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4.4 AVERAGE
4.4 AVERAGE
“…our finest presidents are those committed to bringing a flawed nation closer to the light, a mission that requires an understanding that politics divorced from conscience is fatal to the American experiment in liberty under law.”
informative
inspiring
sad
slow-paced
Biographies are one of the more difficult categories of book to evaluate. I’m certainly not an expert on Lincoln or the hundreds of other biographies that have been written. What I can say is that this work is well-written, appears detailed in the research and offers a lot of information about Lincoln that was newer to me. It isn’t necessarily the facts as much as the context that I found informative here.
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
The epilogue succinctly captures the essence of this book: “In life, Lincoln’s motives were moral as well as political—a reminder that our finest presidents are those committed to bringing a flawed nation closer to the light, a mission that requires an understanding that politics divorced from conscience is fatal to the American experiment in liberty under law. In years of peril he pointed the country toward a future that was superior to the past and to the present; in years of strife he held steady. Lincoln’s life shows us that progress can be made by fallible and fallen presidents and peoples—which, in a fallible and fallen world, should give us hope.”
The author did an outstanding job of building Lincoln's story from beginning to end as that of an ordinary man; one who acknowledged his own faults and shortcomings but who also worked tirelessly to bring people together to right wrongs, standing on his principles, knowing his life was constantly at stake in the bargain. Jon Meacham said, "His achievement is remarkable not because he was otherworldly, or saintly, or savior-like, but because he was what he was—an imperfect man seeking to bring a more perfect Union into being.”
Lincoln was a man who stepped up and met the tense challenges of his era with astonishing courage and careful determination, without reservation or concern for popular opinion. He was a steadfast leader that served in such a unique way that makes it difficult to imagine anyone else being able to accomplish what he did at the historic time he did it, because it ultimately cost him his life, and yet he never flinched or hesitated to do what he felt was necessary to save the country. This is what moxie looks like.
The author did an outstanding job of building Lincoln's story from beginning to end as that of an ordinary man; one who acknowledged his own faults and shortcomings but who also worked tirelessly to bring people together to right wrongs, standing on his principles, knowing his life was constantly at stake in the bargain. Jon Meacham said, "His achievement is remarkable not because he was otherworldly, or saintly, or savior-like, but because he was what he was—an imperfect man seeking to bring a more perfect Union into being.”
Lincoln was a man who stepped up and met the tense challenges of his era with astonishing courage and careful determination, without reservation or concern for popular opinion. He was a steadfast leader that served in such a unique way that makes it difficult to imagine anyone else being able to accomplish what he did at the historic time he did it, because it ultimately cost him his life, and yet he never flinched or hesitated to do what he felt was necessary to save the country. This is what moxie looks like.
It was good. Fun to see the actual life behind a man that is almost wholly a mythological figure here in the US. Definitely can learn a lot from the way he navigates various interests. Genuinely sad for him when he gets shot too.
Also for whatever reason I guess I've been obsessed with books about the "long 19th century" recently. Just a underappreciated time period
Also for whatever reason I guess I've been obsessed with books about the "long 19th century" recently. Just a underappreciated time period
informative
reflective
slow-paced
It was an amazing journey through Lincoln’s life from poverty to US President. Interesting to know how much and how he was involved in the emancipation period. Curious also to realize he did not see people of color at same level as white people but felt they should be treated equally. He was indeed an hero, and like all humans , with its own flaws.
For some reason, outside of the school curriculum, I was never independently drawn to Civil War history. This biography of Lincoln has sparked a serious interest in this shameful, yet pivotal, era of American History.
The approach was a real “birth-to-death” character analysis of Lincoln, which is an insightful way to view him. He was a political animal, and was willing to bend for political points, but first and foremost he was a staunch supporter of abolition. His religious upbringing was in an abolitionist church and he became even more evolved and resolute in his principles throughout his presidency.
