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President Lincoln: The Duty of a Statesman
In his acclaimed book Lincoln's Virtues , William Lee Miller explored Abraham Lincoln's intellectual and moral development. Now he completes his "ethical biography," showing how the amiable and inexperienced backcountry politician was transformed by constitutional alchemy into an oath-bound head of state. Faced with a radical moral contradiction left by the nation's Founders, Lincoln struggled to find a balance between the universal ideals of Equality and Liberty and the monstrous injustice of human slavery.
With wit and penetrating sensitivity, Miller brings together the great themes that have become Lincoln's legacy—preserving the United States of America while ending the odious institution that corrupted the nation's meaning—and illuminates his remarkable presidential indomitable resolve and supreme magnanimity.
With wit and penetrating sensitivity, Miller brings together the great themes that have become Lincoln's legacy—preserving the United States of America while ending the odious institution that corrupted the nation's meaning—and illuminates his remarkable presidential indomitable resolve and supreme magnanimity.
512 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2008
61 people are currently reading
2177 people want to read
About the author
William Lee Miller
31 books30 followersWilliam Lee Miller is Scholar in Ethics and Institutions at the Miller Center. From 1992 until his retirement in 1999, Mr. Miller was Thomas C. Sorensen Professor of Political and Social Thought and Director of the Program in Political and Social Thought at the University of Virginia. He was professor of religious studies from 1982 to 1999, and chaired the Department of Rhetoric and Communication Studies from 1982 to 1990.
Prior to coming to the University of Virginia, he taught political science and religious studies at Indiana University, where he was also the founding director of the Poynter Center on American Institutions, and at Yale University and at Smith College.
During the 1960s, he served for six years as a member of Board of Aldermen, a government entity, of New Haven, Conn. William Lee Miller served as a speech writer for U.S. presidential candidate Adlai Stevenson's campaign in 1956. He was also a contributing editor and writer for The Reporter magazine.
Prior to coming to the University of Virginia, he taught political science and religious studies at Indiana University, where he was also the founding director of the Poynter Center on American Institutions, and at Yale University and at Smith College.
During the 1960s, he served for six years as a member of Board of Aldermen, a government entity, of New Haven, Conn. William Lee Miller served as a speech writer for U.S. presidential candidate Adlai Stevenson's campaign in 1956. He was also a contributing editor and writer for The Reporter magazine.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
May 23, 2022
A few weeks ago, I read Miller’s Lincoln's Virtues: An Ethical Biography, which purports to explore the moral development of Abraham Lincoln from birth until his inauguration. I was, to put it kindly, unimpressed. Miller later wrote this sequel that continues on through Lincoln’s presidency, which I somehow acquired before reading the first. And there it sat, on my bookshelf. Taunting me. Daring me to read it. Daring me not to read it.
Given what I thought of his first effort, I considered skipping the second altogether. Then I thought maybe I’d start, and abandon it if it got too bad. Or I’d skim it and just be done with it. I went to sleep at night and literally had nightmares about reading this book.
I finally figured it was best to just get it over with. So I read it. And darned if this one wasn’t actually quite good.
While the first book aimed to be an “ethical biography” of Lincoln the man, the second is something of an ethical biography of LIncoln the president. Miller relates familiar stories about the Lincoln presidency, but with a unique structure - he proceeds roughly chronologically, but largely thematically, as he introduces the various dilemmas Lincoln faced, how he approached them, wrestled with them and ultimately solved them, while remaining true to his own sense of morality and ethics.
Miller’s overarching theme is that preserving the Union was a moral cause, eradicating slavery a moral goal, and the Civil War a moral conflict. It wasn’t just a political dispute where both sides could have agreed to disagree. Lincoln believed - and knew - his side was “right” and his cause was just. “All that had happened to the secessionists was that they had lost an election," Miller writes of the states that were to become the Confederacy. They “had no morally justifiable cause" to secede, he argues.
But Lincoln believed he had the moral obligation to preserve the Union, with emancipation and abolition as dual means to that end. So the decisions he made during the course of the war were all in service of the morality of his cause.
Among the first dilemmas Miller describes is how Lincoln handled the Fort Sumter crisis, threading a needle between being too belligerent and too passive. Later, he examines how Lincoln approached pardoning soldiers. Lincoln could be criticized for being too “soft” and interfering with necessary discipline, but he displayed his humanity by carefully considering each case individually, and his sense of justice by allowing numerous executions to be carried out.
Some of the thorniest ethical issues involved Lincoln’s dealings with the border states. Among other things, Lincoln suspended habeas corpus in Maryland, supported a loyalist government in Missouri despite it having scant minority support, countermanded John Fremont’s early emancipation order, and supported secession in welcoming West Virginia into the Union while denouncing the concept of secession when it applied to the Southern states. The morality of all of these decisions could be questioned, but Miller uses them as examples of how Lincoln sometimes had to make compromises and adapt to political realities - not out of hypocrisy, but with the greater good and long-term goals in mind. “The morality of statecraft entails layers of action and an awareness of sequences of consequences," Miller writes.
So being “moral” isn’t always cut and dry. And sometimes, Lincoln’s view of morality could clash with his own generals’ view. George McClellan might have argued that the moral way to wage war was to fight cautiously, gentlemanly and to respect adversaries’ property (including their slaves). Lincoln’s view might have appeared more ruthless in contrast, but in the service of a greater moral good. He was willing and able to wage war and withstand battlefield losses by displaying a strong resolve and a “moral imperative” to win.
Miller concludes his story with Lincoln’s refusal to compromise his moral principles in order to secure re-election, followed by a detailed analysis of Lincoln’s Second Inaugural Address, in which he didn’t gloat or assign blame.
