." are you listening, alan nolan?

The Marble Man deconstucted.
whether Connelly admits it or not he too is enamoured by the Lee mystique but than again which Lee historian wouldn`t be. Initially it might be a hard swallow for most Lee enthusiast but to his credit Connelly engages the reader into a rarely seen and understood facet of the Lee mythology.In the book we get to see not only the construction of the Lee legend but the reason for it`s longevity as well. In truth this was the first book on Lee I`d ever read and glad to say it was a good choice as it is an articulate and informative primer to a world filled with honor,duty,religion,love,ideology, romance and tragedy. I highly recommend it to any reader who wishes to explore the most loved general on either side of the american civil war,the man,the soldier,the legend that is Robert Edward Lee. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Splendid Reference Work from the Reformer
This one-volume reference used to be in three, smaller volumes. So yes, the size of this text, at times, can be unwieldy, but what a trove of quotations! Luther was a master of theology and Plass's selections show a broad range of the subjects he wrote about and preached on. This volume is definitely worth the investment for anyone who may need an applicable quotation or desires to delve into Luther's thoughts.

Excellent Reference Tool
This anthology of Martin Luther's writings, sermons, and teachings is an excellent tool for any Christian to use as a devotional guide or a reference book. It provides easy access to the thoughts, beliefs, and ideas of Luther in a user-friendly format, and is not overly cumbersome. It deserves a prominent spon in every Christian's library ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Impressive captivation of the workings of providence
I was initially reserved in my approach to the book 'cos I thought it would be boring and would contain too much theology.
I was proven wrong. I could see the interplay of man and God in shaping our history and now fully understand that indeed "He works all things after the counsel of his own will". I was taken with the literary style that I could not put it down desiring to find out what would happen next to Luther. It is awesome to know that Omniscience wields Omnipotence to achieve the counsel of the Omnipresent God.

Excellent, readable, interesting like all D'Aubigne's works
I have read this book under separate title, and D'Aubigne presents in it a wonderful picture of Luther the man, from the perspective of an author who knows Luther's Lord. Much more readable than Bainton's work, and with a touch of the older style of writing that has now been lost.

More detail than I had ever known about Luther (pt 1)
This is a very good book about Martin Luther. Before I read this book, I did not know what he wrote his theses about, but now I know he wrote it to condemn the evil sale of indulgences. ... Read more

Book Description

An offbeat Southern commentator takes a fresh look at the great Confederate hope, Civil War hero and nationally controversial figure

Iconic Virginian, brilliant general, and complex human being --- that last aspect of Robert E. Lee has daunted biographers and been disregarded by partisans.Now Roy Blount Jr. combines acute character insight with lively storytelling and full-hearted Southern directness to craft this unique portrait.

Fascinated by what made Lee such a charismatic, though reluctant, leader, Blount delves into the influences of Lee's illustrious but scandal-clouded ancestry, his hero-turned-scapegrace father, and his beloved, beautiful, husband-forsaken mother.In 1861 Lee was Lincoln's first choice to lead the Union troops, but his Virginia roots drew him, instead, to Confederate command.Blount vividly conveys Lee's audacity and uncanny successes in battle, and also his humility, his quirky humor (certain jokes in particular), his faults as a communicator, and his sorrowful sense of responsibility for his outnumbered, half-starved army.Robert E. Lee, the first brief biography of this American legend, will appeal to history and military buffs, students of Southern culture, and every reader curious about the makeup of a man born to be a myth. ... Read more

Reviews (13)

Admirable Insights Into A Complex Man
Robert E. Lee remains one of the great heroic figures--and one of the great enigmas--of the Civil War era.
A host of factors, from his own noble stocism and reticince, to his adoption as a symbol of reconciliation in the decades after the great war, have conspired to rob Lee of much of his humanity. More than 130 years after Lee's death, Roy Blount does a remarkable job of transfusing the blood of life back into the marble man.
If you're looking for a comprehensive biography of Lee, Emory Thomas' might be a better choice. But if you're looking for a briefer sketch that manages to cover the outline of his life, while providing some insights to the upbringing, education and other factors that shaped his character, this book is an excellent choice.

Excellent short bio of a military enigma
Several generals of the American Civil war are enigmas, to various extents. Thomas J. (Stonewall) Jackson, for instance, is very difficult to read, because he left so little in the way of letters or whatever that tell you anything of what he was thinking. Robert E. Lee was equally close-mouthed about this sort of thing, and amazingly stiff and standoffish with most male acquaintances and friends, to boot. The result is that we know very little of what he thought or felt about a variety of things, and must piece together opinions from various sources.

