Interest in the American Civil War and the role of Abraham Lincoln has grown dramatically in the last decade. Leader of the anti-slavery Republican coalition and the wartime Union, he has become a model of a particular kind of democratic politician who led rather than followed. Richard J. Carwardine examines Lincoln's rise to power and his achievements as US president. The book explores the wider sources of Lincoln's authority and skills in embracing a broad range of elements within the Republican party. In particular, it looks at Lincoln's shrewd relationship with evangelical Protestantism. His ability to harness and channel the power of the Protestant constituency was key to his winning the presidency and rallying support behind his national and emancipatory vision.

About the Author
Richard J. Carwardine is Rhodes Professor of American History at Oxford University. His many publications include Transatlantic Revivalism: Popular Evangelicism in Britain and America, 1790-1865 and Evangelicals and Politics in Antebellum America (1993).

Reviews

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 Books

" This is a work of careful reflection - concise, lucid, cogent and providing a fair, balanced, and at times fresh perspective." History Review

Book Information
ISBN 9780582032798
Author Richard Carwardine
Format Paperback
Page Count 376
Imprint Routledge
Publisher Taylor & Francis Ltd
Weight(grams) 1055g
Dimensions(mm) 133mm * 209mm * 20mm