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Lincoln: Speeches and Writings: 1832-1858 Volume 1
* Beautifully illustrated with atmospheric images, this is the first of two superb volumes of Lincoln's speeches and writings.
* Lincoln measured the promise--and cost--of American freedom in lucid and extraordinarily moving prose. Here in Volume One of this two volume set ("Speeches and Writings 1859-1865" and "Speeches and Writings 1832-1858"), are all the significant works, including the complete Lincoln-Douglas debates, dozens of speeches, hundreds of personal and political letters, communications to generals in the field, presidential messages and proclamations, poems, and private reflections on democracy, slavery, and the meaning of the Civil War's immense impact on the United States of America.
* This meticulous digital edition from Heritage Illustrated Publishing is a faithful reproduction of the original text and is enhanced with images carefully selected by our team of professional editors.
* Lincoln measured the promise--and cost--of American freedom in lucid and extraordinarily moving prose. Here in Volume One of this two volume set ("Speeches and Writings 1859-1865" and "Speeches and Writings 1832-1858"), are all the significant works, including the complete Lincoln-Douglas debates, dozens of speeches, hundreds of personal and political letters, communications to generals in the field, presidential messages and proclamations, poems, and private reflections on democracy, slavery, and the meaning of the Civil War's immense impact on the United States of America.
* This meticulous digital edition from Heritage Illustrated Publishing is a faithful reproduction of the original text and is enhanced with images carefully selected by our team of professional editors.
180 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 28, 1968
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About the author
Abraham Lincoln
2,365 books1,966 followersAbraham Lincoln, the sixteenth president of the United States from 1861, led during the Civil War, and emancipated slaves in the south in 1863; shortly after the end, John Wilkes Booth assassinated him.
Abraham Lincoln, an American lawyer, politician, and man, served until 1865. Lincoln defended the American constitutional nation, defeated the insurgent Confederacy, abolished, expanded the power of the Federal government, and modernized the economy.
A mother bore him into poverty in a log cabin in Kentucky, and parents reared on the frontier, primarily in Indiana. He educated as a lawyer in Whig party, joined legislature, and represented Illinois. In 1849, he returned to his successful law practice in Springfield, Illinois.
The Kansas–Nebraska act in 1854 opened the territories, angered him, and caused him to re-enter politics. He quickly joined the new Republican Party. He reached a national audience in the campaign debates against Stephen Arnold Douglas for Senate in 1858. Lincoln ran in 1860 and swept the north to gain victory. Other elements viewed his election as a threat and from the nation began seceding. During this time, the newly formed Confederate of America began seizing Federal military bases. A little over one month after Lincoln assumed, Confederate forces attacked Fort Sumter in South Carolina. Following the bombardment, Lincoln mobilized forces to suppress the rebellion and restored.
Lincoln, a moderate, navigated a contentious array of factions with friends and opponents from the Democratic Party and Republican Party. His allies, the Democrats, and the radical Republicans, demanded harsh treatment of the Confederates. He exploited mutual enmity of the factions, carefully distributing political patronage, and appealed to the American people. Democrats, called "Copperheads," despised Lincoln, and some irreconcilable pro-Confederate elements went so far as to plot. People came to see his greatest address at Gettysburg as a most influential statement of American national purpose. Lincoln closely supervised the strategy and tactics in the effort, including the selection of generals, and implemented a naval blockade of the trade. He suspended habeas corpus in Maryland and elsewhere, and averted British intervention by defusing the Trent Affair. He issued the proclamation, which declared free those "in rebellion." It also directed the Navy to "recognize and maintain the freedom of such persons" and to receive them "into the armed service." Lincoln pressured border to outlaw, and he promoted the thirteenth Amendment to the Constitution, which abolished, except as punishment for a crime.
Lincoln managed his own successful re-election campaign. He sought to heal the torn nation through reconciliation. On April 14, 1865, just five days after the Confederate surrender at Appomattox, he attended a play at theater of Ford in Washington, District of Columbia, with Mary Todd Lincoln, his wife, when Confederate sympathizer fatally shot him. People remember Lincoln as a martyr and a national hero for his time and for his efforts to preserve and abolish. Popular and scholarly polls often rank Lincoln as the greatest president in American history.
