The Lincoln-Douglas Debates of 1858

About this book

To celebrate the 150th anniversary of the most famous political argument in U.S. history The Lincoln-Douglas Debates of 1858 is now available in a special commemorative edition. As Abraham Lincoln and Stephen A. Douglas fiercely competed for the Illinois seat in the U.S. Senate they debated many of the crucial and controversial issues--including slavery--that would later come to define Lincolns political career. Thoughtfully edited by acclaimed historian Robert W. Johannsen this essential manuscript captures a groundbreaking and provocative moment in American politics. Framed by an insightful new foreword by Johannsens former student James L. Huston this series of debates communicates the eloquence urgency and immediacy of its historical moment. To make these arguments more relevant to contemporary readers Huston discusses the historiography of the debates since 1965 how various historians have addressed the debates and why the debates remain so important today. This indispensable resource also includes Douglass Chicago speech and Lincolns "House Divided" speech. Providing a timely and engrossing look at this dynamic event the 150th anniversary edition of The Lincoln-Douglas Debates of 1858 remains the authoritative presentation of these lively landmark orations.