Over the past ten years, or so, I have read countless biographies, essays and manuscripts on our 16th President – Abraham Lincoln. Some have been wonderfully written, but lacking in depth, and research, while others have been wonderfully researched, but written so as to be difficult to read – in 
other words, they were boring. Several years ago, I read, “Lincoln at Cooper Union: The Speech that made Abraham Lincoln President.” This book fell into a unique category; extremely well researched and a joy to read. It was written by Harold Holzer. When his newest book, “Lincoln President-Elect: Abraham Lincoln and the Great Secession Winter 1860–1861,” came out, I quickly purchased it. Unfortunately, due to other reading priorities, this book sat several months before I was able to start reading it. Now, after finishing it in record time, I wished I had started it earlier. Like his Cooper Union book, Holzer’s newest book rates near the top. It is very easy to read and is probably one of the most thoroughly researched books, on Lincoln, that I have ever read. Additionally, for someone who has read so many books, on our 16th president, it is nice when new information, revelations or source material is used. Mr. Holzer has included some very fresh material, that I have never read.
“Lincoln President-Elect,” covers the period of time, from Lincoln’s election, through his inauguration. Unlike many previous books, that focus on a broader period of time, this book was written with a specific focus: Lincoln’s actions between his election, as president, and his being sworn in. In other books, I have read, that analyze Lincoln, during this period of time, the overwhelming conclusion is that Lincoln was unprepared for the “great secession winter,” and was stunned into inaction. Holzer builds a great case for an opposing opinion: that Lincoln, while remaining fairly quiet, was very much in control of his actions, and performed well, as president-elect, during a period of immense uncertainty. While not denying Lincoln made errors in several of his public statements, Holzer was able to clearly illustrate how Lincoln learned from his gaffes, and recovered with later public statements, on his inaugural journey, to Washington City. A significant amount of space is allotted to Lincoln’s cabinet selections, and the analytical approach he used in making his choices. Holzer makes a strong case for Lincoln’s decision to be inflexible on the Chicago platform, essentially not allowing any room for compromise on the extension of slavery, and his uncompromising commitment to saving the Union. Finally, Holzer digs into Lincoln’s preparation of his first inaugural address. This was particularly fascinating for me, as there was plenty of new material, that highlights how Lincoln used his closest advisors to offer suggestions for the speech. However, the speech was clearly Lincoln’s, as he seldom used suggestions in their entirety – more often than not, Lincoln would massage them into his own unique style.
I would definitely recommend this book for anyone interested in learning more about our 16th president. This book is easy to read, making it a great choice for readers with limited knowledge of Lincoln, while also offering the detail for those that have read extensively about him.
Mike’s Star Rating
