Lincoln in Private: What His Most Personal Reflections Tell Us About Our Greatest President

by Ronald C. White

From the New York Times bestselling author of A. Lincoln and American Ulysses, a revelatory glimpse into the mind and soul of our sixteenth president through his private notes to himself, explored together here for the first time.

A deeply private man, closed off to even those who worked closely with him, Abraham Lincoln often captured "his best thoughts," as he called them, in short notes to himself. He would work out personal stances on the biggest issues of the day, never expecting anyone to see these frank, unpolished pieces of writing, which he'd then keep close at hand, in desk drawers and even in his top hat. The profound importance of these notes has been overlooked, because the originals are scattered across several different archives and have never before been brought together and examined as a coherent whole.

Now, renowned Lincoln historian Ronald C. White walks readers through twelve of Lincoln's most important private notes, showcasing our greatest president's brilliance and empathy, but also his very human anxieties and ambitions. We look over Lincoln's shoulder as he grapples with the problem of slavery, attempting to find convincing rebuttals to those who supported the evil institution ("As I would not be a slave, so I would not be a master. This expresses my idea of democracy."); prepares for his historic debates with Stephen Douglas; expresses his private feelings after a defeated bid for a Senate seat ("With me, the race of ambition has been a failure--a flat failure."); voices his concerns about the new Republican Party's long-term prospects; develops an argument for national unity amidst a secession crisis that would ultimately rend the nation in two; and, for a president many have viewed as not religious, develops a sophisticated theological reflection in the midst of the Civil War ("It is quite possible that God's purpose is something different from the purpose of either party.").

These are notes Lincoln never expected anyone to read, put into context by a writer who has spent his life studying Lincoln's life and words. The result is a rare glimpse into the mind and soul of one of our nation's most important figures.

Genres: History, Biography, Presidents, Nonfiction, Civil War, Us Presidents, Politics

313 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 4, 2021

Reviews

[Raymond · Rating 4 out of 5]

Have you ever wondered what Abraham Lincoln REALLY thought about slavery, nature, being a failure, the birth of the Republican Party, or God’s position during the Civil War? Then Ronald White’s new book Lincoln in Private is for you. This book is one scholar’s analysis of what Lincoln’s private notes (AKA “fragments”) meant and what they say about Lincoln. Lincoln wrote many fragments to himself that either became first drafts of speeches or never appeared anywhere else in his public writings. In 10 chapters, White covers fragments that Lincoln wrote between the years of 1848 to 1862, which span the time of his legal career up to his presidency. Going into the book I assumed the fragments would be short but some were lengthy and well thought out. White provides excellent research and analysis to explain the content and context of Lincoln’s fragments.

One of my favorite fragments is covered in Chapter 3 The Fiery Lincoln. In this chapter, Lincoln’s fragment contradicts pro-slavery arguments by showing how the arguments for slavery can be twisted to justify the enslavement of slave owners. Another line Lincoln writes, states that if slavery is so good, as the pro-slavery folks say, then why don’t White people want to be slaves. Many of these thoughts could not be said publicly by Lincoln but these fragments allowed him to think critically about various issues.

"Although volume upon volume is written to prove slavery a very good thing, we never hear of the man who wishes to take the good of it by being a slave himself." -Abraham Lincoln

Overall, the book is short and I definitely wanted more, but it also contains an appendix of all the 109 known fragments that Lincoln wrote between the years 1839-1865, most of the fragments are not covered in the body of the book. In a time where it seems that there is nothing new to say or write about Lincoln, Ronald White proves the assertion wrong. He provides an accessible book about how America’s 16th President thought about politics, religion, nature, and more.

Thanks to NetGalley, Random House, and Ronald White for a free ARC copy in exchange for an honest review. This book will be released on May 4, 2021.

[Montzalee Wittmann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lincoln in Private
What His Most Personal Reflections Tell Us About Our Greatest President
by Ronald C. White

This is an amazing book that gathers all the notes, written thoughts, ideas, starts, letters, and more ("fragments ") together and gives us the reader a look inside Lincoln's mind. The beloved President is known for many things, one is for quiet way of life except when giving speeches or in court. But what did the man feel about other things? We read about that in this book.

Not only about him but about his wife and sons. This book was very informative and interesting. It helped make Lincoln come alive. I also loved all the many pictures. I giggled at his messy hair yet when they asked him to fix it he refused. (Almost every picture it was a mess!)