The differences between this book and the previous one are night and day. It’s not perfect, since it still feels overwritten in places, and I found the moral/ethical angle to be a bit forced at times, as many of the decisions that Lincoln made as president were pragmatic or political. And to frame all of his decisions as honorable and incorruptible would seem to suggest that other presidents are somehow less moral and ethical in their decision-making.
For the most part, though, nearly every feature of the first book that annoyed me is mostly missing from the second. The writing is more focused, the structure is stronger, the analysis sharper. There were probably some good ideas buried in the bloat of the first book, so I felt a little bad about giving it just one star. But now I feel a little better after praising this one. And now it doesn’t have to sit on my shelf giving me nightmares anymore.
Given what I thought of his first effort, I considered skipping the second altogether. Then I thought maybe I’d start, and abandon it if it got too bad. Or I’d skim it and just be done with it. I went to sleep at night and literally had nightmares about reading this book.
I finally figured it was best to just get it over with. So I read it. And darned if this one wasn’t actually quite good.
While the first book aimed to be an “ethical biography” of Lincoln the man, the second is something of an ethical biography of LIncoln the president. Miller relates familiar stories about the Lincoln presidency, but with a unique structure - he proceeds roughly chronologically, but largely thematically, as he introduces the various dilemmas Lincoln faced, how he approached them, wrestled with them and ultimately solved them, while remaining true to his own sense of morality and ethics.
Miller’s overarching theme is that preserving the Union was a moral cause, eradicating slavery a moral goal, and the Civil War a moral conflict. It wasn’t just a political dispute where both sides could have agreed to disagree. Lincoln believed - and knew - his side was “right” and his cause was just. “All that had happened to the secessionists was that they had lost an election," Miller writes of the states that were to become the Confederacy. They “had no morally justifiable cause" to secede, he argues.
But Lincoln believed he had the moral obligation to preserve the Union, with emancipation and abolition as dual means to that end. So the decisions he made during the course of the war were all in service of the morality of his cause.
Among the first dilemmas Miller describes is how Lincoln handled the Fort Sumter crisis, threading a needle between being too belligerent and too passive. Later, he examines how Lincoln approached pardoning soldiers. Lincoln could be criticized for being too “soft” and interfering with necessary discipline, but he displayed his humanity by carefully considering each case individually, and his sense of justice by allowing numerous executions to be carried out.
Some of the thorniest ethical issues involved Lincoln’s dealings with the border states. Among other things, Lincoln suspended habeas corpus in Maryland, supported a loyalist government in Missouri despite it having scant minority support, countermanded John Fremont’s early emancipation order, and supported secession in welcoming West Virginia into the Union while denouncing the concept of secession when it applied to the Southern states. The morality of all of these decisions could be questioned, but Miller uses them as examples of how Lincoln sometimes had to make compromises and adapt to political realities - not out of hypocrisy, but with the greater good and long-term goals in mind. “The morality of statecraft entails layers of action and an awareness of sequences of consequences," Miller writes.
So being “moral” isn’t always cut and dry. And sometimes, Lincoln’s view of morality could clash with his own generals’ view. George McClellan might have argued that the moral way to wage war was to fight cautiously, gentlemanly and to respect adversaries’ property (including their slaves). Lincoln’s view might have appeared more ruthless in contrast, but in the service of a greater moral good. He was willing and able to wage war and withstand battlefield losses by displaying a strong resolve and a “moral imperative” to win.
Miller concludes his story with Lincoln’s refusal to compromise his moral principles in order to secure re-election, followed by a detailed analysis of Lincoln’s Second Inaugural Address, in which he didn’t gloat or assign blame.
The differences between this book and the previous one are night and day. It’s not perfect, since it still feels overwritten in places, and I found the moral/ethical angle to be a bit forced at times, as many of the decisions that Lincoln made as president were pragmatic or political. And to frame all of his decisions as honorable and incorruptible would seem to suggest that other presidents are somehow less moral and ethical in their decision-making.
For the most part, though, nearly every feature of the first book that annoyed me is mostly missing from the second. The writing is more focused, the structure is stronger, the analysis sharper. There were probably some good ideas buried in the bloat of the first book, so I felt a little bad about giving it just one star. But now I feel a little better after praising this one. And now it doesn’t have to sit on my shelf giving me nightmares anymore.
January 24, 2009
I have read over 20 books on the life of Abraham Lincoln and I never tire of looking at his life and work from a different angle and although I was familiar with greater than 90% of the incidents and events discussed in this book I appreciated and enjoyed this author's perseptions from the perspective of statesmanship. Oh, for an Abraham Lincoln today!
May 21, 2025
William Lee Miller’s President Lincoln: The Duty of a Statesman isn’t a full history or even a biography. It’s more like a long, detailed essay—dense, serious, and focused on Lincoln’s choices as president. The writing can feel slow, full of small details. But those details show how Lincoln’s mind worked under pressure and why his leadership mattered so much.
Lincoln took office with little real power or experience. He wasn’t famous. He hadn’t run a big business or commanded an army. Yet in his first hours, he had to make life-or-death decisions. The country was falling apart. Southern states were leaving. Washington, D.C., was nearly cut off. And Fort Sumter was about to fall. Lincoln had to decide—stay quiet or fight back?
He chose to act.
Miller makes it clear: Lincoln saw the big picture. The war wasn’t about pride. It wasn’t just about land. It was about keeping the country together. He believed deeply in the Union. Without it, nothing else—no laws, no freedom, no end to slavery—could happen. He made choices not to look strong, but because he felt duty-bound.