The portion of the book I found most resonate with today was his re-election campaign. He could have easily canceled the election in the midst of the Civil War, but he was committed to democracy and ruling by the will of the people (however limited that term was at the time) that he did not. I also didn’t realize how unpopular the war was and how tedious the campaign had been. I also learned that presidential candidates at the time did not choose their vice presidential running mate - making the party’s nomination of Johnson so unfortunate. If a Lincoln had lived and been able to follow through on his plans for the post-War country, Reconstruction, and the course of history of this country, would be very different.
Ok last thought - anyone who thinks the Civil War was over ANYTHING other than slavery has not read a lick of history. Lincoln would not agree to any peace with the rebels on grounds less than immediate, complete and uncompensated emancipation - and he was willing to let the war go on as long as it took until this outcome was achieved.
My uncle (a real history buff who has read lots of books about Lincoln) said he didn’t learn anything new - but as a novice of this period, I certainly did!
Anyway, 10/10 highly recommend.
The approach was a real “birth-to-death” character analysis of Lincoln, which is an insightful way to view him. He was a political animal, and was willing to bend for political points, but first and foremost he was a staunch supporter of abolition. His religious upbringing was in an abolitionist church and he became even more evolved and resolute in his principles throughout his presidency.
The portion of the book I found most resonate with today was his re-election campaign. He could have easily canceled the election in the midst of the Civil War, but he was committed to democracy and ruling by the will of the people (however limited that term was at the time) that he did not. I also didn’t realize how unpopular the war was and how tedious the campaign had been. I also learned that presidential candidates at the time did not choose their vice presidential running mate - making the party’s nomination of Johnson so unfortunate. If a Lincoln had lived and been able to follow through on his plans for the post-War country, Reconstruction, and the course of history of this country, would be very different.
Ok last thought - anyone who thinks the Civil War was over ANYTHING other than slavery has not read a lick of history. Lincoln would not agree to any peace with the rebels on grounds less than immediate, complete and uncompensated emancipation - and he was willing to let the war go on as long as it took until this outcome was achieved.
My uncle (a real history buff who has read lots of books about Lincoln) said he didn’t learn anything new - but as a novice of this period, I certainly did!
Anyway, 10/10 highly recommend.
Just when you thought no one could break new ground on Abraham Lincoln because so many books have been written about him, along comes Jon Meacham to prove me wrong. From the opening essay to the epilogue, this is just a fantastic book. How did I like this book, let me count the ways:
1. Mr. Meacham can flat out write and this in itself makes the book.
2. Mr. Meacham has a knack for putting just the right anecdote in at just the right time. This is quite an art and Mr. Meacham has it nailed.
3. This is not a hagiography of Lincoln, Mr. Meacham is careful to point out his flaws and how he was throughout his presidency the consummate (and wise) politician. He was often criticized by both sides which makes you think he got his policies just about correct.
A couple of takeaways from the book:
1. Time and distance have not been kind to Mary Todd Lincoln, Lincoln’s wife, she really does seem to have been a flat out nasty person. One wonders what Lincoln was thinking marrying her.
2. Historical moments, especially speeches often are not recognized at the moment. Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address and second inaugural speech are two of the most famous speeches in U S History but neither were very well received at the time.
I really enjoyed this book.
1. Mr. Meacham can flat out write and this in itself makes the book.
2. Mr. Meacham has a knack for putting just the right anecdote in at just the right time. This is quite an art and Mr. Meacham has it nailed.
3. This is not a hagiography of Lincoln, Mr. Meacham is careful to point out his flaws and how he was throughout his presidency the consummate (and wise) politician. He was often criticized by both sides which makes you think he got his policies just about correct.
A couple of takeaways from the book:
1. Time and distance have not been kind to Mary Todd Lincoln, Lincoln’s wife, she really does seem to have been a flat out nasty person. One wonders what Lincoln was thinking marrying her.
2. Historical moments, especially speeches often are not recognized at the moment. Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address and second inaugural speech are two of the most famous speeches in U S History but neither were very well received at the time.
I really enjoyed this book.