Abraham Lincoln, an American lawyer, politician, and man, served until 1865. Lincoln defended the American constitutional nation, defeated the insurgent Confederacy, abolished, expanded the power of the Federal government, and modernized the economy.
A mother bore him into poverty in a log cabin in Kentucky, and parents reared on the frontier, primarily in Indiana. He educated as a lawyer in Whig party, joined legislature, and represented Illinois. In 1849, he returned to his successful law practice in Springfield, Illinois.
The Kansas–Nebraska act in 1854 opened the territories, angered him, and caused him to re-enter politics. He quickly joined the new Republican Party. He reached a national audience in the campaign debates against Stephen Arnold Douglas for Senate in 1858. Lincoln ran in 1860 and swept the north to gain victory. Other elements viewed his election as a threat and from the nation began seceding. During this time, the newly formed Confederate of America began seizing Federal military bases. A little over one month after Lincoln assumed, Confederate forces attacked Fort Sumter in South Carolina. Following the bombardment, Lincoln mobilized forces to suppress the rebellion and restored.
Lincoln, a moderate, navigated a contentious array of factions with friends and opponents from the Democratic Party and Republican Party. His allies, the Democrats, and the radical Republicans, demanded harsh treatment of the Confederates. He exploited mutual enmity of the factions, carefully distributing political patronage, and appealed to the American people. Democrats, called "Copperheads," despised Lincoln, and some irreconcilable pro-Confederate elements went so far as to plot. People came to see his greatest address at Gettysburg as a most influential statement of American national purpose. Lincoln closely supervised the strategy and tactics in the effort, including the selection of generals, and implemented a naval blockade of the trade. He suspended habeas corpus in Maryland and elsewhere, and averted British intervention by defusing the Trent Affair. He issued the proclamation, which declared free those "in rebellion." It also directed the Navy to "recognize and maintain the freedom of such persons" and to receive them "into the armed service." Lincoln pressured border to outlaw, and he promoted the thirteenth Amendment to the Constitution, which abolished, except as punishment for a crime.
Lincoln managed his own successful re-election campaign. He sought to heal the torn nation through reconciliation. On April 14, 1865, just five days after the Confederate surrender at Appomattox, he attended a play at theater of Ford in Washington, District of Columbia, with Mary Todd Lincoln, his wife, when Confederate sympathizer fatally shot him. People remember Lincoln as a martyr and a national hero for his time and for his efforts to preserve and abolish. Popular and scholarly polls often rank Lincoln as the greatest president in American history.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
December 2, 2021
First of all, thanks to the Library of America for publishing such a complete volume and making it accessible to the public.
I think it is very important that people who care about history read the primary sources. Once you have read this book you will know for sure what the issues were prior to the Civil War. People may tell you what they think caused the war like economic differences or states rights but if you read the actual Lincoln Douglas debates it is clear as day that the issue was slavery. It is also indisputable that that white Americans at that time were racists. I have the greatest respect for Abraham Lincoln but I have to realize that he believed in white supremacy. That's just the way it was at that time. There is no reason to believe that he hated black people but he didn't see how he could live with them on a basis of social equality. Perhaps in the next volume of his letters there will be a change in his outlook. He did go from promising not to interfere with slavery in the slave states to the Emancipation Proclamation, as limited as that was.
For the first time I read through all seven debates. Douglas was no straw man. He put across his beliefs convincingly. Lincoln, I think, spoke better but Douglas was also very strong. I have to wonder what would happen if today we had candidates who could debate the issues under the same format. Or what audience they could find to listen for three hours. Without the panels asking questions or speakers interrupting each other.
Reading the volume was marvelously rewarding.
I think it is very important that people who care about history read the primary sources. Once you have read this book you will know for sure what the issues were prior to the Civil War. People may tell you what they think caused the war like economic differences or states rights but if you read the actual Lincoln Douglas debates it is clear as day that the issue was slavery. It is also indisputable that that white Americans at that time were racists. I have the greatest respect for Abraham Lincoln but I have to realize that he believed in white supremacy. That's just the way it was at that time. There is no reason to believe that he hated black people but he didn't see how he could live with them on a basis of social equality. Perhaps in the next volume of his letters there will be a change in his outlook. He did go from promising not to interfere with slavery in the slave states to the Emancipation Proclamation, as limited as that was.