The book also digs into how Lincoln led with both heart and steel. He spent hours reviewing cases of Union soldiers marked for death. He gave many a second chance—but not all. When justice called for it, he let the sentence stand. In one rare and powerful case, he allowed the only legal execution of a slave trader in U.S. history. Eleven thousand people asked him to stop it. He didn’t.
That mix of mercy and strength shows up again in how he dealt with people like Major John Key, who spoke of a secret plan to let the war drag on so slavery could be saved. Lincoln fired him and never looked back.
The book doesn’t try to thrill you. It takes its time. But if you’re patient, it gives you a close-up view of a man growing into the job—and rising far above it. You see a leader who asked hard questions, faced painful facts, and kept going. Lincoln didn’t come to the presidency as a hero. He became one by how he thought, what he valued, and what he was willing to do.
That’s the story this book tells best.
My goal is to read an informative biography of each American President. I think I will keep looking for another book about Lincoln.
Key Takeaways From The Book
• Lincoln had no honeymoon – He faced huge decisions right away, including how to respond to Fort Sumter.
• He acted fast – While others advised waiting or compromising, Lincoln chose to act to protect the Union.
• Saw the war as necessary – Lincoln viewed the Civil War not as optional, but as a duty to defend the nation.
• Mixed mercy with justice – He reviewed many death sentences and showed compassion, but allowed some executions to go forward.
• Approved execution of a slave trader – Refused to spare the only person ever executed under U.S. slave trade laws, despite massive public pressure.
• Fired Major John Key – Lincoln removed Key for suggesting the war should be dragged out to protect slavery—and never reinstated him.
• Lincoln had no big résumé – Unlike other presidents, he had little experience and wasn’t widely known before taking office.
• Grew into the role – His leadership came from deep thinking, moral clarity, and the ability to make hard calls.
• Dealt with rivals wisely – He invited key political opponents to serve in his Cabinet, showing strength and confidence.
• Knew the stakes – Lincoln understood that losing the Union would end any hope for justice, freedom, or democracy in America.
• Learned from mistakes – The book includes failures, like the USS Powhatan episode, and shows how Lincoln adjusted and improved.
• Held the capital together – During the war’s early days, Washington was almost cut off, but Lincoln held steady.
• Thought long-term – He didn’t just react—he made decisions based on how they would shape the nation’s future.
• Believed in duty over comfort – Even when it was painful, Lincoln chose what he thought was right for the country.
Lincoln took office with little real power or experience. He wasn’t famous. He hadn’t run a big business or commanded an army. Yet in his first hours, he had to make life-or-death decisions. The country was falling apart. Southern states were leaving. Washington, D.C., was nearly cut off. And Fort Sumter was about to fall. Lincoln had to decide—stay quiet or fight back?
He chose to act.
Miller makes it clear: Lincoln saw the big picture. The war wasn’t about pride. It wasn’t just about land. It was about keeping the country together. He believed deeply in the Union. Without it, nothing else—no laws, no freedom, no end to slavery—could happen. He made choices not to look strong, but because he felt duty-bound.
The book also digs into how Lincoln led with both heart and steel. He spent hours reviewing cases of Union soldiers marked for death. He gave many a second chance—but not all. When justice called for it, he let the sentence stand. In one rare and powerful case, he allowed the only legal execution of a slave trader in U.S. history. Eleven thousand people asked him to stop it. He didn’t.
That mix of mercy and strength shows up again in how he dealt with people like Major John Key, who spoke of a secret plan to let the war drag on so slavery could be saved. Lincoln fired him and never looked back.
The book doesn’t try to thrill you. It takes its time. But if you’re patient, it gives you a close-up view of a man growing into the job—and rising far above it. You see a leader who asked hard questions, faced painful facts, and kept going. Lincoln didn’t come to the presidency as a hero. He became one by how he thought, what he valued, and what he was willing to do.
That’s the story this book tells best.
My goal is to read an informative biography of each American President. I think I will keep looking for another book about Lincoln.
Key Takeaways From The Book
• Lincoln had no honeymoon – He faced huge decisions right away, including how to respond to Fort Sumter.
• He acted fast – While others advised waiting or compromising, Lincoln chose to act to protect the Union.
• Saw the war as necessary – Lincoln viewed the Civil War not as optional, but as a duty to defend the nation.
• Mixed mercy with justice – He reviewed many death sentences and showed compassion, but allowed some executions to go forward.
• Approved execution of a slave trader – Refused to spare the only person ever executed under U.S. slave trade laws, despite massive public pressure.
• Fired Major John Key – Lincoln removed Key for suggesting the war should be dragged out to protect slavery—and never reinstated him.
• Lincoln had no big résumé – Unlike other presidents, he had little experience and wasn’t widely known before taking office.
• Grew into the role – His leadership came from deep thinking, moral clarity, and the ability to make hard calls.
• Dealt with rivals wisely – He invited key political opponents to serve in his Cabinet, showing strength and confidence.
• Knew the stakes – Lincoln understood that losing the Union would end any hope for justice, freedom, or democracy in America.
• Learned from mistakes – The book includes failures, like the USS Powhatan episode, and shows how Lincoln adjusted and improved.
• Held the capital together – During the war’s early days, Washington was almost cut off, but Lincoln held steady.
• Thought long-term – He didn’t just react—he made decisions based on how they would shape the nation’s future.
• Believed in duty over comfort – Even when it was painful, Lincoln chose what he thought was right for the country.