So it was with some trepidation that I approached the Penguin Lives version of Robert E. Lee. These are intended to be very short biographies: sketches rather than anything detailed. In addition to the fact that it's a short book, the series editor took a chance and commissioned Roy Blount Jr. to write the book. Blount is a Southerner (though he lives mostly in the North now) who writes newspaper columns and books, and is generally what's called a humorist. He also appears on the radio. This is (as far as I know) his first venture into real non-fiction (as opposed to funny stuff that's based on reality) and I'll admit I was some what curious and a bit apprehensive as to what he would do with the book. I needn't have worried.

Blount is an accomplished writer (obviously) and does a good job of outlining Lee's life and career. He's also a Southerner, and understands the mystic attachment people of the south have for their culture and society, and recreates what things must have been like for Lee in the mid-19th century. The military aspects of Lee's life are dealt with only in outline (as you would expect in a book with ca. 170 pages of text, but they're explained in enough detail that you get the gist of what's happening. There's a fair amount of information on Lee's life, little of it new, but much of interpreted in a fashion different at least in nuance from previous biographers.

Unusually, Blount relegates his speculation about Lee, his character, and such things as his sexuality, to an appendix labeled "Speculation." This is very unusual in a biography, and I would encourage other writers to use a similar device. While I didn't agree with every one of Blount's judgments, I could see how he came to the conclusions, anyway. On that note, I enjoyed the book a great deal, and think it valuable, in spite of its small size.

Nothing Great
I know little more about Robert E. Lee now than I did before reading this book. Unlike the other Penguin Lives I've read, this one does not fit much significant information into a compact book.

Ah, the history of Robert E. Lee, I think.
Well, Blount gives us the biography of Robert E. Lee and then some. Blount tries to give us the psychology of Lee and tends to put the focus off Lee when he does this. I am sure Blount is a real good cynic, but Robert E. Lee and the Civil War need better than this. When you do a biography of a great man like Lee, why spend excessive time talking of his tiny feet. For that matter, why talk about a joke called Pusyism and then spend ten or more pages reviewing this. (Pusyism was a movement in the Church of England, instilling more Roman Catholic traditions into the church, such as unmarried priests and the lead proponent was Father Pusy). Blount focuses on this an awful lot, when he should expand on Robert E. Lee.
Blount does an alright job reviewing the personal life of Robert E. Lee. However he does very poorly in analysis of his professional life and focuses a great deal on areas not relevant. I would have loved to have had Blount's opinion of the relationship between Lee and Davis, but sadly this is missing. What we get is jokes about feet and Pusyism. Jeepers, I could have done better with another book about Lee, by somebody more professional like Burke Davis.

Not bad but a little o rambling
this book was a basic biography of one of the greatest men in history. I learned a lot about Lee's non-war years in this book but I felt the author looked at some things and made them out to be more then they truely where. So what if Lee liked to have his feet tickled it doesn't make who he is I like to make my self sneeze does that change who I am no so some of he things looked into are kind of stupid and he talks about them for way to long.This is a good book though because you do learn about Lee also as another reviewer states the appendixes are kind of rambling and probably could do with out them all together. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A Quality comparison
The late Louis E. Lomax (1922-1970) wrote this book shortly after Dr. King's assassination. He traces the path of both leaders. He shows the forces that brought the 2 leaders together on many issues. He also show the opposition forces to these men that materialized into assassins. I recommend that you read this book. ... Read more

Book Description

This four-volume work won the 1935 Pulitzer Prize in Biography. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

No Question About It...THE Biography of Lee For All Time...
The story is well told how Douglas Southall Freeman went on to write this four volume magnum opus. Born in 1886, the son of Confederate veteran Walker Burford Freeman, young Douglas grew up in the sunny remembrances of Lee and the Army of Northern Virginia. He received his Ph.D in history at the tender age of 22 and earned an early reputation as a Confederae scholar with Calendar of Confederate Papers. Then followed Lee's Dispatches, which he edited. He wrote an introduction to Lee's Dispatches that was so brilliant, Scribner's signed him on to write a biography of Lee. Freeman believed he could complete the job in two years.

20 years later, he was finished. In that time, America fought in a world war, women won the right to vote, and the original editor who signed Freeman on died and left the legendary Maxwell Perkins in charge.
All through it, Freeman labored on the biography like a demon. He discovered early on that most of the major sources were either never consulted or only skimmed over. He searched far and wide. He carried on a schedule that would have killed a lesser man. He awoke at 2:30 every morning, put a full day in at the Richmond Newspaper where he was an editor at, delivered two radio addresses each day, then back home to work on the biography.

After twenty years and four massive volumes, he was done. Unanimous praise was heaped on his book and rightly so. It was awarded the Pulitzer Prize in biography in 1935. It was and still remains the most thorough biography of Lee ever done and will probably never be surpassed.

