Lincoln : Speeches and Writings : 1859-1865 (Library of America)

Be aware that if you buy the paperback it is simply a print out of all the speeches. There is no table of contents or index. If I was to buy again I'd go for the hardcover.

I've only read the first few letters & speeches but Lincoln is always insightful about America and the struggle to limit slavery.

The Library of America's collection of original Lincoln source documents in two volumes is a wonderful addition to the library of any person interested in this portion of American history. The two volumes represent the best scholarship available today in terms of organizing and duplicating Lincoln's own words as they are found in personal letters, speech transcriptions, notes, memos, and other forms of written communication. This is a collection that is a fascinating look at the inner thoughts of Lincoln as he progresses from a congressional candidate in the 1850's, then as a candidate for President in 1860, and then as he prosecutes the war of the states until the time of his assassination.The Library of America represents a rare and welcome to the world of print publishing. Funded from a continuous trust that is structured to keep every single volume perpetually in print, the Library prints only on the finest paper, using only the best inks, and implementing the best binding technology available. These books are true library quality, with ultra-high quality paper from Germany and bindings from the Netherlands, and truly represent the finest book quality typically seen in today's book world. The perpetual trust of the Library nevertheless keeps the price of these volumes at a reasonable level, with most volumes available between $24 and $40 dollars. Once you handle one, you'll undoubtedly see what a real value this series represents.Lincoln's writings and recorded speeches are incredibly interesting to read. These works provide remarkable insight into this most unusual of people, and posterity is pleased that so much of these items were saved and eventually collated for later review. Can we make ourselves belief that this is largely a self-educated man who writes English prose at a level rarely seen even in the most educated of individuals? Following the logic posed in many of these letters, coupled with the piecing insights into human nature that Lincoln seemed to exude, can give us an experience that extends our thinking and challenges our views. Because Lincoln is canonized in history, we really don't understand the real man all that well. These personal writings of Lincoln help de-mystify the true person behind the persona, and make us see the man, not just the legend.

Probably the best president by all accounts, Abraham Lincoln stands alone as a man who provided leadership and some of the finest prose any president had before him or since.Clearly Abraham Lincoln is known for his two main speeches, The Gettysburg Address, and his Second Inaugural, along with the Emancipation Proclamation, which are all included in this fine compilation. But Lincoln's other writings are also so well done, and in a prose style that verges on poetic. His writings to McClellan, Hooker, Pope, Grant, et. al. make a fine reading of the Civil War from the Union side.Perhaps the only president who wrote as well would be Theodore Roosevelt, whose letters written to his children are priceless. But Lincoln stands alone as the one man who had the tenacity to preserve the Union at whatever cost was necessary. Certainly the urgency and toughness required to do that comes out firmly in this volume.For those who want to read Lincoln in his own words, for those who want to believe that political leadership and moral leadership can one day be with us again, I urge you to buy this volume.

Lincoln 1859 - 1865, from The Library Of America, has become an instant schoolbook. Abraham Lincoln, in speeches, letters, messages, proclamations and other writings, has shown me American history as it was being seen by him. Thank you Mr. Lincoln for the privilege of this most interesting movie; a movie you would justify by The Constitution and an instinct which was habitual with you: doing right because doing right was the right thing to do. And you did, and you never faltered.

This collection of Lincoln's letters and speeches during his term of office spotlights his intelligence, political acumen, wit, generosity, and growth – as well as his wonderful prose.

If you enjoy history and seek more in-depth knowledge of the thoughts and insights of Abraham Lincoln, this book is a "must have". "Lincoln: Speeches and Writings" presents the man in his own words through his many letters, speeches and telegrams along with an up close and personal view of this war-time President and the high degree of his involvement with his generals. The book itself is of very high quality and makes a great addition to any library.

I thoroughly enjoyed discovering what the authentic President Abraham Lincoln was like through his personal letters and political speeches. I got a sense of what the real man was like. I found this book interesting because during my genealogical family research, I discovered that my ancestors from France, settled in America in 1852. These ancestors were my maternal great-great-great grandfather and his family who settled in Iowa, and must have expressed their opinions about the politicians of their days, especially President Abraham Lincoln. Great president!

why is is that I can only read this when online?