In here are other great info such as who got him to grow a bread and why. How he survived his circuit as a lawyer being gone months at a time. The reason he wanted to go to Niagara Falls. There is so much!

Enriching and enjoyable! Love the cover! I want to thank the publisher and NetGalley for letting me read this wonderful book!

[robin friedman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lincoln's Audience Of One

Abraham Lincoln continues to inspire readers and writers alike as shown by the constant stream of books about our sixteenth president. Ronald C. White's recent book, "Lincoln in Private: What his most Personal Reflections Tell us about our Greatest President" (2021) explores Lincoln's life and accomplishment by an examination of a selection of twelve of the 111 private notes that Lincoln wrote to himself at different times in life that have come down to us. These short notes have been gathered together before in large collected editions of Lincoln's writings. Some of them have received substantial study and attention. But the 111 notes have apparently never been the focus of a single volume or gathered together for easy accessibility and study, as they are in this book.

Ronald C. White is a Professor of American Religious History who has written extensively on Lincoln and his era with a religious focus. He his written biographies of Lincoln and of Ulysses Grant. I have read White's book on Lincoln's Second Inaugural Address, "Lincoln's Greatest Speech: The Second Inaugural"(2002), and I have heard him speak.

It is valuable to begin with the Epilogue to this book. White points out that Lincoln was a public figure of great accomplishment whose private thoughts remain little known. His study of Lincoln's personal notes had the goal of increasing the understanding of Lincoln and, even more importantly, of gaining an understanding of the nature and importance of the reflective life. The notes, for White, show Lincoln engaging in "intellectual, political, and moral" reflection, "often all at the same time". Lincoln wrote the notes to "probe and push his preliminary thinking about many sides of a complex problem or issue". White writes in the following passage about what he and his readers might learn from the example of Lincoln's private notes.

"The example of Lincoln the public leader is referred to often. But the private Lincoln is also an example. In a world of shortened attention spans and constant interruptions, his fragments encourage us to live more thoughtful and reflective lives. In speaking to high school students, and in writing this book, I hope to point a new generation toward the rewards -- personal and societal -- of a habit of sustained, deep, private thought."

White meets his goal in the ten chapters of his book which examine in detail twelve of Lincoln's private notes. Each chapter begins with the text of Lincoln's reflections. White then analyzes the text and, in most instances, places it within the context of Lincoln's public activities to show how these thoughts were used and developed. White also broadens the discussion to show how each of Lincoln's notes related to other writers and trends of the day. The discussion in each chapter is further enhanced by photos and illustrations. The discussion includes careful documentation in endnotes and in a substantial bibliography. The text of each of the 111 private notes is set out in a lengthy appendix. and there is an unusual selection of the notes in Lincoln's own handwriting to add texture to the study.

The book is divided into three parts. The first part. "Lawyer", includes two texts describing Lincoln's visit to Niagara Falls and his thoughts on the nature of the legal profession. The second part "Politician" consists of four chapters discussing Lincoln's revived political career following his single term in the House of Representatives. The texts explore Lincoln's response to the Kansas-Nebraska Act, his thoughts on his failed initial bid for the Senate, his reflections on the nature of the Republican Party, his understanding of democracy, and his critique of Pro-Slavery Theology.

Part Three considers Lincoln's Presidency. It begins with his thoughts on secession, provoked by the writings of his former friend and Confederate vice-president, Alexander Stephens. There are notes for a fascinating speech Lincoln wrote but never delivered for an audience in the border state of Kentucky, where Lincoln was born. The section concludes with a heavily theological "Meditation on the Divine Will" which Lincoln drew upon in his Second Inaugural Address. White considers this note at length in this book and in his earlier book on the Second Inaugural. It is the most philosophical of the notes and best captures White's own preoccupations and his understanding of Lincoln.

"Lincoln in Private" will reward reading by those with a strong prior background in Lincoln and by those coming to him in an earlier stage of study. The book fulfills White's two-fold goal of expanding knowledge of Lincoln and of encouraging the habit of reflection and thought in the reader, even when writing or thinking for an audience of one.

Robin Friedman

[Bill · Rating 4 out of 5]

From the “is there anything new to write about Abraham Lincoln?” department - when seemingly every word of Lincoln's every speech has already been parsed and analyzed, how about analyzing some of the speeches he never gave and the writings he never intended to be made public?