Readers looking for a book that will take R. E. Lee to task will be disappointed. Freeman is an unabashed admirer of Lee. Longstreet admirers will find Freeman's highly critical remarks of him in volume 3 during the Gettysburg Campaign aggravating. Freeman's Lee is a great man. Plus, why spend 20 years of your life reading and writing about a man you loathe?

I never believed Lee was the saint certain Confederate veterans painted him to be. He was a human being and he had his share of flaws. But he was a good man who did what he thought was right and a great general. Freeman's research is awesome and his writing style (which Shelby Foote once described as a sort of "jog trot prose") while dated in some aspects (Freeman loves to use "whither" and "tither" whereas "where" and "there" would have been better), and the Freeman's overly critical treatment of Longstreet not withstanding, it is still an awesome book. Lee's campaigns are exhaustively detailed, and the maps are profuse and always keep the reader informed as to what the Army of Northern Virginia was doing at any given time.

I would strongly recommend readers use Ezra Warner's "Generals in Gray" in conjunction with this work. I did and when Freeman parades the various personalities of the Army of Northern Virgina in front of the reader, the names can be confusing. Warner's book will give you illustrations of the men of Lee's command, and you will glad you got it. The book will come alive which is the purpose of all biographies.

Lastly, Thomas Connelly's "The Marble Man" will give the reader a good counterbalance to Freeman. Still even Connelly admitted to someone once that "R. E. Lee" was still "the greatest biography ever written." I have to agree. At four volumes, I didn't want to stop. Give Freeman a chance, you'll be glad you did.

One last note. You might also wish to start with "Lee" a one volume abridgement. Freeman's understudy, Richard Harwell did a painstaking abridgement and it is a wonderful one volume work. Of course, the superb maps that went with the 4 volume set are gone and replaced by more general maps, still it's a good bet in case 4 volumes are too daunting. ... Read more

Book Description

The story in pictures of the life of Robert E. Lee. It is our good fortune that the life of Robert E. Lee, hero of the Confederacy and a giant in American history, coincided with the early years of photography. It is thus possible for Emory M. Thomas, author of the highly acclaimed recent biography of Lee, to assemble a wealth of images that, with engaging and extended captions, give us a picture of the man and his times impossible to render with words alone. Lee as commander of the Southern army is an imposing vision held by most Americans. Far less known are his childhood years; his family and home life; his early career as a civil engineer, redirecting the flow of the Mississippi River in St. Louis; his stint in the Mexican War; and his tenure as superintendent of West Point. After the Civil War Lee had a third career as president of Washington College (which would become Washington and Lee). Here are the people, places, objects, and events that intersected with Lee's life, a full and fascinating pictorial biography. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Good Complement to Biography
This is a book of photographs about Robert E. Lee, and features photos not only of Lee but of the people, places, and events that were important in his life. The book has some commentary on the photos, but the focus is the photographs, not the text. The book is designed to complement Thomas' biography of Lee. As a stand-alone book, it provides a brief overview of Lee's life.

Robert E. Lee in Pictures
Without a doubt I have been a diehard fan of Emory Thomas since I attended one of his guest lectures promoting the highly acclaimed biography on the man and soldier Robert E. Lee. His words on the death of LEE were most memorable.

His recent pictorial essay embodied in this new publication chroniclizes Lee throughout his lifetime in vintage photographs. When I met Lee's great grand daughter Anne Carter Zimmer, I realized that some rather poignant pictures existed, but this book supports the fact.

This book should be purchased as a bedtime companion to Thomas's brilliant biography of the icon we know as Lee. The layout and selection of photographs in this publication truly satisfy one's soul in meditative reflection. Don't miss. ... Read more

Book Description

In the three decades since April 4, 1968, when Martin Luther King, Jr., was shot to death in Memphis, scores of books and articles have questioned whether James Earl Ray, King's killer, acted alone or was part of a larger conspiracy. Now, based on explosive new interviews, confidential files, and previously undisclosed evidence, bestselling author Gerald Posner finally resolves the simple truth of the last great political murder mystery of the 1960s, definitively proving that Ray acted alone. Beginning with a straightforward narrative of the events before, during, and after the shooting, Posner untangles the case's leading puzzles: Was there a mysterious person named Raoul who directed Ray in the year leading up to the murder? Were the FBI, the CIA, or an arm of the Mafia involved?Did the military have a covert team of snipers in Memphis on the day King died?Was James Earl Ray a patsy, as the King family has publicly declared?At the heart of this book is an in-depth profile of Ray himself, a fascinating profile of a career criminal from one of the most forsaken parts of poor white America. Posner re-creates the memorable dramas of the case: Dr. King's rousing "mountaintop" speech the night before his death; the chilling moments of the assassination; Ray's frantic flight across four countries as he tried to escape justice; and the shock of the King family's embrace of Ray just before his own death in jail. A riveting search for justice, Killing the Dream finally thwarts James Earl Ray's efforts to take his secrets to the grave, and proves the identity of King's killer beyond a shadow of a doubt. ... Read more

Reviews (37)

Balanced examination of a controversial subject
I haven't ever given a lot of thought to James Earl Ray as Martin Luther King's lone assassin, despite the press that has been given to it over the past few months. I assumed, like many others, that the truth about his death was locked up in some government vault somewhere. Only in the future, would we know the truth.