January 16, 2016
I happened to check this book out from the library before realizing it was the second part of a two-part “ethical biography” of Abraham Lincoln, this volume covering Lincoln as president. Although there are many books, many of them quite good [1], about Abraham Lincoln, the worth of his life and writing and political/moral thought has led many to write about him, most of them in praise and a few in fierce and usually unmerited criticism. This particular book, as might be expected, largely praises Lincoln as it judges Lincoln both from the perspective of idealism and practicality. To be sure, the author does not sugarcoat the record, commenting on some of Lincoln’s mistakes, including a long praise of colonization, but overall the author’s astute grasp of primary and secondary sources, which seems nearly encyclopedic in nature, including an unerring instinct to seek the best authors and books to buttress his points, authors like Jaffa and Randall and Wilson and Fahrenbacher, to name a few, demonstrates considerable praise for Lincoln’s action and morality, and his growth as a result of becoming more familiar with government and with the people of his nation.
In terms of its contents, the book looks both thematically and generally chronologically in over 400 pages of core material at the ethical aspects of Lincoln’s presidency, as well as his focus on both prudence and idealism. In terms of its elegant tension between Lincoln’s tying together of Union and emancipation, his desire to act in as restrained a manner as possible to avoid brutality and act in a constitutional manner while preserving central authority and overcoming the rebellion, the author demonstrates both Lincoln’s skill and the immensity of his task. The author also makes it a point of talking about those times where Abraham Lincoln, normally a person inclined to give mercy, both gave it (to many of the Sioux warriors of Minnesota in 1863, for example) and did not give it (to captured slave traders and the murderer of an officer leading black soldiers in Norfolk) in striking ways. The author’s friendship with Frederick Douglass comes in for exceptional praise for Lincoln’s fairmindedness. Many of the chapters have title headings that come from Lincoln’s writings, and the author pays close attention to material, like Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation and annual addresses, that have seemed a bit dull and dry to many readers, pointing out the timing of various statements as a way of illuminating the silences and implications of his writings.
Above all, this book is unified by a few themes. One of them is the ironic deflation of the Southern view of honor that shows up time and time again as a malign force within the country, whether it is in the Confederates insulting the honor of “neutral” Kentucky by invading their territory first and pushing it further into the Union camp, or in Southern honor leading to the assassination of Lincoln as well as the aforementioned young lieutenant of a black regiment sent to patrol in Norfolk. Another unifying theme is the way that Lincoln’s origin served to make him far more beloved among common people, and those who took the time to get to know him well, than the elites of either American or European society, many of whom were nonetheless horrified at his assassination. The author comments some on his diplomatically insincere notes to European leaders or monarchies and aristocracies, but not to one of his few notes to a fellow republican regime [2]. Likewise, the author comments on the fact that for Lincoln union and liberty were deeply united, in ways that were better understood by the rebels and the slaves than by many northerners whose racism and emotional distance from slavery despite their complicity in it economically and socially did not connect the two issues. For those who want to see a praiseworthy and largely positive portrayal of Lincoln as a practical statesmen committed to his duty despite its challenges, this is an excellent book on those grounds. A book that combines an appreciation of grace and charity and justice in dealing with others, as well as avoiding the trap of supporting the lie that being a leader means being a macho poseur is a book that deserves appreciation merely on moral grounds alone. The fact that it is written with skill, has elegant footnotes, and is full of gentle irony makes it even better.
[1] See, for example:
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https://edgeinducedcohesion.wordpress...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.wordpress...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.wordpress...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.wordpress...
[2] https://edgeinducedcohesion.wordpress...
In terms of its contents, the book looks both thematically and generally chronologically in over 400 pages of core material at the ethical aspects of Lincoln’s presidency, as well as his focus on both prudence and idealism. In terms of its elegant tension between Lincoln’s tying together of Union and emancipation, his desire to act in as restrained a manner as possible to avoid brutality and act in a constitutional manner while preserving central authority and overcoming the rebellion, the author demonstrates both Lincoln’s skill and the immensity of his task. The author also makes it a point of talking about those times where Abraham Lincoln, normally a person inclined to give mercy, both gave it (to many of the Sioux warriors of Minnesota in 1863, for example) and did not give it (to captured slave traders and the murderer of an officer leading black soldiers in Norfolk) in striking ways. The author’s friendship with Frederick Douglass comes in for exceptional praise for Lincoln’s fairmindedness. Many of the chapters have title headings that come from Lincoln’s writings, and the author pays close attention to material, like Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation and annual addresses, that have seemed a bit dull and dry to many readers, pointing out the timing of various statements as a way of illuminating the silences and implications of his writings.
Above all, this book is unified by a few themes. One of them is the ironic deflation of the Southern view of honor that shows up time and time again as a malign force within the country, whether it is in the Confederates insulting the honor of “neutral” Kentucky by invading their territory first and pushing it further into the Union camp, or in Southern honor leading to the assassination of Lincoln as well as the aforementioned young lieutenant of a black regiment sent to patrol in Norfolk. Another unifying theme is the way that Lincoln’s origin served to make him far more beloved among common people, and those who took the time to get to know him well, than the elites of either American or European society, many of whom were nonetheless horrified at his assassination. The author comments some on his diplomatically insincere notes to European leaders or monarchies and aristocracies, but not to one of his few notes to a fellow republican regime [2]. Likewise, the author comments on the fact that for Lincoln union and liberty were deeply united, in ways that were better understood by the rebels and the slaves than by many northerners whose racism and emotional distance from slavery despite their complicity in it economically and socially did not connect the two issues. For those who want to see a praiseworthy and largely positive portrayal of Lincoln as a practical statesmen committed to his duty despite its challenges, this is an excellent book on those grounds. A book that combines an appreciation of grace and charity and justice in dealing with others, as well as avoiding the trap of supporting the lie that being a leader means being a macho poseur is a book that deserves appreciation merely on moral grounds alone. The fact that it is written with skill, has elegant footnotes, and is full of gentle irony makes it even better.