In this slim but interesting book, White examines a selection of the most notable of the 111 known fragmentary notes that Lincoln wrote to himself. A few were drafts, whose ideas later made it into speeches, while most did not and merely "served as a private pressure valve" for him to work out his thoughts. "Almost every surviving Lincoln fragment begins with a problem or challenge," White observes, and many conclude with a call (to himself) to action.

Each chapter of the book, chronologically ordered, uses a fragment or two as a launching point to describe what Lincoln was doing at that point in his life and career. Then White does as he does best, as in his A. Lincoln biography, and analyzes Lincoln’s words, what he was trying to say and how he went about saying it.

Not that I am some Lincoln know-it-all, but having read a lot about him recently, I will say that the fragments that White highlights are not as obscure as I thought they would be. Many of them are quoted frequently in Lincoln biographies, so they were actually pretty familiar. The story of Lincoln’s life and career that White weaves around the fragments is also pretty familiar, presuming that the audience for such a specific book as this probably already knows the highlights of Lincoln’s life story.

Most interesting, I thought, were the moments where White gets into the history of the fragments themselves. Few survive from Lincoln’s early years, while Robert Lincoln collected most of the rest along with Lincoln’s official papers immediately after his death, and they didn’t become publicly known until Lincoln’s secretaries Nicolay and Hay referred to them when writing their authorized Lincoln biography. Hay happened to discover one particular note in a desk drawer, and another was in Mary Lincoln’s possession until she gave it to the lawyers and activist couple who helped her get released from the mental institution where she was confined decades later. One can only wonder how many more fragmentary notes there were, and what they might have been able to tell us had they all survived.

There are also mini-mysteries surrounding the dates and purpose of some of the notes. One note is a partial draft of an undelivered speech that Lincoln intended to make in Kentucky during his journey to Washington for his inauguration - and we don’t know why he presumed he would be speaking there, nor why he never did.

I mentioned that the book is short, and it’s shorter still when you consider that the final third (before the end notes and index) consists of full transcripts of all 111 fragments. While it makes sense for a book about Lincoln’s private notes to actually include them all, you do have to be a real Lincoln superfan to read through all of them word by word. Those that have to do with his thoughts and ideas on issues like slavery are instructive and prove that he didn’t just say he was morally opposed to slavery for political purposes. The charts he created to count up likely votes ahead of electoral contests shows that he was a savvy politician and not just a come-what-may idealist. Many later notes as president, however, are more utilitarian, having to do with making appointments to government and military positions, which don’t give us any insight into Lincoln’s ideas or thought processes.

In the book’s introduction, White asks if there is “anything new (the fragments) can tell us about the notoriously private president?" When considered individually, perhaps they can, perhaps not. But as a whole, White writes in the book’s conclusion, they speak to Lincoln’s lifelong "habit of sustained, deep, private thought." For a man who considered his words very carefully before committing them to paper or speaking them aloud, White’s book may be the closest we’re likely to come to really getting inside Lincoln’s head, finding out not only what he thought and believed, but how he came to believe it.

[Joseph · Rating 5 out of 5]

A behind-the-scenes look at Lincoln's most closely held opinions on major national issues, this was an easy two day read. The author looks at fragments Lincoln composed as notes to himself, and reflects on what they show of Lincoln's character. In a side note, I'm looking forward to the author's upcoming project: a volume on Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain at Gettysburg.

[Brian Willis · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second half of this book is an Appendix that collects 111 notes to "himself" by Lincoln, not exactly a journal or diary but the closest we will ever get. Some of them go from the mundane (notes on appointments, both political and military) to the philosophical and preparatory.

The first half - the main text - focuses deeper on these fragments and notes as they reveal (perhaps and most likely) the personal ideas of Lincoln as they evolved. While they are just a fragment of what was produced by the President, they are significant and often overlooked. Most are not usually considered or make the cut of a full length book, including one which I have seen before, the 1862 note on God's role in the war and His will that it continue (it really is a cri de couer, likely written in one of those nights of the soul when Lincoln realized that the War would indeed be a long, bloodier, and more transfigurating one than anybody realized).