I saw Mr. Posner on one of the early morning talk shows, and found him to be one of the most articulate and straightforward guests I had seen in a while, who offered some thought provoking views on the current conspiracy theories relating to King's death. I was so intrigued by this short interview that I purchased the book. I was not disappointed. I soon learned that the truth about the King Assassination was complex, but available to those who had an open mind.

Posner's clear, efficient writing style, and straight ahead delivery of the facts, as he has discovered them, were facinating. What I appreciated most about his work was the balanced and objective manner in which the facts in this case were presented. In an era when conspiracy theories abound, it is refreshing to read something where rational thought, common sense and exemplary research are found on every page.

I think Posner has done our country a valuable service by setting the record straight on such an important social issue.

Not only has this book contributed to clarifying history, once started, I couldn't set it down.

Bill Cronin

Definitive Study of the Martin Luther King Jr Assassination
Oliver Stone, meet your nemesis, Gerald Posner.

As the director of "JFK" may well know, Posner has made his reputation debunking fashionable conspiracy theories. His previous book "Case Closed" proved definitively that, Stone's fanciful drivel aside, lone lunatic Lee Harvey Oswald killed John F. Kennedy, aided only by chance and a U.S. Marine's sharpshooting skill.

Not one to shy from controversy, Posner now turns his attention to another 60s hero laid low tragically young by another assassin's bullet. Conspiracy theories about MLK's death have long been fashionable among the African American community; of late even King's family have bought into the notion that James Earl Ray was innocent. Posner once again sifts through the facts and speculation and concludes that Ray was the lone assassin.

In reviewing the case, Posner brings to light a surprisingly complete picture of the assassin's life. Ray grew up in a dirt poor family of criminals and cut his teeth on petty crimes before settling into his life's calling as a robber. His increasing tendency toward violence and continued brushed with the law finally resulted in a long prison sentence. Ray escaped prison and set his sights on one more criminal goal, one guaranteed to make him a hero amongst the underworld--the assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr.

Posner takes the reader through the events of that terrible day in 1968, weaving a masterful tragedy made more tragic by those unwilling to lay the blame for this hideous crime where it belongs: squarely on the shoulders of James Earl Ray.

Posner delivers yet again, and in so doing shines the light of truth on an incident almost submerged in the murk of paranoia and denial. I only hope that Coretta Scott King and the rest of her family take time to read this book. While nothing can dim their sorrow, they could at least gain some measure of comfort in knowing that King's murderer was brought to justice.

Silences the conspiracy theorists!
This excellent book quickly and effortlessly silences the conspiracy theorists who believe that James Earl Ray was not involved in the King assassination. While conceding that Ray may have been motivated by outstanding bountys on King's head, the author does a great job of proving, without a doubt, that James Earl Ray and Ray alone fired the shots that killed Martin Luther King, Jr. This excellent book is recommended for all people open-minded enough to accept the truth about this political murder.

Another Posner Masterpiece
All of Posner's books have one thing in common - they are painstakenly researched and presented to the reader in a no-nonsence, matter-of-fact manner. This one is no different. Like "Case Closed" (about Lee Harvey Oswald), Killing the Dream spends nearly the first third of the book introducing the reader to James Earl Ray. This lets the reader in on the motives and the history of this loser. The evidence is laid out to the reader piece after piece and totally anialates the conspiracy theory wackos and exposes them as greedy, manipulate panick mongors who think that the government is a killing machine. I have to go now, my CIA handlers are going to train me in torture techniques.

Not quite killer, not quite dreamy
Gerald Posner has created a rather odd genre - debunking conspiracy theories by telling assassins' stories. His first, better book, CASE CLOSED, was a welcomed counter to the volumes of loony JFK conspiracy books. KILLING THE DREAM takes on the more contemporary theories about Martin Luther King's killing. As strange and implausible theories begin to shape the way history is recorded about this incident, a book like this is also needed. But it could be done better.

CASE CLOSED was at its best when it methodically debunked various JFK theories, and some common elements shared by various JFK theories. There aren't as many theories about the killing of King, so Posner can't use the same technique. Moreover, in the King case, most of the conspiracy theories originate from the assassin himself, James Earl Ray. More than he did with Oswald, Posner here is really debunking Ray more than he is commonly believed plot scenarios.

