The Book
Any author writing a new biography of Abraham Lincoln has an
insurmountable task: a public who is already familiar with the life and times
of the 16th President. Ronald C. White, Jr. takes on the task
aided by the Lincoln Legal Papers and hosts of new primary documents. A.
Lincoln: A Biography is well worth the invested time (676 pages) and
the narrative is easy to follow.
White opens each chapter with a quote from Lincoln and a brief
passage that sets the stage for the chapter. This immediately places the reader
in Lincoln’s shoes: picturing his
environment, what he saw and did, interactions with other people, and the
culture. Lincoln’s story begins with a brief introduction to his ancestors and
parents, flows through his political and professional development, and ends by
honing in on his presidency. Of course, the basic biographical information will
be known to many readers. However, White writes in an engaging way and brings
in quite a bit of information I did not know. He dives into Lincoln’s thought
processes, showing how a man (without a formal education) was a dedicated
researcher, careful thinker and planner, and investigator who weighed all sides
of an issue. What was particularly fascinating for me was to follow White as he
traced Lincoln’s thought processes and growth in beliefs as president. For
example, Lincoln took his first public stand against slavery in 1837; yet, he
knew that the timing had to be right to interject slavery into the rationale
for the Civil War.
A. Lincoln also provides insight into how
Lincoln prepared his speeches and an analysis of the speeches. Lincoln
appreciated good oratory and was able to communicate well in a variety of ways,
but was also nervous prior to delivering a speech. White argues that,
“[Lincoln’s] most developed political weapon [was] public speaking” (299).
Based on what I read, I would go one step further and say it was all
communication. Lincoln could connect through a speech, personal conversation,
private letter, or public letter.
The Place
If the regular readers haven’t already noticed,
I read and write quite a bit about President Lincoln. In fact, I have been
fascinated with him since I was four years old. What better way to culminate
years of fascination than a visit to the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum?
Visitors walk into a rotunda and are prompted to travel through
two sections: Lincoln’s early life through the 1861 election and his
presidency. Lifesize and realistic statutes bring the people and scenes to
life, with artifacts, technology, and explanations interspersed. This Museum is
engaging and well-thought out, helping visitors get to know Lincoln, appreciate
why history is so vital, and walk away with a new appreciation for the 16th President.
I read A. Lincoln after visiting the Museum,
but still saw a strong connection between how both treated the saga of the
Emancipation Proclamation. Author White shows the development of this document
through other events, in order to show the reader the process and seriousness
of the issue. The Museum captures Lincoln’s decision through dramatic images
and technology. I will never forget seeing the climax of this part of the
museum: there is a single hallway lined with pre-recorded actors passionately
stating their views on the Emancipation Proclamation. The narrow hallway draws
your attention to the lone figure of Lincoln, standing over his desk with the
paper is his hand. Behind him, a screen airs silhouette images of slavery and
the audio provide more views of the issue. This exhibit and White’s book help
to truly capture the significance of Lincoln’s decision to free the slaves.
