Lincoln before Washington: New Perspectives on the Illinois Years [Hardcover]

Douglas L. Wilson (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 1, 1997

The provocative selections in this book address topics as disparate as William H. Herndon's informants, Lincoln's favorite poem, his mysterious broken engagement, the text of his debates with Douglas, and a previously unknown assault on Peter Cartwright. Although Abraham Lincoln's early years have come to be regarded as the wrong end of his life, Douglas L. Wilson's original and pathbreaking work makes the case that his prepresidential years offer bright prospects for investigation. Collectively, these essays challenge the general view of Lincoln scholars that William H. Herndon, Lincoln's law partner, is an unreliable source. They also provide a fresh look at some of the affinities between Lincoln and Thomas Jefferson.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Wilson, using Herndon's research, not only examines the affinities between Lincoln and Jefferson but also Lincoln's relationships with Ann Rutledge and Mary Todd, his love of poetry, his belief in the tenets of the Declaration of Independence, and Herndon's legacy. With these essays, Wilson emphasizes the value of Herndon's informants and their insights into the young and maturing Lincoln... The challenge to know Lincoln continues, and this book is an important contribution." -- Patricia Ann Owens, Journal of Illinois History --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 190 pages
• Publisher: University of Illinois Press (June 1, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0252023315
• ISBN-13: 978-0252023316
• Product Dimensions: 9.8 x 6.5 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,719,835 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Another gem from Douglas Wilson, June 13, 2008

By 

S. O'Toole (Illinois) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Lincoln before Washington: NEW PERSPECTIVES ON THE ILLINOIS YEARS (Paperback)

I'll admit, I'm a little biased toward the work of Douglas Wilson. I think he's done as much to forward the study of Lincoln's early life than almost anyone so I enjoy and appreciate all his projects. This book, obivously, grew from his study of William Herndon's informants. Wilson offers thoughtfull essays on a wide variety of subjects pertaining to the pre-presidential Lincoln. Some is completely new, some expands on some well-known material. In the end though, Wilson, presents his material in a very readable way that had me, anyway, looking at Lincoln from another perspective. That, to me, is what historical research should accomplish.