Lincoln

Profiles in Power

by Richard J. Carwardine

Interest in the American Civil War and the role of Abraham Lincoln has grown dramatically in the last decade. Leader of the anti-slavery Republican coalition and the wartime Union, he has become a model of a particular kind of democratic politician who led rather than followed. Richard J. Carwardine examines Lincoln's rise to power and his achievements as US president. The book explores the wider sources of Lincoln's authority and skills in embracing a broad range of elements within the Republican party. In particular, it looks at Lincoln's shrewd relationship with evangelical Protestantism. His ability to harness and channel the power of the Protestant constituency was key to his winning the presidency and rallying support behind his national and emancipatory vision.

Genres: American History, Biography, History

352 pages, Paperback

First published January 9, 2007

About the author

Richard Carwardine is Rhodes Professor of American History emeritus and the former President of Corpus Christi College, Oxford University.

Reviews

[Brendan Nelson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is more a biography of Lincoln's thought than a biography of his life. If you are looking to learn more about his life and times, this is not the book for you. But if you have read up on Lincoln and want to delve more into his the development of his political and moral thought, than this is a great read. The author assumes the reader is readily familiar with historic events and people of the time (Missouri Compromise, Edwin Stanton, etc.) so this should be at least the 2nd or 3rd Lincoln book you read.

[Hillary · Rating 4 out of 5]

A strong biography of Lincoln as he developed as a statesman and a person.

[Katrin · Rating 3 out of 5]

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