“A breathtaking new view of Abraham Lincoln.†—The National Memo “Illuminating…[an] instant classic.†—The Daily Beast “Engrossing†—Library Journal The first of a multi-volume history of Lincoln as a political genius—from his obscure beginnings to his presidency; assassination; and the overthrow of his post-Civil War dreams of Reconstruction. This first volume traces Lincoln from his painful youth; describing himself as “a slave;†to his emergence as the man we recognize as Abraham Lincoln.From his youth as a “newsboy;†a voracious newspaper reader; Lincoln became a free thinker; reading Tom Paine; as well as Shakespeare and the Bible; and studying Euclid to sharpen his arguments as a lawyer. Lincoln’s anti-slavery thinking began in his childhood amidst the Primitive Baptist antislavery dissidents in backwoods Kentucky and Indiana; the roots of his repudiation of Southern Christian pro-slavery theology. Intensely ambitious; he held political aspirations from his earliest years. Obsessed with Stephen Douglas; his political rival; he battled him for decades. Successful as a circuit lawyer; Lincoln built his team of loyalists. Blumenthal reveals how Douglas and Jefferson Davis acting together made possible Lincoln’s rise. Blumenthal describes a socially awkward suitor who had a nervous breakdown over his inability to deal with the opposite sex. His marriage to the upper class Mary Todd was crucial to his social aspirations and his political career. Blumenthal portrays Mary as an asset to her husband; a rare woman of her day with strong political opinions. Blumenthal’s robust portrayal is based on prodigious research of Lincoln’s record and of the period and its main players. It reflects both Lincoln’s time and the struggle that consumes our own political debate.
#84150 in Books Robert Macfarlane 2013-09-24 2013-09-24Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 7.98 x .85 x 5.28l; .65 #File Name: 0147509793448 pagesThe Old Ways
Review
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. MemorableBy Brian HuntThis is a memorable book. It proceeds at its own pace; drawing the reader in slowly but inexorably until it is only with the greatest reluctance that can one take a break in reading. The book is about walking; landscapes; and the mutual effects of landscapes on people and of people on landscapes. But that short summary does not do it justice; nor can I find one that does. The only way to find out is to read it and be patient; just let the author’s writing work its magic on you.The paths that Macfarlane takes us on are varied; sharing only that they are old and traditional. Their precise location is not important; nor is their length. What we gain from this book is insight into the nature of the relationship between people and natural places; how places shape people just as people shape placesSeveral people; living and dead; accompany Macfarlane on his perambulations. We learn little about their personal lives; or about Macfarlane himself. This does not matter; even the living have dematerialized; become; like the dead; wraiths of the landscape. The one exception is Edward Thomas; a walker and writer whose life straddled the end of the Nineteenth Century; who recurs throughout the book. Macfarlane devotes the penultimate chapter to the story of Edward’s life and death. Thomas’s life turns out to be unexceptional: Except in his passion for the English landscape; his personal life was one of mundane selfishness. This chapter jarringly broke the spell with which the book had captured me: The final short chapter being insufficient to heal the wound. Notwithstanding this disappointing ending; the book is one of the best that I have ever read and will remain in my mind for a very long time.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Broadly interesting and well deliveredBy A. WaldRobert Macfarlane writes well and engagingly; and THE OLD WAYS does not disappoint the reader. You join Macfarlane for his wanderings and it is every bit like taking a long and interesting walk with an erudite good friend. And; like all good friends; you may not always agree (I found one of Macfarlane's disparaging references to another author both out of place and petty) but that doesn't wreck the trip. Most of the historic references and mentions of other authors; particularly W.H. Hudson; made me want more information. I like a book that peaks interests and broadens your horizons without being preachy or pedantic. This was my first experience with Macfarlane and I am quite sure it will not be my last.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Magnificent!By rsberryThis is a wonderful book for anyone with a deep sense of place; any place. Walking for pleasure is always a mediation on place; a way to engage with world around us on many levels. While I've never walked in any of the places described in the book; I've spent much of my life walking the old ways of the high desert of the Colorado Plateau. Macfarlane has taught me more about seeing my personal geography in a new light than most of the trail guides and maps occupying my bookshelves. If there is some place that you keep returning to in your dreams; this is the book for you.