It's a really good book and a necessary one. It's somewhat a book for the Lincoln fan who thought they had read every angle. It is indeed important and worthwhile for the experienced Lincoln reader, though I wouldn't necessarily recommend it for the neophyte reader in this area. But if you're reading this review, that likely doesn't apply to you. It's more of an impressionist piece that reveals key strands of thought, and worthwhile addition to a Lincoln shelf. It's almost like "rough drafts" or the "B sides", but ones that unveil important developments in Lincoln's intellectual development. A pity that more didn't survive (White indicates it was customary to destroy such private notes). A spotlight in a corner that needed illumination.

[Mike · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very short book that looked at fragments of notes that Lincoln had written and stashed away during his life. Essentially, every time it seems there is nothing left to write that is new about Lincoln, a historian finds a new angle. The notes presented - to me at least - seem to be early drafts of what became his favorite speeches. The enjoyable part of reading this was seeing how deeply Lincoln thought about things as he prepared for big moments.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Facing protesters over "Mr Lincoln's war," President Lincoln was preparing a reply when a congressman complimented him on so swiftly composing from scratch. Lincoln pointed to an open desk drawer filled with scraps of paper with his "best thoughts on the subject." He explained, "I never let one of those ideas escape me."

These private notes and reflections were a valuable resource for the president, and a more valuable exercise for working out and preserving his thoughts. Never meant for public consumption, his notes were open and revealing about his private beliefs and feelings.

Some of his notes had been destroyed when he moved from his Illinois home to Washington, D.C. But 109 were found after his death, deposited in a bank vault. Lincoln's secretaries Nicolay and Hay included some of these private notes in their ten volume history.

Lincoln in Private by Ronald C. White explores ten of these private notes, contemplating on what we can learn from them about Lincoln. They vary from a lyrical description of encountering Niagara Falls to a mediation on Divine Will in human affairs.

Lincoln's ability to logic out arguments comes across in these notes. He was exceedingly well read, delving into newspapers and books from across the country, including pro-slavery sources. He thereby could counter arguments from the opposite political spectrum, understanding their position.

White takes readers through a thorough exegesis of each note, putting it in historic context as well as explaining its significance.

I am even more impressed by Lincoln. Considering his lack of formal education and rural roots, his depression and life challenges, his genius could not be contained, but, luckily for our country, found its proper application in at our most critical time in history.

I received a free galley from the publisher through NetGalley. My review is fair and unbiased.

[Adam Carman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was skeptical that even the great Ron White could write a book telling us anything new about Lincoln who has more books written about him than any historical figure except Jesus Christ and Napoleon. But White delves deep into the fragmentary notes Lincoln wrote to himself. These fragments are very important to understanding our 16th President better. The two issues Lincoln is most misunderstood on--religion and slavery--are greatly illuminated by these private notes, never meant for public consumption. Historians have long been frustrated by Lincoln's seeming reluctance to speak straight on the institution of slavery. His public speeches, geared to win votes, are often held up as evidence he only embraced antislavery when it was convenient. But the existence of these notes, written in the margins of books defending slavery and in preparation for his speeches, show Lincoln to be profoundly antislavery and even more progressive on matters of equality than he has previously been given credit for. White also notes that historians generally have not acknowledged Lincoln's evolving views of God and the Christian faith, leaving him mired in his more skeptical days. These notes also reveal Lincoln philosophizing about God's will and the role of faith in history. At the very least, they show a man wrestling with the deep issues. Lincoln was a very fascinating man and even after all the many tomes that have been written, there is still more to see and more to learn. Highly recommended!

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lincoln made many notes for his own reference during his lifetime, setting down his reflections on issues he was thinking about, and that he might consult later on for speeches. Lincoln scholar Ronald C. White analyzes twelve of what he considers to be Lincoln’s most important private notes, putting them in the context of the time during which Lincoln wrote them.

We learn how Lincoln struggled to put into words his understanding of slavery, democracy, the necessity of morality, immigration, and about the future of the country. Because the notes are presented in chronological order, we can also get a sense of the evolution of Lincoln’s thinking.

Lincoln always wanted to know both sides of an issue, in order to understand fully the position of the side he did not hold. For example, he read the very popular book, Slavery As Ordained of God (1857) by Presbyterian clergyman Frederick Ross and was profoundly offended by it. But it enabled him to counter the arguments for slavery it presented. In one fragment, he mused:

“Suppose it is true, that the negro is inferior to the white, in the gifts of nature; is it not the exact reverse justice that the white should, for that reason, take from the negro, any part of the little which has been given him? ``Give to him that is needy'' is the christian rule of charity; but ``Take from him that is needy'' is the rule of slavery.”

