We Cannot Escape History: LINCOLN AND THE LAST BEST HOPE OF EARTH [Paperback]

James M. McPherson (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 13, 2001 | ISBN-10: 0252069811 | ISBN-13: 978-0252069819

A who's who of Lincoln scholars explores why Lincoln considered the Union the "last best hope of earth" and how his words and deeds have continued to shape the nation through modern times. Focusing on Lincoln's view of American history and his legacy for the United States and the world, this volume demonstrates the complexity of the problems Lincoln faced and the genius of his leadership in preserving the nation while purging it of slavery.

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

On view last year at California's Huntington Library, the "largest exhibition of original Lincoln materials ever mounted" attracted more than throngs: it pulled in the pens of the best Civil War historians now working. These are their interpretive essays that opened the show, and uniformly excellent they are. Editor McPherson, Kenneth Stampp, Mark Neely, and seven others address discrete topics, like Neely on party politicking in Illinois during the war, but they all tackle the Civil War's central theme: what does America stand for, and who is an American? In answer some authors search for a "usable" Lincoln; Stampp argues that Lincoln himself no less used the past, specifically constitutional history, to buttress his positions during the antebellum debates. The "usable past" authors appraise how Lincoln has appeared to contemporaries through time: to America's allies in World War I, to present-day multiculturalists, and to popular culture ala Disney. With Harold Holzer adding an exegesis of Lincoln's extemporaneous speeches, this collection's variety should sate readers with an unslakable thirst for Lincoln and tempt former tipplers at the always flowing Lincolniana biblio-tap. Gilbert Taylor --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Review

Excellent . . . should sate readers with an unslakable thirst for Lincoln and tempt former tipplers at the always flowing Lincolniana biblio-tap. -- Booklist

Many new perspectives on Lincoln's thoughts about slavery, nationalism, democracy, equality, war, and peace. . . . [A] fine set of essays. -- Robert J. Havlik, H-Net Book Reviews

[A] briskly readable inspection of current concerns . . .[ranging] broadly from standard views of familiar topics to innovative explorations. -- American Historical Review

Product Details

• Paperback: 184 pages
• Publisher: University of Illinois Press (February 13, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0252069811
• ISBN-13: 978-0252069819
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 5.7 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,062,900 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)