This Fiery Trial: The Speeches and Writings of Abraham Lincoln [Paperback]

William E. Gienapp (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 17, 2002 | ISBN-10: 0195151011 | ISBN-13: 978-0195151015

The most eloquent president in our history, Abraham Lincoln's literary ability was extraordinary. In This Fiery Trial, William Gienapp has brought together more than one hundred pieces by Lincoln, ranging from his first published political statement, printed in the Sangamo Journal in 1832, to his final public address, delivered just before his assassination.
Here are some of the greatest speeches in American history, including the Gettysburg Address and the Second Inaugural Address. Other pieces include Lincoln's "A House Divided" speech to the Republican State convention in 1858, excerpts from his famed debates with Stephen Douglas, and the text of the Emancipation Proclamation. The writings provide a documentary account of Lincoln's thought and how it evolved over time. Students can trace, for instance, how his thoughts on slavery and emancipation changed through the course of the war, from a rather limited view (free slaves for military purposes only) to his ringing endorsement of the Thirteenth Amendment, which ended slavery forever. Gienapp has provided detailed introductory headnotes for each piece, and the book includes an extensive chronology of Lincoln's life.
Often eloquent, frequently amusing, and occasionally profound, these writings offer an intimate portrait of Lincoln--in his own words.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Not taking much stock in the genre, Lincoln tried to shield himself from biography by guarding his private self and carefully crafting his public words and image. Of course, so complex a man, who came to embody America in its ordeal by fire, has attracted scores of biographers hoping to solve the ultimate American enigma. Now Gienapp, author of the acclaimed Origins of the Republican Party, enters the crowded field. This biography neatly synthesizes much recent scholarship and makes Lincoln believable as a president struggling to defend the Union and define freedom. Rather than inventing a Lincoln psyche or persona, as some biographers have done, or trading in oft-recycled Lincoln myths, Giennap goes back to the primary sources to discover a Lincoln who was simultaneously principled and practical, confident of his ability to persuade (though too much so in dealing with generals) and assured in making policy (he was a loner who relied on his own judgment). He does not find the source of Lincoln's enormous ambition, but he does show why Lincoln etched his thought and character into Americans' understanding of themselves. In the public speeches Gienapp gathers in This Fiery Trail, the clarity and cadences of Lincoln's language resound. It is a most apt collection, useful to teachers and anyone wanting to know why Lincoln was our herald. These books in tandem are an excellent way to get hold of Lincoln. Highly recommended. Randall M. Miller, Saint Joseph's Univ., Philadelphia
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Booklist

Historians studying Lincoln still manage to find original avenues of approach (see William Lee Miller's recent Lincoln's Virtues [BKL Ja 1 & 15 02]), but otherwise, the roads are deeply rutted by steady scholarly and popular traffic, which feeds the need for the synthesizing overview. Harvard professor Gienapp helps fill this need with an anthology of Lincoln's writings. With exceptions, these were devoted to public affairs, which reflects Lincoln's most trenchant personal trait--reticence. The scarce material that does provide a glimpse of Lincoln's personal feelings, such as his written refusal to pay a visit to his father's deathbed in 1851, are not exactly flattering to the future paragon of virtue. Gilbert Taylor
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA (October 17, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0195151011
• ISBN-13: 978-0195151015
• Product Dimensions: 7.4 x 7.1 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #144,187 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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This review is from: This Fiery Trial: The Speeches and Writings of Abraham Lincoln (Hardcover)

An excellent book containing many of the best writings of our country's political heritage. Professor Gienapp does what is needed in this type of introductory book: He has chosen text wisely and started each selection of Abraham Lincoln's work with a short but helpful introduction.

There is a reason Lincoln is our greatest president. This book is perfect for one who would like to gain a direct understanding into this fact.