Lincoln's Birthday

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

21267

Title

Lincoln's Birthday

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

This anthology presents a comprehensive view of Abraham Lincoln through his own writings, famous speeches, and tributes by leading historical figures. Edited by Robert Haven Schauffler, the collection offers essays, poems, and anecdotes that capture Lincoln's character, his role in the Civil War, and his enduring legacy as a symbol of American integrity and freedom.

Summary up to 500 words

Compiled from a vast array of historical sources, *Lincoln's Birthday* serves as a definitive collection of writings dedicated to the sixteenth President of the United States. Edited by Robert Haven Schauffler, this volume unifies scattered material into a comprehensive portrait of Abraham Lincoln, highlighting his journey from humble origins to national leadership. The text begins with Lincoln's own autobiography, detailing his self-education in Kentucky and Indiana, his rise in Illinois politics, and his election as Captain of Volunteers during the Black Hawk War. A significant portion is dedicated to the famous Lincoln-Douglas debates of 1858, illustrating the intense political climate regarding slavery and the Union. Through these debates, Lincoln forced his opponent to confront the moral wrong of slavery, famously declaring that a house divided against itself cannot stand. The collection features full texts of Lincoln's most iconic addresses, including the Gettysburg Address, which redefined the nation's purpose as a government of the people, by the people, for the people; the Emancipation Proclamation, issued as a necessary war measure to suppress rebellion; and his Second Inaugural Address, which called for healing the nation's wounds with malice toward none and charity for all. The book also includes his personal remarks to freed slaves in Richmond, emphasizing their birthright to liberty. Beyond his own words, the volume presents a vast array of tributes from contemporaries such as Walt Whitman, Horace Greeley, Harriet Beecher Stowe, and Theodore Roosevelt, alongside poems and essays reflecting on his death and his enduring place in history. Through these diverse voices, the book constructs a multifaceted image of Lincoln, balancing his stern political necessity with his deep human compassion, simplicity, and profound moral courage. It stands as an inspirational testament to the possibilities attainable through earnest purpose, hard work, and integrity of character.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• Biography
• Poetry