It should be added that Lincoln had already argued to himself in a note that Blacks had been deprived of education, and therefore it was not at all clear they were inherently intellectually inferior, as whites charged. Moreover, even if they were and that was the premise for slavery, “Take care again. By this rule, you are to be slave to the first man you meet, with an intellect superior to your own.”

My own favorite of Lincoln’s remarks about slavery comes from a fragment in which he mocks the idea, as presented by Christian theologists, that slavery was “good” for some people. He wrote, “As a good thing, slavery is strikingly peculiar, in this, that it is the only good thing which no man ever seeks the good of, for himself.. Nonsense! Wolves devouring lambs, not because it is good for their own greedy maws, but because it [is] good for the lambs!!!

It is a joy to follow along with Lincoln’s intellectual evolution, and a clever way to tell the history of Lincoln and his era from a new perspective.

Evaluation: Listening to (or reading) this book is an excellent way to spend time, and I highly recommend it. White, who narrates the audio book that he authored, speaks clearly and with emotion, and held my interest throughout. The book is a bit repetitive however, but that didn't bother me - Lincoln's thoughts are worth repeating.

White's love of and respect for Lincoln is evident, and as always, when reading about Lincoln's integrity and intelligence, it's hard not to be filled with admiration for him. It's also hard not to feel renewed sorrow over the tragic early loss of someone so important to American ideals and destiny.

[David Kent · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fascinating book of interest to anyone who likes Lincoln and history. We all know Lincoln's most famous speeches (Gettysburg Address, Second Inaugural) and letters (Conklin, Greeley), but lesser known are the many private notes Lincoln wrote to himself - 111 of them still in existence by White's count. Most of these notes were "thought exercises," a way for Lincoln to think through the issues of the day. As such they reveal his inner thoughts, much of which were never made public or used in ensuing speeches.

Since there is no way to evaluate all 111 notes, some of which aren't worthy of mention anyway, White delves into 12 specific notes in ten chapters. These dozen show Lincoln at his most reflective. White begins with Lincoln's fragment on Niagara Falls to show how Lincoln, known for his logical thought, could wax lyrical in his prose. [Note that in my own forthcoming book I evaluate the Niagara fragment on its scientific merits.] Next is his "notes for a law lecture" in which Lincoln shows how honesty and compassion among lawyers is more important than making money (there will be business enough anyway).

As one might expect, there are several chapters delving into Lincoln the politician. Lincoln ruminates on the immorality of slavery, on his own failures and ambition as compared to his constant rival Stephen A. Douglas, and his angst about switching from the Whig to Republican party. A short, but highly illustrative, note defines his view on democracy as not being a slave nor a slave-owner. A more obscure note has him debunking the prevalent pro-slavery theology of the day. Perhaps one of the most insightful, and controversial, note from Lincoln the president is his "Meditation on the Divine Will." Unlike most of his notes to self, these thoughts and some of the language actually made it into his speech - the profound second inauguration address.

Throughout, White provides some background on the private note before inserting his analysis of the note's meaning, both in context and on Lincoln's evolution of thought. Relevant snippets and photos are interspersed in the text and color photos of the actual documents are found in a central photo spread. Following White's analysis of the 12 selected notes is more than 100 pages showing the transcriptions for all 111 notes and fragments, for the first time, all in one place.

This book works on multiple levels and benefits from a lifetime of research by one of the Lincoln world's most respected scholars.

[Summer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is bits of Lincoln’s private notes, thoughts left on paper. I listened to this but would love to see a physical copy to see all the additional fragments in the appendix. It was so fascinating and short that I listened to it in one setting. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

[William Monaco · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars. It was fun to read some writing by Lincoln I had never seen, but the book provides, at best, a cursory take on his notes/fragments. It’s only 160 pages with lots of pictures. If you’re looking for something by White about Lincoln, stick with Lincoln’s Greatest Speech.

[Joe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just when you think that you've read every book worth reading about the life and legacy of President Lincoln, this fascinating book comes along. Ronald White has collected from across the country all 111 extant "fragments" of Lincoln's private notes to himself written from the onset of his public life to his incomparable presidency. White then presents 12 of these notes with incisive and illuminating commentary that gives the historical context of each fragment and a window into the President's most intimate thoughts about nature's wonders, the legal profession, politics, democracy, slavery, the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, saving the Union, and the will of God in history. If you want fresh insights into how and what made Lincoln tick, don't miss this book.