The weak halves of both of Posners books are the first halves, where the author basically sketches the life stories of two losers, Oswald and Ray. Their lives really are not terribly interesting. Posner's purpose in doing this has to do with his making the case that these lone gunmen were not patsies in the plots of larger forces. Point well taken, but there's a greater need to do this with Oswald, whose life has been the subject of so many bizarre rumors.

Ray is much less of a mystery because he lived. Consequently, he sowed the seeds of paranoia for most of the rest of his life in jail. The seeds took root relatively recently as he and his lawyers drew new attention to his revised conspiracy theories in the wake of Oliver Stone's JFK. Sadly, the King family seemed to buy into what Ray was saying, thus giving him a sheen of credibility. When Posner gets around to the debunking part of his book, he wisely focuses on the theories that took hold in the 1990's as a result of the renewed interest. This probably should have been the singular focus of Posner's book.

I listened to this book in an abridged form in its audiocassette version, so perhaps something important is missing. It was certainly enjoyable and made my long drive more interesting. But KILLING THE DREAM doesn't live up to its potential. ... Read more

Book Description

In the twenty-five years since his death, Coach Vince Lombardi has continued to be known for his ablitiy to motivate and inspire those around him. This book brings together the best of Lombardi's quotations and insights that have challenged many on and off the field. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Bathroom Reader
...I was expecting a comprehensive book about vince, little did I know that it was little more than a bathroom book. It was only a couple of pages long, it was more of a leaflet than a book. If you aren't expecting much from a book, this is the book for you. I could have compiled this same book in a couple of hours.

Vince rules!
I'm a coach (personal, business and EQ, not sports!) and I keep this book handy. I direct my clients to Vince Lombardi's philosophy and strength, and to this book, which is just a wonderful compilation of all that he was about. I use quotes from this book often in my ezines. I especially like what his players said about him because when you're in the 'coaching' position -- be it coach, parent, manager, counselor, mentor or whatever, it's good to remember that "His enthusiasm, his spirit, was infectious." --Frank Gifford and "He prepared us so well, and he motivated us so well, I felt he was a part of me on the field." -- Fuzzy Thurston. In reading about this great man, this great coach, I'm humbled and revitalized. He helped so many people reach their potential. This book is almost my daily inspirational!

Although I'm not a football fan, I found this book fantastic
Vince Lombardi - what a man. What a coach! This wonderful little collection includes quotes from Lombardi on football, faith, and life. The football fan and non-football fan will find something to like in this collection.

The book also features quotes from famous players about the famous coach.

Whether you're looking for good quotes to use with your team, in a speech, or to tack onto the end of your email this book will provide plenty to last a long time.

Very Good if you're looking for the perfect quote.
The book is basically the quotes of Lombardi, with stories about him from his former players, wife, etc. What is really nice about the book is his observations are catagorized by section, so should you be looking for a quote to add to a paper, the blackboard in class, the lockerroom of your team, there are plenty and they are all meaningful and powerful. This is a great book for a coach to have, you'll refer back to it almost every day. The book applies to all sports, not just football. I'm a professional hockey coach, and found the material relates to our dressing room as well as any football dressing room.

If you find one qoute or inspirational story in this book, it is worth the money. Buy it! ... Read more

Book Description

Stephen B. Oates discerns the historical truth from the mythical legend that surrounds Lincoln in this original and fascinating portrait of America's 16th president. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

A Concise, Readable Study of our Greatest President.
If you're interested in understanding what the man Abraham Lincoln was like, this is the book for you. This short, well-documented study of our sixteenth President cuts through the myths and the utter nonsense that have been written about Lincoln to expose the real hero behind these tales. This work shows Lincoln as the driven, courageous yet fallible man who never gave up on his dream of freedom for all men. Highly recommended!

It did not elaborate on the question of Lincoln's parentage.
As an amateur genealogist I discovered that I was a sixth cousin, five times removed to President Abraham Lincoln through the Lincoln and Holmes families. On page 21 ( Abraham Lincoln, The man Behind The Myths ) Mr. Oates wrote that there was a mistaken belief that Thomas Lincoln was not Abraham's real father rather it was a Senator John C. Calhoun or a Henry Clay. If this was true it would mean that I was not related to President Abraham Lincoln. How would such a rumour start ? Is there any documented evidence that Nancy Lincoln had an affair with one of these men while being married to Thomas Lincoln. At the time I am trying to locate Stephen B. Oates so I can get this matter cleared up. Sincerely, Mr. Blair E. Bartlett, 87 Shillington Road, Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada, E2J 4K7 1-506-696-6175