[1] See, for example:
https://edgeinducedcohesion.wordpress...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.wordpress...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.wordpress...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.wordpress...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.wordpress...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.wordpress...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.wordpress...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.wordpress...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.wordpress...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.wordpress...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.wordpress...
[2] https://edgeinducedcohesion.wordpress...
August 23, 2014
This book holds a prized place on my bookshelf. It is a monumental work on leadership and how Lincoln evolved as a leader while trying to hold the Union together.
One interesting chapter delves into the politics of the illegal slave trade in the years leading up to the war. In 1808, Congress declared the slave trade to be illegal, as allowed in the U.S. Constitution. However, that ban was frequently disobeyed, and in the 1840s the U.S. Navy had to create the African squadron to patrol west Africa for illegal slave ships bound for America. The penalty for trading slaves was death, although they were frequently pardoned by antebellum presidents. Lincoln was the first to refuse a pardon to a notorious slave trader, thus signaling his intent to enforce the ban. But with the African squadron recalled to help blockade the South during the Civil War, Lincoln and his Secretary of State took an unusual tack and contracted the British Navy to enforce the law for them.
The book also explores the evolution of a good speechmaker to an unsurpassed speechmaker. Lincoln mastered the art of rhetorical erudition. He hardly used adverbs and rarely used a word the common man would not understand, but he constructed those words into sentences that rang like perfectly balanced poetry, such as this one "By extending freedom to the slave, we ensure freedom to the free."
America has been fortunate to have had leaders rise at the right time and be the perfect person to lead us through those difficult days. Lincoln certainly did not seem like one of those leaders, but the passage of time has rendered him among the best we've ever had ruling over us.
One interesting chapter delves into the politics of the illegal slave trade in the years leading up to the war. In 1808, Congress declared the slave trade to be illegal, as allowed in the U.S. Constitution. However, that ban was frequently disobeyed, and in the 1840s the U.S. Navy had to create the African squadron to patrol west Africa for illegal slave ships bound for America. The penalty for trading slaves was death, although they were frequently pardoned by antebellum presidents. Lincoln was the first to refuse a pardon to a notorious slave trader, thus signaling his intent to enforce the ban. But with the African squadron recalled to help blockade the South during the Civil War, Lincoln and his Secretary of State took an unusual tack and contracted the British Navy to enforce the law for them.
The book also explores the evolution of a good speechmaker to an unsurpassed speechmaker. Lincoln mastered the art of rhetorical erudition. He hardly used adverbs and rarely used a word the common man would not understand, but he constructed those words into sentences that rang like perfectly balanced poetry, such as this one "By extending freedom to the slave, we ensure freedom to the free."
America has been fortunate to have had leaders rise at the right time and be the perfect person to lead us through those difficult days. Lincoln certainly did not seem like one of those leaders, but the passage of time has rendered him among the best we've ever had ruling over us.
January 6, 2010
Good, well-written study of Lincoln's presidency. Lincoln was certainly an extraordinary human being, and the United States probably exists now only because he was president at that particular time. During the Civil War, he had the difficult task of prosecuting the war while not alienating the border slave states. Losing the border states could have led to the loss of the war and thus the perpetuation of slavery and the destruction of the United States. Due to his political mastery as well as his high ethical standards, the Union was saved. It is by no means certain that there was anyone else who, as president, could have achieved this at the time. His murder was, to quote Frederick Douglass, "an unspeakable calamity," which negatively affected the country for about 100 years. Miller's prose is almost poetic.
September 2, 2022
A compelling and thoughtful read. In my opinion, the best study of the moral dilemmas Lincoln faced during the war. My favorite chapter is entitled, "I Felt it my Duty to Refuse," and recounts the story of the famously soft-hearted Lincoln, upholding the death sentence of Nathaniel Gordon, the first, and only, American to be hung as a slave trader. Lincoln's only concession was a slight reprieve to allow the slaver to prepare "for the awful change that awaits him." No mercy this time.
June 17, 2020
In case you didn’t know Lincoln was a good guy
April 18, 2011
I gave this book 5 stars because I have had my eyes opened like never before about Lincoln in the Civil War. So the rating is mostly based on the experience of the book - and not how well it was written. I say this because like most nonfiction it is not easy to breeze-read through it. (I am also not disparaging the author. He does a great job and keeps it interesting and freely moving). I started this book back in 2008 and would put it aside for a time as I would take up whatever took my fancy at the moment.
Lately I've looked at my currently-reading list and it was 5 or more books at the same time. I would actually only be reading 1 or 2 books consistently - but I had started and just never finished some pretty big books. This was one that I really wanted to finish - and I'm extremely happy that I have finished this.
Now onto the book.
Lincoln really is one of the greatest men & presidents that we've been fortunate enough to have in America. Living in the west means that much of our local history doesn't start until settlers came here, or later. There isn't a local and immediate connection to things from then. We can't point to the next town over as the site of this historic civil war battleground, or where such and such president gave the great speech. So this book really opens your eyes to that time - even if you do happen to live back east where the action was.
It's amazing, but I never even realized how much Lincoln's Presidency (March 4, 1861 - April 14, 1961) and the Civil War (April 12, 1861 - April 9, 1861) overlap. Lincoln's presidency is basically the Civil War.
