Lincoln's Quest for Union [Paperback]

Charles Strozier (Author), Charles B. Strozier (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0967967511 | ISBN-13: 978-0967967516 | Publication Date: January 2001 | Edition: 2 Revised

In Lincoln's Quest for Union, Charles Strozier gives the most probing account available of Lincoln's inner life--from the time he was a young man in Illinois, just finding himself, through his ascent to the presidency when he guided the nation and articulated for the country the meaning of the Civil War. With the probity of an open-minded historian and the skills of a trained therapist (he is both), Strozier examines Lincoln's relationships to women: his mother, stepmother, two young loves, and Mary Todd. He also considers Lincoln's feelings toward his father and male friends and colleagues. In this psychological portrait, the reader comes closer than ever to understanding our greatest president.

For this revised edition, Professor Strozier has incorporated new sources--most important, the writings of William Herndon, Lincoln's long-time law partner--to update and expand his psychological portrait of our 16th president.

"This is a remarkable book with extraordinary insights about the inner life of Abraham Lincoln. It will be read and studied for years to come, for Charles Strozier brings to every chapter the very qualities that Lincoln himself possessed--empathy, wisdom, balance, and creativity." -- Doris Kearns Goodwin, Author of No Ordinary Time

"When Lincoln's Quest for Union was first published, it was immediately recognized as the best-informed and most perceptive analysis of Lincoln's inner life. This new edition, extensively revised and expanded, is even more rewarding. This is a basic book in the Lincoln canon--a work of great intelligence, written with sensitivity and literary grace. I cannot recommend it highly enough." -- Prof. David Herbert Donald, Author of Lincoln

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Surpassingly eloquent . . . Psychohistory has enabled Strozier to say some new and original things about one of the most exhaustively investigated subjects in human history." -- New York Times

About the Author

Charles B. Strozier is professor of history at John Jay College and the Graduate Center, City University of New York, and is a training and supervising psychoanalyst and senior faculty member at the Training and Research Institute in Self Psychology (TRISP). He is the author of Heinz Kohut: The Making of a Psychoanalyst (FSG, 2001) and Apocalypse: On the Psychology of Fundamental-ism in America.

Product Details

• Paperback: 250 pages
• Publisher: Paul Dry Books; 2 Revised edition (January 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0967967511
• ISBN-13: 978-0967967516
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 5.8 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #445,262 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:

4.0 out of 5 stars The 16th American President on the therapist's couch, October 18, 2006

By 

The Straw Man "J.E. Hoppock" (Aloof October on April's Birthday) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Lincoln's Quest for Union (Paperback)

This book is a wonder insight into the psyche of Abraham Lincoln. This book focuses on the history of Lincoln, not so much the history of his political terms as president, rather the history behind the morals and personality of the man himself. Charles Strozier does a wonderful job in piecing together the facts and fables in order to tell the tale of Lincoln. There are so many folk tales on Lincoln that it can be hard to figure out what really happened and what didn't. There are myriad sources used in order to give this book the depth needed to paint a lush illustration of such an interesting person.

Abraham Lincoln is easily connected to the American Civil War. However in this book, not much of the war is really mentioned. Nor are detailed aspects of his political policies. The book traces the lifeline of Lincoln as child all the way to his death. Many psychological depictions are utilized in understanding the soul, mind, emotion and motivation behind the spirit of Abe Lincoln. I found it very interesting and satisfying to have such a blend of history and psychology, which is a wonderful way to do a case study on a person.

4.0 out of 5 stars Very enjoyable, October 15, 2008

By 

munyuk (Tucson, AZ, United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Lincoln's Quest for Union (Paperback)

Excellent, enjoyable book. Focuses mostly on psychology, but has lots of references if you want more historical detail.