[Tracy · Rating 4 out of 5]

So much has been written about Mr. Lincoln already, that it seems hard to believe that anything new can be added that would spark any interest, but this book proved that theory wrong. White's compilation of Lincoln's 111 surviving notes, or as Lincoln called them his "best thoughts", makes a very fascinating read, and the author's explanation and analysis of these words is interesting as well.

I know that I will dip back into this book from time to time, because reading all these notes in one go is a bit much to absorb. Well worth reading whether you are a Lincoln scholar or just want to learn a bit more about him.

[George P. · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Of making many books there is no end,” Ecclesiastes 12:12 says, and nowhere is this truer than of books about Abraham Lincoln. The problem confronting would-be Lincoln authors is that every angle of Lincoln’s life seems to have been covered in exhaustive, not to mention exhausting, detail. Ronald C. White is one of those authors, with three books to his credit already: A. Lincoln (2009), The Eloquent President (2005), and Lincoln’s Greatest Speech (2002).

And yet, in Lincoln in Private, White has found a new angle to understanding America’s greatest president—or second greatest if you put George Washington first. That angle comes from the 111 extant notes Lincoln wrote himself over the course of his lifetime. These notes outline his thinking on issues both great and small. He wrote them for himself, not necessarily as the first drafts of subsequent speeches or articles, but as an exercise in knowing his mind on a given topic.

In the Appendix, White brings together into one place all 111 notes, which had been previously scattered across the pages of Nicolay and Hay’s 10-volume Complete Works of Abraham Lincoln (1905) and Roy P. Basler’s 11-volume Collected Works of Abraham Lincoln (1953–55) and Supplement (1974). These can also be accessed online through the Papers of Abraham Lincoln project.

More importantly, White culls 12 of these notes for extended comment. He organizes the notes under three headings, the three main phases of Lincoln’s adult life: Lawyer, Politician, and President. I was aware of two of these notes prior to reading the book: Lincoln’s notes regarding slavery (pp. 47–53, 181–182) and the divine will (pp. 149–160, 261). The former is a reductio ad absurdum of pro-slavery arguments. The latter is a reflection on what providence might be accomplishing in the Civil War, whose logic, though not words, is reflected in the final paragraph of Lincoln’s Second Inaugural.

The other 10 notes were new to me. What struck White and will strike the reader is Lincoln’s intellectual curiosity. Whether writing about Niagara Falls, the legal profession, the sectional character of the Republican party, the nature of democracy, pro-slavery theology, or secession, Lincoln strove to understand another person’s beliefs from within that belief system. Precisely because of this empathetic reading, Lincoln was able to respond cogently, concisely, and critically to views opposite his own. Throughout, he demonstrates an ability to get at the basis of an opponent’s argument and refute it.

Take his Fragment on Pro-Slavery Theology (pp. 106–116, 221–222), which he wrote in response to Rev. Frederick A. Ross’s Slavery Ordained of God. Lincoln summarizes Ross’s argument this way: “The sum of pro-slavery theology seems to be this: ‘Slavery is not universally right, nor yet universally wrong; it is better for some people to be slaves; and, in such cases, it is the Will of God that they be such.”

For the sake of argument, Lincoln left to one side whether slavery was in fact the will of God, saying, “The Almighty gives no audible answer to the question [of slavery versus emancipation], and his revelation—the Bible—gives none—or, at most, none but such admits of a squabble.” Lincoln did not think slavery was God’s will: “‘Give to him that is needy’ is the Christian rule of charity,” he wrote; “but ‘Take from him that is needy’ is the rule of slavery.’”

Even so, Lincoln advanced two arguments against slavery. First, responding to the pro-slavery argument that slavery was a positive good, he wrote: “As a good thing, slavery is strikingly peculiar, in this, that it is the only good thing which no man every seeks the good of, for himself.”

Second, Lincoln doubted whether a slaver had the necessary partiality to judge whether slavery or freedom was best for another person. “Wolves devouring lambs,” he sneered, “not because it is good for their own greedy maws, but because it is good for the lambs!!!” For Lincoln, pro-slavery moral arguments merely masked economic interests.

