Lincoln, in His Own Words [Hardcover]

Abraham Lincoln (Author), Milton Melzer (Editor), Milton Meltzer (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1, 1993

Respected historian Milton Meltzer has compiled a moving collection of our sixteenth president's speeches, letters, and writings. Dramatically illustrated with Stephen Alcorn's powerful and expressive linocuts depicting Lincoln, his times, and his contemporaries, Lincoln: In His Own Words reveals the man behind the words and his unfailing dedication to the ideals upon which America was founded.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

In his more than 30 books, historian Meltzer has introduced young readers to subjects ranging from crime in America to potatoes. Here, he traces Lincoln's life and the development of his ideas through his speeches, letters and essays. The bulk of each chapter is made up of lengthy quotes, loosely framed by Meltzer's sketchy commentary, which attempts to provide a historical background to the material while allowing Lincoln's words to speak for themselves. Though this minimalist approach does allow the president's language to take center stage, it is also a drawback: the collection certainly contains some gems, but Lincoln's characteristically dense phrasing and frequent twists of logic are likely to leave many readers more exhausted than enlightened. Breaking up the text are forceful and brooding linocuts by Alcorn ( Rembrandt's Beret ) depicting Lincoln and his contemporaries; the artist's haunting visions of slavery are a highlight of the book. Brief profiles of the president's contemporaries, a chronology and a bibliography are provided at the end of the book. Ages 12-up.
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Kirkus Reviews

Describing Lincoln as ``one of the greatest masters of the English language,'' Meltzer lets him speak eloquently for himself, skillfully selecting passages from Lincoln's speeches, letters, and other writings to characterize the man, follow the development of his ideas, and exemplify his achievements. Roughly half the words here are Lincoln's, with Meltzer's commentary setting them in context with enough specific events, telling details, and lucid interpretation to make this a fine biography, as well as a compilation of beautifully balanced prose substantiating Meltzer's assessment of Lincoln as a ``great mind and...noble spirit''--a political realist whose determination to save the Union was always informed by his compassion for the slaves. Included are 14 ``Brief Profiles of Lincoln's Contemporaries,'' significant figures from Jefferson to Grant- -writers, abolitionists, politicians; their portraits are among the many striking full-page linocuts adorning this handsome volume. Alcorn's art is a mixed success: some of his fanciful depictions of the era are clumsy or obscure, but, overall, they're moving and sometimes decorative. His portraits, too, are not equally effective, but at their best they are powerful and telling. An excellent illustrator's note elucidates Alcorn's philosophy and aims; a lengthy chronology samples contemporaneous political and social history; there's also a fine note on sources; index. A splendid book, for every library. (Nonfiction. 12+) -- Copyright ©1993, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 12 and up
  
• Hardcover: 226 pages
• Publisher: Harcourt; 1st edition (October 1, 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0152454373
• ISBN-13: 978-0152454371
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 8.8 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,813,175 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Lincoln's thoughts and beliefs, April 16, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Lincoln, in His Own Words (Hardcover)

This is a book I first saw at our public library and liked it so much I decided I had to have my own copy. It gives the essence of Lincoln in a chronological and very readable form, with enough background information to let one know the reasons for giving the speech or writing the letter. This is a great book for junior high or high school students although written for adults. The woodcut illustrations are tremendous and add a great deal to the feeling of the book