Lincoln lessons
Subtitle: experts' personal reflections on democracy's greatest political leader
By: edited by Frank J. Williams and William D. Pederson.
Contributors: Williams, Frank J.; Pederson, William D., 1946-
Publisher: Southern Illinois University Press
Published: 2009
Place of publication: Carbondale
Language: eng
Number of pages: 184
ISBN-13: 9780809328918
Subjects: Lincoln, Abraham, -- 1809-1865 -- Influence; Lincoln, Abraham, -- 1809-1865 -- Political and social views; Political leadership -- United States; Democracy -- United States; Presidents -- United States -- Biography; United States -- Politics and government -- Philosophy
Genres: Biography.
Description: "In Lincoln Lessons, seventeen of today's most respected academics, historians, lawyers, and politicians provide candid reflections on the importance of Abraham Lincoln in their intellectual lives. Their essays, gathered by editors Frank J. Williams and William D. Pederson, shed new light on this political icon's remarkable ability to lead and inspire two hundred years after his birth. Collected here are glimpses into Lincoln's unique ability to transform enemies into steadfast allies, his deeply ingrained sense of morality and intuitive understanding of humanity, his civil deification as the first assassinated American president, and his controversial suspension of habeas corpus during the Civil War. The contributors also discuss Lincoln's influence on today's emerging democracies, his lasting impact on African American history, and his often-overlooked international legend -- his power to instigate change beyond the boundaries of his native nation. While some contributors provide a scholarly look at Lincoln and some take a more personal approach, all explore his formative influence in their lives. What emerges is the true history of his legacy in the form of first-person testaments from those whom he has touched deeply. Lincoln Lessons brings together some of the best voices of our time in a unique combination of memoir and history. This singular volume of original essays is a tribute to the enduring inspirational powers of an extraordinary man whose courage and leadership continue to change lives today." -- Book jacket.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references and index.