I quote this note at length because, as a minister, I am interested in how Lincoln demonstrated an ability, uncommon to too many antebellum theologians, to unmask the self-interest underlying pro-slavery theology. In those notes that advance a thesis or argument, Lincoln shows an uncanny, sharp ability to go straight at the heart of a bad argument.

So, yes, of the making of books about Lincoln there is no end, but Lincoln in Private shows that there are still reasons to write about the man, still nooks and crannies of his life and thought that are worth exploring. If you’d like to explore that life in greater breadth and depth, I’d recommend the author’s biography, A. Lincoln.

Book Reviewed
Ronald C. White, Lincoln in Private: What His Most Personal Reflections Tell Us about Our Greatest President (New York: Random House, 2021).

P.S. If you liked my review, please click “Helpful” on my Amazon review page.

[Annette · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an interesting book, some parts more than others.
I was expecting more note fragments too.
I’m sure Lincoln historical fans will enjoy this book.
I enjoyed the first half more than the second half
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the early copy

[Morgan Galle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an interesting look at Lincoln's private thoughts. Provides detailed background that gives historical context to the notes that are analyzed, and gives the reader a more thorough understanding of Lincoln's views on God, slavery, and politics.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent journey through the private musings that fueled the public leadership of Abraham Lincoln. It is also a helpful reminder of the value of wrestling personally with thoughts and attitudes before entering into public dialogue.

[Asa Bondeson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super cool to read what lincoln wrote to himself on super key issues he faced.

[Steve · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic

[Stacey · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Susan Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading the primary sources that Lincoln wrote for himself were fascinating. Commentary by White is great! If you are a Lincoln fan, you have to read this book. The trials and decisions of his Presidency are complex and you can see the workings of his passionate mind.

[Casey · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book is based around the found snippets of thought that Lincoln wrote down and saved over the years. I found the the individual notes to be of great interest. The author expanded on them in an attempt to explain what Lincoln was thinking at the time based on events that were happening at that time. I found this part of the book of less interest. In addition, only 10 of the notes were used for the book making it short and a quick read. Those who have not read a great deal about Lincoln will get more out of this book than those who have read extensively about the sixteenth President of the United States.

I received a free Kindle copy of this book courtesy of Net Galley and the publisher with the understanding that I would post a review on Net Galley, Goodreads, Amazon and my nonfiction book review blog. I also posted it to my Facebook page.

[Robert Melnyk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book on Lincoln. I have read numerous books about Lincoln, from general biographies, to books about his presidency, to book about his assassination. This is one of the most interesting and well done books on Lincoln that I have read. It is basically a collection of short notes written by Lincoln to himself at various points in his life and his political career. White does an excellent job of discussing these notes and giving us insight into the heart, soul, and mind of perhaps our nation's greatest president. If you enjoy American History, and especially if you are a Lincoln buff, you will enjoy this book.

[Jeff · Rating 4 out of 5]

There have been thousands of books written about Lincoln. Ronald White has written two himself. Yet in this new book, White takes a unique angle at examining the life of America's 16th president. Lincoln was apparently very fond of writing notes to himself, and researchers have found that 111 of those notes are still in existence. Some of them are fairly simple and offer no insight, such as notes reminding himself to appoint certain people to certain government jobs. But there are a number of notes, particularly those written in the five years prior to Lincoln becoming president, that provide some valuable insight into his thought processes and the development of his philosophy towards the role of government in the US, theology, and most especially slavery. Some parts of these notes found their way into famous Lincolnian speeches, while others were obviously parts of speeches never delivered. White picks out ten notes that are particularly insightful and writes chapters based on each, examining the context in which they were likely written, and the clues they give us about the basis of Lincoln's strongly held beliefs. The meat of the book is less than 200 pages long. Almost half of the book is taken up with an appendix that lists word for word all 111 extant notes Lincoln wrote to himself (and possibly kept in his hat!). This is a very interesting and insightful addition to the Lincoln library. Probably not the first book to read about Lincoln, but if you've read a few bios of the man, this will nicely fill in some gaps.

