The Inner World of Abraham Lincoln
In the tradition of psychobiography epitomized by Fawn Brodie (Thomas Jefferson: An Intimate History, LJ 4/15/94), Connecticut College historian Burlin-game opens the psychiatrist's couch to Lincoln. The author claims no attempt to rewrite the story of Lincoln's life; rather, he traces the origin of Lincoln's furious temper, cruel streak, aversion to women, hatred of slavery, and stormy relationship with his temperamental wife. Lincoln has been the subject of other psychobiographies (e.g., Charles B. Strozier's Lincoln's Quest for Union, LJ 4/15/82), and Burlingame does much to synthesize these other works. At the same time, he challenges the work of Lincoln's traditional biographer, James G. Randall. Utilizing the papers of Lincoln's law partner, William H. Herndon, and contemporary newspaper accounts, the author gives us an aggregate picture of a troubled man. Whether you agree with Burlingame or not, his analysis is an important new look at the man who shaped the course of a nation in peril. Highly recommended for all academic and public libraries.Boyd Childress, Auburn Univ. Lib., Ala.Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.