Lincoln

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For Abraham Lincoln, words were essential in composing love letters, speeches, and legal arguments. Acclaimed biographer Fred Kaplan delves into Lincoln's life through his linguistic prowess, showcasing how language served as a means to convey complex ideas and emotions while also acting as a tool for persuasion and empowerment. Like other great American literary figures, Lincoln's literary journey is intertwined with his personal narrative. An admirer of Burns, Byron, Shakespeare, and the Old Testament, he stands out as the most literary of U.S. presidents. His perspectives on love, liberty, and human nature were profoundly influenced by his literary engagements. Since Lincoln, no president has matched his ability to craft words that resonate with audiences. Kaplan examines the influences that shaped Lincoln's imaginative landscape, how his writings influenced his identity, relationships, and career, and how they contributed to his emergence as a distinctive political figure and shaped national discourse. This insightful account of Lincoln's life underscores the limitations of contemporary presidencies, emphasizing that the careful and honest use of language is vital for a thriving democracy. Illuminating and engrossing, this narrative captures Lincoln's extraordinary talent with words.