[Kim Mcclung · Rating 4 out of 5]

Can anything more be learned or said about our 16th president? For Lincoln fans, thankfully, the answer is yes. This is a book which revolves around Lincoln's "best thoughts", over 100 "fragments" or notes that he wrote to himself on important topics of the day. Although I have read many books on Lincoln, and thought I had nothing left to learn nor discover, I was wrong. A book which focuses in on his words, and gives us many to read is delightful. I so enjoyed being in Lincoln's presence, feeling his humor, experiencing his relentless logic, seeing his unshakable commitment to this country and it's ideals. For those who focus only on "1619" or even the civil war, it is wise to review the nation's history through the life of Lincoln, to really understand how slavery was the central controversy that rocked this country from the very beginning. From the day of the founding, slavery was not a settled issue, and was surrounded by conflict and violence. It nearly continuously occupied the congress. In responding to the popular pro-slavery argument, Lincoln said, " But slavery is good for some people!!! As a good thing, slavery is strike ugly peculiar, in that it is the only good thing which no man ever seeks the good of, for himself. Nonsense! Wolves devouring lamps, not because it is good for their own greedy maws, but because it is good for the lambs!!!" As I read these words, I can imagine what a mesmerizing speaker he must have been.

[Justin Goldman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was initially surprised to see this book on Lincoln in the "new books" shelf, but then I saw the cover and learned that the distinguished historian Dr. White has written multiple books on Mr. Lincoln. The first half of this book is his scholarly analysis of these private notes and they provide a wonderful window into Lincoln's thinking on matters such as his own political ambitions, his fierce opposition to the Kansas-Nebraska Act, to his definition of democracy, and his excellent final chapter "The Theological Lincoln: A Meditation on the Divine Will." The second half of the book is an extensive appendix of over 100 fragments and notes (some dated, some with speculated dates) that were published in cooperation with the "The Papers of Abraham Lincoln," a documentary editing project based in Springfield, IL. This work is an important window into the deeply private man that Mr. Lincoln was. In our current moment where people rush to get their thought out first on just about anything possible to opine on, he thoughtfully wrestled with the decision to join the new Republican Party in the mid-1850s and how he prepared for his series of debates with long-time rival in Illinois Senator Stephen Douglas. There is certainly plenty to learn via these notes of Mr. Lincoln and from our twenty-first century vantage point, we could certainly benefit from the wisdom of our greatest President with the his wise counsel in 1858 that "a house divided against itself cannot stand."

[Julia Simpson-Urrutia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lincoln in Private is a repository of thought-provoking discoveries, as for instance the photo of Springfield accompanying the information that from 1837 until 1861, "he spent much of his life in the law offices, courts and stores in this town square." Those who aspire to greatness might consider how this revered leader did not have the expectancy of travel and entertainment that afflicts human beings in the Western world today. He did share with modern man a thirst for the news, whether it was of natural wonders, politics or culture. What underlines this lovely study is the way Lincoln used the thought process--actively. He was not a passive imbiber of information, but one who made demands of his own critical thinking. Author Ronald White demonstrates a similar process when he asks if Lincoln's employment of theological language, three full years into the Civil War is a sign of affirmation or resignation. What resonates the most for me in these notes on Lincoln are his humility, his perspective, and his humanity. Lincoln captured the value of failure, something that philosophers like Jordan Peterson focus on in current podcasts. For instance, writes Lincoln, "I am not an accomplished lawyer. I find quite as much material for a lecture in those points where I have failed, as in those wherein I have been moderately successful."

[Mike Clay · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is based on Lincoln's private notes which he was in the habit of scribbling as he went about his day. White chose twelve of the important ones. Lincoln wrote countless notes. Never expecting anyone to see them, they weren't dated or signed. This book for the first time, systematically analyses these private notes. William Herndon, his law partner, called Lincoln "the most shut-mouthed man who ever lived." The notes survived thanks to the efforts of Nicolay and Hay, young men who collected his papers from Washington. David Davis, a friend, arranged for papers to be shipped to Bloomington, IL, where they were stored in the town's bank vault. Nicolay and Hay wrote their history of Lincoln which was published in 1890. The notes were called "fragments" by them, and some of them were fragmentary, starting or ending mid-sentence.

We get the feeling of looking over Lincoln's shoulder as we read these fragments. Ron White interprets the words and gives a lot of background and context to bring them to life. Without this interpretation, I wouldn't have understood these fragments.

I enjoyed the book, but it isn't a book to be read by the beginning Lincoln scholar but more by someone who is quite familiar with Lincoln and his times.