WINNER OF THE 2004 14th ANNUAL LINCOLN PRIZE
This is the biography of a prudent, decisive, activist Lincoln the world
has been waiting for. Richard Carwardine has drawn a true portrait of the
strengths of Lincoln's personal character, the development and tenacity of
Lincoln's ethical convictions, his subtle and deliberate political acumen,
his respect and embrace of moral principles for the conduct of personal
relations and public statecraft; and, finally, Carwardine demonstrates
Lincoln's mastery of men and of public opinion.
Lewis E. Lehrman, Co-Chairman of the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American
History
Rarely does a biography of a popular historical figure offer all the qualities that make for a good read: lively writing, a fresh perspective, significant insight, and a compelling narrative. Carwardine does all this and more ... There is simply no other Lincoln biography like it. Tom Schwartz, Illinois State Historian
a brilliant addition to the Lincoln literature Books and Culture
Richard Carwardine's study of the political leadership of Abraham Lincoln represents an extraordinary achievement Mark A. Noll, Professor of History Wheaton College, IL
The book offers an insightful, judicious and in some ways original study of Lincoln's public career. London Review of BooksThis is a work of careful reflection - concise, lucid, cogent and providing a fair, balanced, and at times fresh perspective. History Review