The Essential Lincoln

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Eloquent, humble, and shrewd, Abraham Lincoln stands as one of America's greatest presidents. This collection brings together his most defining speeches, public and private correspondence, and personal notations in a single, elegant volume. Historian Orville Vernon Burton has meticulously selected the most compelling pieces from Lincoln's extensive works. Many are presented unabridged, including his iconic speech at Cooper Union in February 1860, his August 1862 letter to Horace Greeley, the Gettysburg Address, and his second inaugural address. Other selections are skillfully edited to capture the essence of Lincoln's beliefs and aspirations, such as his decisive debates with Stephen A. Douglas, the Emancipation Proclamation, and his first inaugural address. From his early writings as a loquacious twenty-three-year-old in New Salem to his final public address from the White House balcony, these original documents illuminate Lincoln's unwavering dedication to a united America, his reverence for the rule of law, and his views on slavery and natural rights. This collection paints a portrait of a remarkable leader and historical icon, embodying the highest ideals we aspire to for our country and ourselves.