While it has long been determined that Abraham Lincoln’s writings were influenced by the King James Bible, until now no full-length study has shown the precise ways in which the Gettysburg Address uses its specific language. Refuting the view that the address was crafted with traditional classical references, this revealing investigation provides a new way to think about the speech and the man who wrote it. A. E. Elmore offers chapter and verse evidence from the Bible as well as specific examples from the Episcopal Book of Common Prayer to illustrate how Lincoln borrowed from these sources to imbue his speech with meanings that would resonate with his listeners. He cites every significant word and phrase—conceived, brought forth, struggled, remaining, consecrate, dedicate, hallow, devotion, new birth, to name a few—borrowed by Lincoln from these two religious texts for use in his dedication of the Gettysburg National Cemetery.
Elmore demonstrates how Lincoln transformed the lovely old language of the Bible and the Book of Common Prayer into something as close to classical perfection as any public speech has ever achieved. He further reveals how Lincoln used the language of his political and military enemies to promote his antislavery agenda and to advance the gospel of equality originally set forth in the Declaration of Independence.
Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address focuses on a number of overlooked themes and ideas, such as the importance of literary allusion and the general public’s knowledge of the Bible in the age of Lincoln. It provides fresh answers to old questions and poses a new one: Was Lincoln a common thief who made use of words from previously published materials as well as his contemporaries, or was he a genius whose literary and political skills were unmatched? No one who reads this highly engaging study will ever think about Lincoln or the Gettysburg Address the same way again.
“This book offers an extraordinarily thorough examination of the words, concepts, and literary associations of Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address. Its arguments about the connections of this famous speech to the King James Bible are convincing; its examination of connections to Shakespeare, the Book of Common Prayer, and landmark statements of American political history are provocative in the best way.”
—Mark A. Noll, author of The Civil War as a Theological Crisis
“A. E. Elmore demonstrates Lincoln’s skill as a wordsmith and shows in intricate and persuasive detail how his language in the Gettysburg Address closely reflected both the King James Bible and the Book of Common Prayer. Lincoln borrowed from these texts, refracted the words through his own experience and sense of rhythm, and produced the most elegant public address in American history. Elmore’s book should be essential reading for anyone interested in the language, ideas, and impact of Lincoln’s statement.”
—John B. Boles, author of The South Through Time: A History of an American Region
About the Author
A professor of English and law at Athens State University in Alabama, A. E. Elmore has contributed essays to a number of books, including Fitzgerald in Modern American Fiction: Form and Function and The Vanderbilt Tradition, among others. This is his first book.
This review is from: Lincoln's Gettysburg Address: Echoes of the Bible and Book of Common Prayer (Hardcover)
In a country where 80% of its citizens between the third grade and Medicare are fans of NASCAR or rap music, is there a place for a book on the Gettysburg Address and the King James Bible? Let's hope so. But such a project may have tough going. Fifty percent of high school diploma holders never read another book after graduation day, eighty percent of Sunday pulpiteers no longer read from the King James Bible and the name Shakespeare is best known for fishing tackle. Many coaches after a lost game say "It's time to get back to the basics." Maybe it's time for our culture to do the same. A.E. Elmore's book is as good a place as any to start. The author claims that the Gettysburg Address is history's greatest speech, Shakespeare is history's greatest writer and the King James Bible is God's greatest gift to mankind. Bold assertion. Like many decorated Southern writers Mr. Elmore began his college days at Swanee but he may be the first of this esteemed fraternity to give such deference to The Good Book. His efforts to find relationships among such important subjects certainly imply unusual creativity and his 130,000 words reflect profound study. There are too many well made points to discuss in a simple book review but it must be confirmed as to the importance of his blend of historical facts and his demonstrations of the grandeur of the English language. Is it history or literature? Both. Is it art or science? Both. Is it worth reading? Yes. John Herndon Townsend, Memphis, Tn.[descendant of William Herndon, the law partner of Abraham Lincoln].
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This review is from: Lincoln's Gettysburg Address: Echoes of the Bible and Book of Common Prayer (Hardcover)
This book provides lots of information and insight about Linclon and other educated people who lived in his day. In every chapter, it serves to remind us that the thinking and language of educated people today has become very profane by comparison.
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