One of my last impressions of the book is that of seeing the Lord's purpose in the lives of everyone - whether or not they believe in, or are part of any religion at all. Chapter 20 is titled "The Almighty Has His Own Purposes." It is easy for me to see that Lincoln was put in place to guide our country through the Civil War, and that if he had been allowed to live and finish his presidency that things would have been a whole lot different & better now. From reading the book, and Lincoln's writings and sayings therein, Lincoln didn't join any particular church (although he did go to Presbyterian churches in Springfield & Washington with his wife), yet "he nevertheless grasped the moral core of the Christian religion." (pg 406) I would add that he exemplified Christ like no other president. His second inaugural address is practically scriptural.
Lincoln should be held in the high esteem that he is, along with the Founding Fathers & I would add JFK, Reagan and Bush jr. When push came to shove, they stood their ground with dignity, kindness and steel-like resolve, even when it looked like things would not turn out well. Though this book is huge (512 pages, 44 of which are just chapter notes) I would recommend it to any/everyone interested in Lincoln.
Lately I've looked at my currently-reading list and it was 5 or more books at the same time. I would actually only be reading 1 or 2 books consistently - but I had started and just never finished some pretty big books. This was one that I really wanted to finish - and I'm extremely happy that I have finished this.
Now onto the book.
Lincoln really is one of the greatest men & presidents that we've been fortunate enough to have in America. Living in the west means that much of our local history doesn't start until settlers came here, or later. There isn't a local and immediate connection to things from then. We can't point to the next town over as the site of this historic civil war battleground, or where such and such president gave the great speech. So this book really opens your eyes to that time - even if you do happen to live back east where the action was.
It's amazing, but I never even realized how much Lincoln's Presidency (March 4, 1861 - April 14, 1961) and the Civil War (April 12, 1861 - April 9, 1861) overlap. Lincoln's presidency is basically the Civil War.
One of my last impressions of the book is that of seeing the Lord's purpose in the lives of everyone - whether or not they believe in, or are part of any religion at all. Chapter 20 is titled "The Almighty Has His Own Purposes." It is easy for me to see that Lincoln was put in place to guide our country through the Civil War, and that if he had been allowed to live and finish his presidency that things would have been a whole lot different & better now. From reading the book, and Lincoln's writings and sayings therein, Lincoln didn't join any particular church (although he did go to Presbyterian churches in Springfield & Washington with his wife), yet "he nevertheless grasped the moral core of the Christian religion." (pg 406) I would add that he exemplified Christ like no other president. His second inaugural address is practically scriptural.
Lincoln should be held in the high esteem that he is, along with the Founding Fathers & I would add JFK, Reagan and Bush jr. When push came to shove, they stood their ground with dignity, kindness and steel-like resolve, even when it looked like things would not turn out well. Though this book is huge (512 pages, 44 of which are just chapter notes) I would recommend it to any/everyone interested in Lincoln.
November 16, 2020
I have read dozens of Lincoln books; this one is superlative: an excellent, detailed, well-written analysis and synthesis of "the moral performance of Abraham Lincoln in the office of president of the United States".
June 28, 2017
This well researched book presented a powerful argument concerning Lincoln's respect for the Constitution, and his determination to follow its limitations.
December 18, 2011
The more I read about Lincoln the more impressed I am with him as an incredible leader and human being. He was not perfect and very possibly many of the things he did were done for a reason yet he did them and that is the big difference. This is what is missing in todays climate a total focus and falling back on what you believe. His ability to adjust and meander through all the obstacles is incredible. The Duty of a Statesman was a decent look at some of the world Mr. Lincoln successfully tread. Save the union at all costs, free the slaves and stand behind the ones have helped him do this ultimately freeing them all. Never cut and dry decisions but made none the less with a solid moral belief behind them.
December 4, 2017
Truly one of the best books I've read about Lincoln. Not a biography, but an analysis of his statesmanship during his presidency. Miller reviews a number of crucial decisions that Lincoln made during office, some of them are the usual subjects such as his decision to free the slaves, his skill as a war leader, etc. But others are less well known, especially his pardons or refusal to pardon various individuals (soldiers, a slave trader, an influential southerner who had shot a northern soldier and others). Miller's insightful comments on Lincoln, especially on subjects like Lincoln's powerful mind and communication skills are very impressive. Finally, Miller's interesting, eloquent writing style makes this book a very entertaining read. I wish it was twice as long!
October 5, 2014
What? No pictures???
An excellent detailed, well documented study of Lincoln as a leader. Emphasis on Lincoln as a war president facing the ethical and moral dilemmas thrust at him trying to hold a nation together that didn't necessarily want to stay together.
For people that have read Civil War history, this book is a must-read. If you've always wanted to start reading some Lincoln history, this is a good start. It's not a quick, simple read and the author tends to write as if he's addressing a college level audience (good thing I'm smart!) but well worth the time.
An excellent detailed, well documented study of Lincoln as a leader. Emphasis on Lincoln as a war president facing the ethical and moral dilemmas thrust at him trying to hold a nation together that didn't necessarily want to stay together.
For people that have read Civil War history, this book is a must-read. If you've always wanted to start reading some Lincoln history, this is a good start. It's not a quick, simple read and the author tends to write as if he's addressing a college level audience (good thing I'm smart!) but well worth the time.
May 21, 2009
Thoughtful study on how Lincoln approached the duties of his office and of how he allowed or did not allow his personal ethics to impact his decisions and actions in office. If only we had leaders today with the same moral integrity and political acumen.
August 15, 2010
Excellent analysis of Lincoln's words and actions (more about his words, however) as President. Does a particuarly nice job of analyzing his inaugural addresses and many of his thoughts about slavery and the Civil War. A little scholarly at times but very thought-provoking.
