The Writings of Abraham Lincoln (Rethinking the Western Tradition)

Abraham Lincoln never wrote a book: his ideas are contained in speeches letters and various occasional writings. By bringing these works together into a single anthology this book shows that Lincoln deserves to be counted among the great political philosophers. In addition to many examples of Lincolns writings this volume includes four interpretive essays that will provide an intellectual feast for any reader exploring his complex legacy. Danilo Petranovich looks at Lincolns conception of the Union and its radically new focus on purging the nation of the problem of slavery. Ralph Lerner reconsiders Lincolns relation to the American framers and in particular his effort to put the Declaration of Independence on a new foundation. Benjamin Kleinerman examines Lincolns always controversial views on the scope of executive power during war. And Steven Smith considers the place of religion in Lincolns political thought through a close reading of his Second Inaugural Address.