Separating mythos from the mortal
We invented Abraham Lincoln. Not the man, of course, but the myth, that solemn and statuesque giant memorialized eternally overlooking the Capitol mall. The power of that myth and the quiet dignity of its personage dwarfs us all. But the myth is not the man. Myths never are. Stephen Oates in his _Abraham Lincoln, The Man Behind the Myths_, does not seek to diminish the man but rather to clarify him, separating the mythos from the mortal. And it is not an undaunting task, it seems, for overly soon after Lincoln's tragic end the mills began to churn. The public's shredding of the White House interior for mementos while Mary Lincoln lay debilitated in the next room seems symbolic of the wolfpack mentality in Washington even today. And every new memoir published by another family acquaintance of the Lincoln's almost always got it wrong, and tore anew at the heart of the family. We may not have memorialized and glorified our modern-day tragic heroes to such an extent, for we have simultaneously tried to scandalize them. But the tabloid trade it seems has always been a yellow paper. Even Lincoln was vilified in his time and after. He was, Oates, reminds us, one of the most unpopular living presidents of our history. But though the legacy ballooned to heroic proportions after his passing, the man seems to have been lost in it all, remaining only in the hearts of the family leaving quietly and unattended down the steps of the White House never to return. ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (5)

Poorly organized, written and edited
As a physician I looked forward to reading this, but it is poorly organized, written and edited. The author bounces back and forth within a chapter. I expected a straight discourse on each case instead there was a mishmash. For example in one chapter I thought he was going to discuss two malpractice cases that Lincoln defended. Instead there is an eassay on Medical Malpractice from 1830s through the 1850s. In another chapter about a malpractice on a broken leg that was not set as the patient wanted, there is a three page discourse on all the medical literature that Lincoln COULD have used. IN the end the case was setteld, but then we never find out the particulars of the settlement, why it was settled or such.Overall a major disappointment for me.

lincoln the lawyer
Like everything else concerning Lincoln's life, his law practice has acquired the patina of legend over the years. Mr. Spiegel's book does an excellent job of dispelling myths and presenting Lincoln as a well respected attorney with a thriving practice. The strongest part of the book are the introductory materials and the first two chapters. Lincoln is shown to be willing to argue any side of a case based on his clients' needs. In a case where two men had a monetary dispute Lincoln was hired by one man for the trial and by the other man during the appeal. Reamrks about the difficulty assessing an attorney's effectiveness based on the won-loss record are well considered.
However, later chapters seem somewhat unfocused. The author adds interesting tidbits unrelated to the topic and outside the time of Lincoln's practice. I had hoped that a ten year research project would focus more extensively on his actual practice. Still, this is a good reference for scholars and Lincoln "buffs."

Abraham Lincoln WAS a Shrewd Lawyer
Many people believe that Abraham Lincoln was just a hick lawyer. This book cites more than 60 cases and shows that Lincoln was a top notch shrewd, sophisticated lawyer. In addition, Lincoln took on all types of cases and earned a good iving. He represemterd a slave owner even though he opposed the idea of slavery. He defended people accussed of murder and he prosecuted murderers. He represented corporations and he handled many individual bad debt cases. It was particularly interesting to read about Lincoln's daily mixture of law, politics and activities in the society of his time. For the first time, this book uses newly discovered legal documents about Lincoln's practice and the author describes cases that were previously unknown. There is a large mass of references and a substantial bibliography - about 40 pages of material. If lincoln had not been elected president, there is no doubt that he would have become one of the leading lawyers in the nation. Obviously, lawyers will enjoy this book along with historians and the general public. I heartedly recommend this book.

A truly astounding portrait of a great legal mind
A. Lincoln Esquire: A Shrewd, Sophisticated Lawyer In His Time by Allen D. Spiegel (Professor of Medicine and Community Health, State University of New York Health science Center, Brooklyn, New York) is a unique study of an often overlooked aspect of the President who saw America through the Civil War. Studying Abraham Lincoln as a lawyer, A. Lincoln Esquire focuses upon his tireless work as a dedicated litigator facing down a tremendous caseload. Exhaustively researched for ten years, filled with legal papers as primary sources and presenting more than sixty of Lincoln's cases, A. Lincoln Esquire is a truly astounding portrait of a great legal mind - whose far-reaching career in the court of law was curtailed only by the higher calling of the nation at large. A. Lincoln Esquire is a seminal, ground breaking Lincoln biography, and a highly recommended addition to academic and community library collections.

Excellent view of Lincoln's unknown law cases!
I liked the mixture of Abraham Lincoln's law cases with his politics and activities within the society of his time. He handled all types of cases and was not a hick lawyer. I was surprised to learn that he defended slave owners despite his opposition to slavery itself. Furthermore, I learned that Lincoln handled medical malpractice and sexually-related slander cases. I highly recommend this book to historians, medical professionals and the general public. Read it and enjoy it! ... Read more

Book Description

"We Are Lincoln Men" examines the significance of friendship in Abraham Lincoln's life and the role it played in his presidency. Though Lincoln had hundreds of acquaintances and dozens of admirers, he had almost no intimate friends. Behind his mask of affability and endless stream of humorous anecdotes, he maintained an inviolate reserve that only a few were ever able to penetrate. In this highly original book, two-time Pulitzer Prize-winner David Herbert Donald examines, for the first time, these close friendships and explores their role in shaping Lincoln's career.