January 4, 2025
Since I can remember, I'm always reading. My current praxtice is to simultaneously read multiple books, with one having a connection to the U.S. Civil War, often regarding the 16th president. These tend to take time as I linger over them, ponder the lessons, and digest the implications. Doing so with my feet up at fireside is my favorite context for learning.
I just finished this detailed assessment of Lincoln's ethical approach as President by William Lee Miller subtitled "The Duty of a Statesman". It examines Lincoln's moral commitments as President, based on his character, the development of which is outlined in Miller's prior volume, "Lincoln's Virtues." Miller compellingly argues that Lincoln was deeply committed to achieving both his Constitutional oath to "preserve, protect, and defend" the US government and his personal commitment to prevent the spread of slavery.
While there was not much new material for me to learn, the deep integration of the available history with a study of Lincoln's character was brilliantly executed. His interpretation of Lincoln's actions, as a courageous statesman, in the face of overwhelming opposition, closely matches my own view.
Highly recommend this for anyone hoping to learn about principled leadership in the face of overwhelming circumstances.
I just finished this detailed assessment of Lincoln's ethical approach as President by William Lee Miller subtitled "The Duty of a Statesman". It examines Lincoln's moral commitments as President, based on his character, the development of which is outlined in Miller's prior volume, "Lincoln's Virtues." Miller compellingly argues that Lincoln was deeply committed to achieving both his Constitutional oath to "preserve, protect, and defend" the US government and his personal commitment to prevent the spread of slavery.
While there was not much new material for me to learn, the deep integration of the available history with a study of Lincoln's character was brilliantly executed. His interpretation of Lincoln's actions, as a courageous statesman, in the face of overwhelming opposition, closely matches my own view.
Highly recommend this for anyone hoping to learn about principled leadership in the face of overwhelming circumstances.
February 19, 2019
I finally, finally read a book about Abraham Lincoln. I was not disappointed. More over, the author, William Lee Miller, treated me to an intimate portrayal of the real man. Beyond the accomplishments — holding together the precious threads of a constitution of a truly free country, and amending it to abolish slavery — the author identified and described the qualities he embodied — vision (worldly), understanding (divine), and courage (beyond imagination, considering the cost of life the Civil War levied), to name a few.
I am hoping to become a citizen of this country in a few months (green card renewal in process) and having this man’s legacy in my heart is key to any effect this phenomena might have. Though the forces that desired slavery may not be so obvious, their root is ever strong — the desire for economic progress. That root, that tree of greed, must pass away. The founding fathers provided the soil for a new garden, Lincoln the seeds — it is time for the child, America, to mature into the wholesome blessing this earth so dearly needs.
I am hoping to become a citizen of this country in a few months (green card renewal in process) and having this man’s legacy in my heart is key to any effect this phenomena might have. Though the forces that desired slavery may not be so obvious, their root is ever strong — the desire for economic progress. That root, that tree of greed, must pass away. The founding fathers provided the soil for a new garden, Lincoln the seeds — it is time for the child, America, to mature into the wholesome blessing this earth so dearly needs.
May 17, 2019
I am torn over this review. On the one hand, this book paints a vivid portrait of the man who saved the Union, ended the institution of slavery in the United States, and preserved the ideals of freedom and democracy for all the world.
On the other hand, the book is very repetitive. Each point the author makes is repeated two and three times, as the author employed the oral presentation rule of, say what you’re going to say, say it, and then say what you said.
I am among those who believe that Lincoln is not only the greatest President in history, he is also one of the greatest Americans in history, and his achievements (and faults) deserve all the emphasis a book can give. The repetition, however, bogged the book somewhat.
On the other hand, the book is very repetitive. Each point the author makes is repeated two and three times, as the author employed the oral presentation rule of, say what you’re going to say, say it, and then say what you said.
I am among those who believe that Lincoln is not only the greatest President in history, he is also one of the greatest Americans in history, and his achievements (and faults) deserve all the emphasis a book can give. The repetition, however, bogged the book somewhat.
August 6, 2017
In this stellar follow up to his "Lincoln's Virtues," noted historian William Lee Miller examines the presidency of Abraham Lincoln through the lens of morality. He succeeds in developing the moral themes that drove Lincoln through the most trying days of our nation's history.
[NOTE: A more detailed review to follow shortly]
I read this book as part of an ongoing book discussion group by the Lincoln Group of DC. Over a dozen people with interest in Lincoln joined monthly to impart varied and invaluable insights into the meaning of this book and others. My thoughts above come from my own reading and biases, but are greatly influenced by the input from the Lincoln Group discussion group, for which I give my heartfelt thanks and appreciation.
[NOTE: A more detailed review to follow shortly]
I read this book as part of an ongoing book discussion group by the Lincoln Group of DC. Over a dozen people with interest in Lincoln joined monthly to impart varied and invaluable insights into the meaning of this book and others. My thoughts above come from my own reading and biases, but are greatly influenced by the input from the Lincoln Group discussion group, for which I give my heartfelt thanks and appreciation.
July 28, 2018
I really enjoyed this book. I read everything I can about Lincoln, so when I see a new title, regardless of the author, I snatch it up. This one was no different. I have read very little about Lincoln as President that didn't focus on the war. Yes, the War was the overriding problem throughout his presidency, but there is little written about Lincoln as a leader. This one certainly filled the gap and has found a place in my collection of Lincoln books. Miller did plenty of research and I look forward to reading more history books by him.
March 9, 2025
The second volume of Miller's ethical biography of Lincoln, covering his presidential years, examines numerous aspects of his wartime leadership that raised ethical quandaries, from his use of the pardon power to the issuance of the Emancipation Proclamation. Not comprehensive, so not an ideal place to start with Lincoln's wartime leadership, but a fantastic 201 level read that goes in depth on a narrower set of events and decisions that conclusively shows that it IS possible to be a great man AND a good one.