For the first time I read through all seven debates. Douglas was no straw man. He put across his beliefs convincingly. Lincoln, I think, spoke better but Douglas was also very strong. I have to wonder what would happen if today we had candidates who could debate the issues under the same format. Or what audience they could find to listen for three hours. Without the panels asking questions or speakers interrupting each other.
Reading the volume was marvelously rewarding.
February 20, 2011
Nothing that I have ever read is as sobering and inspiring as the letters and speeches of President Lincoln. Is it possible that he had only two years of schooling? Can it be that he was driven to run for president even in those times? When Mrs. Douglass, widow of the man who debated him, applied for a safe conduct to go back to Virginia, he replied with grace and delicacy assuring her that he would do anything she needed but raised the question whether it would be helpful to her to have such a document from him .... Where indeed have all the flowers gone?
September 26, 2025
“I am glad I made the late race. It gave me a hearing on the great and durable question of the age, which I could have had in no other way; and though I now sink out of view, and shall be forgotten, I believe I have made some marks which will tell for the cause of civil liberty long after I am gone.” - 11/19/1858
July 19, 2014
Even after reading the letters and speeches here and from later in his life, Lincoln remains inscrutable and aggravating. When digging into his writing, I found it almost impossible to tell when to take him at face value, and when to try and read between the lines. Even reading the old standards like the Gettysburg Address or the Cooper Union speech, I found myself just utterly mystified by what exactly he was or wasn't trying to say or imply. On one level, I kind of want to hate him for being so cloyingly sanctimonious, but on another level, I almost admire just how weirdly he tries to communicate so much of his thought. It's weird to go back and read these sort of classically American texts and to just think about how disconcerting their ideas are, even when wrapped in such poetic language. Lincoln really can be a beautiful writer, but I always just found myself sort of confused to to what the exact intentions of anything he said was.
April 26, 2013
Lincoln is an interesting man to approach. Right now I'm using this volume as the way to read the Lincoln-Douglas debates, and it's an amazing snapshot of the country at the time. Also, Lincoln is an amazing writer, when he wants to be, as some of his letters and written speeches prove. This & the companion volume are perfect for my needs, as far as being able to sample large parts of Lincoln's writings.
February 26, 2015
There are many reasons this book is a classic. Lincoln's own intelligence, style, humor, and tragic poetry are worth the read alone. In this first volume, Lincoln makes some of the best known arguments for the Whig party, against the Mexican War, and the crisis resulting from the Kansas-Nebraska Act. His writings after 1854 are pretty much a history book on that time period, giving a very clear and engaging picture of the slavery issue.
July 8, 2013
I guess it sounds old hat to say how bright and clever and funny he was and reading his letters and speeches made those qualities and him real for me, and I feel like I got a glimpse of the time in which he lived. As one of the listeners called out during the Lincoln-Douglas debates, I could listen to him all day.
August 19, 2010
Truly astonishing. The prevalence of racism is staggering. His simple assumption is that the slaves are obviously inferior and should be removed not so that they would be freed, but so that they would never end up mixing with any Americans stupid enough to marry them. Ouch.
October 26, 2025
Somehow I find myself desperately plowing through 150 year old correspondence as if my life depended on it. I did not expect to laugh out loud so often or be so engrossed, but here we are. It's confirmation that history is where I belong, and that primary sources are far more compelling than pre-digested and pre-interpreted history texts.
I have nothing to add to the glory of Lincoln's memory. His humanity, sadness, and sense of humor is all here. At the same time, tracking down his actual views on things can become pretty difficult. But then again, his upbringing in the border areas and his slippery political views are perhaps what allowed him to play the role he did "with malice towards none" as the over-used quote goes.
It's hard not to feel sometimes like the best is behind us.
