Lincoln's Sword: The Presidency and the Power of Words

Lincoln was a great writer but his handwriting was awful. With meticulous attention to Lincoln's handwritten drafts and his corrections on printers' proofsheets, Douglas Wilson reassesses just how great a writer Lincoln was.As a documentary scholar, Wilson cannot be surpassed: he properly acknowledges prior scholars who celebrated the high quality of Lincoln's prose--Jacques Barzun and Don Fehrenbacher, among others. Wilson examines not only Lincoln's own papers, but also relevant correspondence, news reports, and testimony. Lincoln sometimes showed drafts to colleagues, friends, and secretaries, then revised to respond to their criticisms.Wilson takes care to distinguish Lincoln's public oratory from the printed records of it, and shows how--in case after case--Lincoln was sensitive to and took advantage of differences in media. Lincoln knew when his writing should be formal or folksy, terse or expansive, tacit or explicit, congenial or hortatory. No less important, he knew how to seize an opportunity and when to create one. Modern presidents rely on television to reach the citizenry; Lincoln wrote highly influential editorials and public letters. He wrote his own speeches. Then he rewrote them.Wilson shows that Lincoln was a relentless reviser. No matter how well he spoke and how well a speech was received, he would guide it into print with alterations to make it work as well on the page as possible. Wilson probes whether the Gettysburg Address that millions have memorized is what Lincoln actually said.Wilson does not ask us to take him on faith: he includes facsimile reproductions of many key documents as evidence of Lincoln's attentive labor. Readers can see the cross-outs, scribbles, and additions for themselves.Finally, Wilson reminds us of the immense literary work--reading, writing, and revising--that Lincoln did in the course of his presidency. Getting the general sense across was not enough for Lincoln: he sought precision. For any parent or educator who wishes proof of the importance of good writing for good judgment and good effect, there are few better examples than the Lincoln shown here.

This book on Lincoln’s words, reminds us of much we have lost in today’s America. Lincoln speaks once again about the cause of the Civil War and our collective guilt in its waging. The south was no more guilty of the enslavement of the black man than was the north. We have forgotten words of Lincoln’s plea in his second inaugural, “With Malice toward none...” . Once again we are a nation divided.

"Lincoln's Sword" is an interesting and informative book. The author thoroughly presents background study of Lincoln's writings and speeches. His writing style is lucid. The primary reason for a 'good-but-not-great' rating relates to his presentation of footnotes. The text fails to indicate when a footnote is provided and the reader is required to keep a marker in the footnote section, find the listing of footnotes for a given page, and compare the words in the footnote area with the narrative to make a connection. For those who do not refer to footnotes this is not an issue, but for those who do it is an annoyance.

This book was a gift for our boss who is a Lincolnphile, and we were hard pressed to find a book that he had not read - this was it! He has already told us how much he is enjoying it, and it was timely after he had seen "Lincoln," the movie. This rekindled his interest, so when we paired it with Lincoln's writings from 1859-1865, it was a perfect set. I also want to compliment brookebooks for their timely delivery of the book, It was in mint condition and saved me a trip to a Chicago-based Lincoln book store. I give this the highest rating on all factors.

Lincoln's Sword expertly and entertainingly analyzes Lincoln's extraordinary ability to persuade his public. By so doing Douglas Wilson provides the reader a practical guide to rhetoric and he gives us lessons in history.I highly recommend this well-written work to all students of Lincoln, of history, and of communication.

If you enjoy Lincoln, get this book. It has all facts about Lincoln, and his time writing. Great for Lincoln lovers and those who want to know more about Lincoln. Delves deep into his past to shots why Lincoln is Lincoln.

It had some interesting information about Lincoln and the background behind some of his most famous speeches, but it could have been about half as long. I had no idea of the numerous challenges he had to overcome as president and how he used his speeches to sway his opponents and the nation into supporting his vision.

Amazing book! Makes what could have been a dry subject so incredibly interesting!!! Definitely recommend this book!

Bought this for university to help my studies of Lincoln's letters and speeches. Could not have found a better resource. It has all the context and insight you will need. A MUST for students of the Civil War