December 18, 2019
This is a cheap hagiography for the loving indoctrination of the future generations.
April 24, 2021
Such a great deep dive into many of Lincoln's most consequential decisions and speeches. Highly recommend.
June 23, 2025
A must read. An excellent insight into an excellent man and his times.
January 29, 2026
outstanding
Really solid biography. I loved every minute. Abraham Lincoln was such an important soul. Everyone can learn something from him.
Really solid biography. I loved every minute. Abraham Lincoln was such an important soul. Everyone can learn something from him.
May 23, 2014
In precisely the same vein as it's prequel, a "ethical biography", at least purportedly. That's using "biography" loosely, as there is barely even a timeline of events. Opening with Lincoln's inauguration and closing with the most rudimentary treatment of his death that I've ever read, the narrative is propelled not by facts or chronology, but by vague notions of principle. Not that the principles themselves are vague-- Miller quite effectively conveys Lincoln's determination and will-- but the facts of history are used mostly as illustrations of a metaphysical quality. I don't like history done this way. I like facts, facts, facts, corralled by a clear timeline and then, maybe, if I've grown to like the author's style or respect his research or appreciate his insight, getting his learned opinion on the matter at hand. What I didn't like about this book is that it's mostly opinion.
Broadly, Miller thinks Lincoln was a moralist, through and through. His fight to save the Union was a moral struggle; his opposition (such as it was, though Miller lets him off easy) to it was a battle of good against evil.
It's the Lincoln of Christian private education: a Great American and a Good Man. It's a cardboard cutout, though Miller cuts his out of slightly thicker board, perhaps, and with slightly more detailed edges.
Lincoln's moral decisions in this telling just are. They don't spring from any analysis of contemporary culture or society, and barely with any conflict within Lincoln himself. They appear as natural, independent manifestations of a unexplained, unaccounted moral brightness within the man that blots out any shadow of human nuance.
Miller, as in his first volume, harrumphs dryly and longwindedly through his subject matter, pausing every so often for weird levity or an anecdote that just emphasizes the Sunday school moralizing of his approach. Strangely, Lincoln's death, which actually might (and certainly has been) correctly called a martyrdom, is given the most laughably perfunctory treatment I've ever read .
Lincoln was a moral president, no doubt. But the most cursory examination of many shorter and far more interesting and better-written books will show that. This one was a drag.
Broadly, Miller thinks Lincoln was a moralist, through and through. His fight to save the Union was a moral struggle; his opposition (such as it was, though Miller lets him off easy) to it was a battle of good against evil.
It's the Lincoln of Christian private education: a Great American and a Good Man. It's a cardboard cutout, though Miller cuts his out of slightly thicker board, perhaps, and with slightly more detailed edges.
Lincoln's moral decisions in this telling just are. They don't spring from any analysis of contemporary culture or society, and barely with any conflict within Lincoln himself. They appear as natural, independent manifestations of a unexplained, unaccounted moral brightness within the man that blots out any shadow of human nuance.
Miller, as in his first volume, harrumphs dryly and longwindedly through his subject matter, pausing every so often for weird levity or an anecdote that just emphasizes the Sunday school moralizing of his approach. Strangely, Lincoln's death, which actually might (and certainly has been) correctly called a martyrdom, is given the most laughably perfunctory treatment I've ever read .
Lincoln was a moral president, no doubt. But the most cursory examination of many shorter and far more interesting and better-written books will show that. This one was a drag.
April 29, 2016
Lincoln was a good republican and hated president. Lincoln was born on February 12, 1809. He showed a good figure of America, Lincoln help america grow in many ways, he made America grow by making it a big continent. Lincoln assisted at many journeys like wars. Lincoln was the 16th president of the United States Of America, he was president from 1861 to 1865. Lincoln was a member of the house of representative. Lincoln was married with Mary Todd, Lincoln has four children's Edward,Robert, Willie and Tad. Lincoln profession was lawyer(politician). Lincoln assisted to the battle of Black Hawk War. Lincoln was dead by an assassination at the Ford's Theater, Lincoln was assassinated by John Wilkes Booth.
The important fact about Lincoln is that he was a good person and he helped america during the black hawk war. Lincoln also is important because he made america improve in its growth and capacity of the environment. I know this book is nonfiction because it shows the reality and it is mainly talking about Lincoln while being president of America.It's also showing me that it's talking about a real history about the president Lincoln. Finally, This topic about lincoln is important to show how Lincoln was as president in the 18th century. It also important because the book is mainly about how president are and how they improve America and other places. As one can see, i learn many exciting things from this book.
I would recommend this book to all people who would like to learn about the president Lincoln because for me he was a creative man and a good lawyer. He also was very well known from others. The bad news is that he was assassinated.
July 28, 2015
“President Lincoln: Duty of a Statesman” by William Lee Miller is pretty much an biography of President Lincoln. I thought this book had a lot of information, and you will learn pretty much anything there is to know about Lincoln. The only problem, is I thought this book dragged on forever and was a bit to long for my taste. For me, it was like reading a history textbook, except it was all about Lincoln. You will learn Lincoln’s political views and such in here too.
2015-Summer-Reading-Review
2015-Summer-Reading-Review
January 15, 2011
Highly readable study of Lincoln's presidency. I particularly enjoyed the chapters on Lincoln's use of the pardon power. His handling of McClellan was also highly interesting, to say the least. Very different from Obama and McChrystal!
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