I have nothing to add to the glory of Lincoln's memory. His humanity, sadness, and sense of humor is all here. At the same time, tracking down his actual views on things can become pretty difficult. But then again, his upbringing in the border areas and his slippery political views are perhaps what allowed him to play the role he did "with malice towards none" as the over-used quote goes.
It's hard not to feel sometimes like the best is behind us.
Want to read
February 5, 2020American President, American Democracy and Freedom Leader Abraham Lincoln's "Speechs and Writings, 1832-1858", about 900 pages, describes the history of America in 19. Century in Lincoln's views. Lincoln's philosophies of politics, law and society reflect in his book. Lincoln, before "the Civil War in America", writes his opinions and thoughts for democracy, freedom and the development of people's contract in American society. Lincoln defensed and improved the tradition of George Washington, Jefferson and Franklin in American political life and ruling America which suggests and projects to end the slavery in production and in social relations. Lincoln researchs the conditions of freedom in America by studying the American social geography and the international relations of America.
January 29, 2023
Simply the best unintended history of 19th century America that I have ever read. Reading Lincoln's speeches and articles from beginning to end will educate you with an intimate working knowledge of 19th century politics, from obscure political parties to the relentless drive of the South to further the industry of slavery. And amidst all of it we have this profound, quirky, lanky genius, talking up the virtues of abolitionism, kissing babies and doing his level best in a country slowly heading toward a crisis of addiction to free labor. This actually is written in two volumes, and is really best experienced by simply reading through both volumes. Yes, that is over 1500 pages of writing, but good Lordy, you will learn a lot.
January 11, 2018
The debates with Douglas are interesting, though repetitive and a bit modern-sounding in the twist each candidate puts on the other’s words. There are some noteworthy speeches. Some of the letters are interesting, particularly in showing early glimpses of Lincoln and of ordinary events in his life. There are many other letters included, however, that are not particularly illuminating.
September 23, 2019
His writings and speeches has inspired me a lot. He was a world-class personality who has transformed the concept of democracy.
December 25, 2019
I LIKE THIS BOOK
June 1, 2021
Very insightful history of one of the greatest Presidents of all time.
October 24, 2023
The Great Communicator in development.
October 9, 2024
What a work of labor. Lincoln was and is my favorite president. Worth reading. I know more about the Civil War and Lincoln's part in that terrible even.
December 16, 2008
This is a collection of Lincoln's speeches and letters. The best way to get to know this man is through is own words. I was impressed by how consistent he was in his views on slavery through the entire course of this political era. From his first public statements on the slavery he said it was immoral and unjust, we can't remove it in the states where it exists, it shouldn't be allowed to spread into the territories, slavery should be put on the course of ultimate extinction. For 30+ years (through his presidency) he stayed with the same statements. What other politician do you know who never waivers in his political statements?
June 13, 2011
Assigned for Tony Wolk's Lincoln and Literature class, I have only got so far into this tome, but I aim to read it all before my life is over. Hopefully there will be time for that. It's writings that Lincoln did throughout his life that have been documented. Letters, speeches, etc.
Abraham Lincoln was most likely the best president this country will ever have so it's a good idea to read what he wrote. He was even one of the best political leaders ever, kind of like The Beatles are one of the best bands ever...So you should check it out, see what he had to say.
Abraham Lincoln was most likely the best president this country will ever have so it's a good idea to read what he wrote. He was even one of the best political leaders ever, kind of like The Beatles are one of the best bands ever...So you should check it out, see what he had to say.
August 21, 2007
Where's his voice today? We need him.
June 30, 2008
Superb! Clearly a political and economic genius. And an amazing war strategist whose counsel and direction should have been followed.
November 18, 2008
Certainly the President-Elect writes a good speech. Here now, a true master.
March 29, 2009
While many of the letters etc. are not fascinating. Reading Lincoln's speeches in their entirety gives a fascinating picture of who Lincoln was and what he stood for.
July 3, 2011
I read bits and pieces. I enjoyed his speech on the Mexican War.
June 19, 2013
Only read parts, but those were informative of the man
April 1, 2020
1-301; 09/3/18
302-602; 09/1/19
602-833: 03/31/20
302-602; 09/1/19
602-833: 03/31/20
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews