Lincoln by David Herbert Donald

One Sentence Summary:

Lincoln by David Herbert Donald is a captivating biography on one of America’s most iconic and influential presidents, providing a comprehensive look at his life, leadership, and legacy.

Book Genre:

Biography, History

Main Topic of the Book:

The life, presidency, and impact of Abraham Lincoln.

Key Ideas:

• Lincoln’s rise from humble origins to become one of the most revered political figures in American history.
• His unwavering principles, intelligence, and political strategies that helped him navigate through one of the country’s most tumultuous periods, the Civil War.
• Lincoln’s evolving views on slavery and race relations, and how they shaped his policies and actions as president.
• The challenges he faced as a leader in a divided, war-torn nation and his determination to preserve the Union and abolish slavery.
• The lasting impact of his presidency, including the preservation of the United States and the ongoing struggle for civil rights.

Main Parts of the Book and a Short Summary:

• Part One: “Child of Back Country” – This section covers Lincoln’s early life, including his childhood in rural Kentucky and Indiana, his self-education, and his foray into politics.
• Part Two: “Longing for Action” – Here, the focus is on Lincoln’s life in Illinois, his rise to prominence as a lawyer and politician, and his views on issues such as slavery and moral principles.
• Part Three: “The Imperfect Pastorship” – This section delves into Lincoln’s term as a congressman, his opposition to the Mexican War, and his shift in political beliefs.
• Part Four: “Man of Conscience” – The fourth part of the book covers Lincoln’s presidency, including his election, the secession crisis, and the beginning of the Civil War.
• Part Five: “Father Abraham” – In this section, the focus is on Lincoln’s leadership during the Civil War, his relationship with his generals, and the Emancipation Proclamation.
• Part Six: “Hardest Trials” – The final part of the book covers Lincoln’s last years, including his re-election, the final stages of the Civil War, and his tragic assassination.

Key Takeaways:

• Lincoln was a complex and highly influential figure, whose journey from humble beginnings to the presidency is an embodiment of the American Dream.
• His leadership in a time of great turmoil and division was marked by unwavering principles, political astuteness, and moral courage.
• Lincoln’s views on slavery and race relations were not static and evolved throughout his lifetime.
• His legacy continues to shape American politics and the ongoing struggle for civil rights.

Author’s Background and Qualifications:

David Herbert Donald (1920-2009) was an American historian and biographer. He was a prolific writer and was awarded the Pulitzer Prize twice for his biographies on Charles Sumner (1988) and Lincoln (1996). He also taught at universities such as Columbia, Princeton, and Harvard.

Target Audience:

History enthusiasts, students of American history, and anyone interested in learning more about Lincoln’s life and presidency.

Publisher and First Publication Date:

Simon & Schuster; November 5, 1995

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