"We Are Lincoln Men" shows how Lincoln's experiences as a boy growing up in frontier Indiana made it hard for him to develop warm, supportive relationships later in life. Not until 1837, when he met Joshua Fry Speed, with whom he shared a room and bed for the next four years, did he learn the real meaning of friendship. These two young men confided everything to each other, and they even helped each other as they diffidently sought brides. After Speed returned to Kentucky, Lincoln developed a close relationship with his younger law partner, William H.Herndon. He became Herndon's mentor and hero, and Herndon's idealization of him satisfied one of Lincoln's basic psychological needs.

When he was elected President, Lincoln had no close personal friends in Washington until Illinois Senator Orville H. Browning arrived. Browning became his confidant and, under Lincoln's skillful guidance, served as his strongest supporter in Congress. This useful friendship dissolved when the two men disagreed over emancipation, and Browning became further alienated when Lincoln three times passed over the opportunity to name him to the United States Supreme Court.

In his greatest triumph of friendship, Lincoln won over his powerful, opinionated Secretary of State, William H. Seward, who thought he was better qualified than the President for his job. With psychological insight and charm, Lincoln gained Seward's friendship and secured his loyal support.

Lincoln's closest, and most genuine, friendships while he was in the White House were with his private secretaries, John G. Nicolay and John Hay.Always at his best when dealing with young men, he served as a role model, and they, in effect, were his surrogate family. He won their devotion, and they became his most ardent supporters and, ultimately, his official biographers.

Professor Donald's remarkable book offers a fresh way of looking at Abraham Lincoln, both as a man who needed friendship and as a leader who understood the importance of friendship in the management of men. Donald penetrates Lincoln's mysterious reserve to offer a new picture of the President's inner life and to explain his unsurpassed political skills. ... Read more

Reviews (11)

Happier tales from a life marked by tragedy
So much of Abraham Lincoln's life was tragic that it's refreshing to read this relatively upbeat book about the close friendships he developed throughout his life. "We Are Lincoln Men" reads like an appendix to author David Herbert Donald's monumental biography, "Lincoln," apparently consisting of tales and anecdotes left over from his research. Fortunately, this book provides enough interesting glimpses of Lincoln to justify its addition to the voluminous literature on the 16th President of the United States.

"We Are Lincoln Men" chronicles Lincoln's relationships with roommate Joshua Speed, law partner William H. Herndon, Illinois Senator Orville Browning, Secretary of State William Seward, and private secretaries John Nicolay and John Hay. The friendships with Speed and Herndon were the most intimate, although both individuals drifted away from Lincoln after he became President. The inclusion of Browning seems the most controversial: as President, Lincoln passed Browning over three times for the Supreme Court, while Browning later associated with a Senate caucus hostile to Lincoln. Lincoln's friendship with Seward was forged in the crucible of his wartime Cabinet. Although they differed on many issues, Seward consistently suppressed his maverick tendencies to support his President.

Perhaps the most entertaining section is the chapter on Nicolay and Hay, whose youthful exuberance provides a vivid contrast to Lincoln's other friends. Though their age difference precluded a high degree of intimacy, the secretaries' loyalty to Lincoln was unmatched (a quote by Hay provides this book's title). Nicolay and Hay also provided Lincoln with an outlet for his legendary sense of humour.

Donald's unobtrusive yet distinctive prose is highly readable; this is a page-turner. The book's segmented format works well: it's a collection of tantalizing snapshots of Lincoln, rather than a detailed portrait. My main literary complaint is that the book ends rather abruptly, as if Donald simply ran out of things to say.

Though not quite a breakthrough historical document, "We Are Lincoln Men" should please the Lincoln buff, or anyone interested in learning more about the man whom many consider America's greatest President.

We Are All Lincoln's People
One of the most written about person in our nation's history, it seems impossible to shed any new light on Abraham Lincoln. Yet, in his new book, "We Are Lincoln Men", David Herbert Donald manages to shed new little glimmers of light on this magnificent figure by viewing him through the eyes of some of the men that knew him best.

Whereas Lincoln was a very social man who enjoyed the company of others, Donald's book makes the point that the close, personal friendships that most of us desire were hard to come by for Lincoln. He attributes this to Lincoln not having childhood chums, or boys in which he established early bonds with. However, Lincoln emerges from his youth and establishes some very close relationships with several men throughout his life. Impeccably researched, we learn about Joshua Speed, William Herndon, and others that come into close contact with Lincoln. By researching their papers, a more authentic, real Lincoln begins to come into focus.

