Letting Lincoln's eloquent voice speak for itself, editor Michael Johnson has collected more than 200 of Lincoln's writings and speeches that illuminate his life and career, from his youth to his entry into Republican politics and through his presidency. Classics like the Kansas Nebraska speech, the Lincoln Douglas Debates, and the Gettysburg Address, along with less familiar writings, such as letters to individual voters, notes to generals on military strategy, and stirring public speeches show the development of Lincoln's thought on free labour, slavery, secession, Civil War and emancipation. Johnson provides historical context by weaving an engaging narrative, judiciously footnoted, around Lincoln's own words, making this volume an accessible collection of Lincoln's writings.