Donald also doesn't shy away from recent controversies regarding Lincoln and his sexuality. In two cases in the book, he confronts the theory that Lincoln was possibly a homosexual, due to a very close relationship with Joshua Speed. Donald's handling of this information is honest and sincere as he attempts to puzzle out the truth. The same can be said about his discussion of an early love of Lincoln, Ann Rutledge. Donald tends to stick to facts, which lend credence to his gut feelings on the issue.

As a Lincoln book collector, I found this book to be very easy, and an enjoyable read. After finishing it, I not only understand Lincoln better, but the few men in his life who could actually claim to be a close friend of his. It will sit proudly on my shelf!

Lincoln the Lonely.
David Herbert Donald is considered by most to be one of, if not the premier Lincoln historian in the Country. This book fits another piece of the puzzle together. Lincoln's friends are the subjects of this book, and of close friends, Lincoln had only a few. Donald has picked the six men with whom Lincoln seemed to have the closest relationship at one time or another and has examined how each friendship began, it's life, and if it ended before Lincoln's death, it's end. None really ended, but some did seem to dissipate.

Donald, like most writers who complete a large biography of an individual has become somewhat enamored by his subject and takes pains in this work to defend Lincoln from some rather silly but sensational charges. Sometimes though, Donald gets a little carried away with his obvious admiration for his subject. For example, he often discredits statements attributed to Lincoln saying that in phrase and in wording it does not sound like Lincoln. Unfortunately however, Donald then argues that Lincoln probably wrote a famous and well-received letter that John Hay later claimed to have written. Donald admits the letter doesn't sound like Lincoln and does sound like Hay's work but continues to attribute it to Lincoln. It sounds a little like the old saying about having your cake and eating it too.

On the other hand, whether Donald intended it to happen or not, a fairly unattractive vision of Lincoln shows through on occasion. Quite frankly, Lincoln comes across as what I have always called a user. Someone who uses people to get what they want and then casts them aside. Lincoln was not like this with all of his friends but he seems to have been guilty fairly often. Maybe that explains why he was so afraid to share his intimate feelings and hopes.

Donald has a great flair for writing and this is a very easy to read and highly interesting book. Where he has had to deal in psychology, Donald has wisely consulted experts and his conclusions seem well thought out and are very well presented. It is clear that Mr. Lincoln led a very lonely life. What is not at all clear is whether he did not choose that life for himself. David Donald has reached his conclusions and I have reached mine. Take the time to read the evidence presented here and reach you own conclusion. It will be well worth your time and effort.

Supplementary to Donald¿s Biography of Lincoln
Donald, in his great biography, "Lincoln," emphasized Lincoln's character and interpersonal dealings. This book is a more intense and critical look at some of Lincoln's closest friendships. But for this reviewer, it would be difficult to believe that this book would have much meaning for those who were not well familiar with Lincoln's history.

Lincoln grew up in extremely difficult circumstances. He lived an isolated, poor life in rural Kentucky and Indiana, and, furthermore, had to endure the death of his mother at an early age. Lincoln apparently had no friendships as a child or adolescent. Yet Lincoln seemed to have the ability to draw others to him. He developed a great capacity for story telling. In his twenties he was elected captain of a local militia in New Salem, Illinois, which was formed to fight a small Indian uprising. The explanation for this seeming contradiction rests on Lincoln's physical prowess and sharp mind, neither of which he pushed on others.

The author uses the Aristotelian categorization of friendship: "enjoyable, useful, an/or perfect or complete" to look at Lincoln's relationships. Clearly most of his friends fell into the category of useful, though not exploited. The book looks closely at Lincoln's friendships with Joshua Speed, an operator of a general store, William Herndon, a law partner in Springfield, Orville Browning, a fellow Whig in Illinois, William Seward, Lincoln's Secretary of State, and John Hay and John Nicolay, his personal secretaries during his presidency.

Lincoln formed his closest friendship with Speed, as they were both young men trying to find their way, but with Speed's marriage they drifted apart. The political controversies of the day often upset friendships. Both Herndon and Browning became less close to Lincoln over the issues of slavery and Lincoln' s presidential policies. In addition, political patronage intruded in some friendships. The tremendous strength of Lincoln's personality is perhaps best seen in the subtle manner in which Lincoln transformed a political rival, William Seward, into an unabashed admirer and devoted follower. Nicolay and, especially, Hay provided Lincoln with an outlet during his trying Washington days regarding not only the War but also the difficulties of his family.

The author devotes some of the book to examining the correctness of supposedly first-hand accounts of Lincoln's actions and words - many of them authored by the six previously noted individuals. Those details of weighing the historical record do show the difficulty of capturing a complex personality. In addition, the author does examine the closeness of the living arrangements that Lincoln had with some male friends, especially Speed, and concludes that one m