Description
By analyzing many of Lincoln's most important speeches, The Mind and Art of Abraham Lincoln, Philosopher Statesman shows him to be a profound and systematic thinker who tries to get at the root of issues, not all of them strictly political. Lowenthal emphasizes Lincoln's manner of writing, which enables him to conceal his most radical thoughts, and pays special attention to the reasoning and artfulness with which he treats a wide variety of subjects. The book follows Lincoln from his Perpetuation or Lyceum address in 1838 to his last speech just after Lee's surrender, as he confronts the great issues of the day and lays out the fundamentals of American politics. Along the way, Lowenthal's careful analysis frees Lincoln of the charge of racial prejudice with which he has been saddled in recent years.
About the Author
David Lowenthal is professor emeritus of political science at Boston College.
Reviews
In David Lowenthal's Lincoln, we encounter a statesman whose fierce intellectual independence was matched by a deep sympathy for political friends and foes alike. His Lincoln displays a strikingly free and agile mind long before he was elevated to the presidency. Lowenthal's fresh interpretations of both familiar and obscure writings of Lincoln force us to pay attention to aspects of Lincoln's political and philosophical thought, especially regarding religion, long overlooked or simply not noticed. He demonstrates that Lincoln's insights about the American regime derived from a profound analysis of the premises of self-government and challenges of living as a free people. Along the way, the reader learns what is entailed in choosing to live as a self-governing people-what it takes to be free and to maintain that freedom from generation to generation. -- Lucas Morel, Washington and Lee University
The greatness of Lincoln is here analyzed with exceeding care, and confirmed, in David Lowenthal's searching examination of Lincoln's words and arguments. This is a splendid effort and display of political philosophy, offering new matter for appreciation and showing how Lincoln's thoughtfulness was the crown of all his great qualities. -- Harvey Mansfield, Professor of Government, Harvard University; Senior Fellow, Hoover Institution
Plato may have thought that a philosopher-king was impossible, except in the conversational utopia of his Republic. He didn't live to see Abraham Lincoln, Philosopher-Statesman. In this marvelous collection of Lincoln's speeches, we witness how deep wisdom and democratic rule can indeed coexist. Each speech is followed by David Lowenthal's illuminating response. Instead of the polemical debate between Lincoln and Douglas, we are treated to a friendly, truth-seeking dialogue between Lincoln and Lowenthal. This book achieves its high purpose: revealing both Lincoln's daring mind and his prudent political art. -- Diana J. Schaub, Loyola University Maryland
Book Information
ISBN 9780739171264
Author David Lowenthal
Format Paperback
Page Count 296
Imprint Lexington Books
Publisher Lexington Books
Weight(grams) 449g
Dimensions(mm) 229mm * 152mm * 21mm
About the Author
David Lowenthal is professor emeritus of political science at Boston College.
Reviews
In David Lowenthal's Lincoln, we encounter a statesman whose fierce intellectual independence was matched by a deep sympathy for political friends and foes alike. His Lincoln displays a strikingly free and agile mind long before he was elevated to the presidency. Lowenthal's fresh interpretations of both familiar and obscure writings of Lincoln force us to pay attention to aspects of Lincoln's political and philosophical thought, especially regarding religion, long overlooked or simply not noticed. He demonstrates that Lincoln's insights about the American regime derived from a profound analysis of the premises of self-government and challenges of living as a free people. Along the way, the reader learns what is entailed in choosing to live as a self-governing people-what it takes to be free and to maintain that freedom from generation to generation. -- Lucas Morel, Washington and Lee University
The greatness of Lincoln is here analyzed with exceeding care, and confirmed, in David Lowenthal's searching examination of Lincoln's words and arguments. This is a splendid effort and display of political philosophy, offering new matter for appreciation and showing how Lincoln's thoughtfulness was the crown of all his great qualities. -- Harvey Mansfield, Professor of Government, Harvard University; Senior Fellow, Hoover Institution
Plato may have thought that a philosopher-king was impossible, except in the conversational utopia of his Republic. He didn't live to see Abraham Lincoln, Philosopher-Statesman. In this marvelous collection of Lincoln's speeches, we witness how deep wisdom and democratic rule can indeed coexist. Each speech is followed by David Lowenthal's illuminating response. Instead of the polemical debate between Lincoln and Douglas, we are treated to a friendly, truth-seeking dialogue between Lincoln and Lowenthal. This book achieves its high purpose: revealing both Lincoln's daring mind and his prudent political art. -- Diana J. Schaub, Loyola University Maryland
Book Information
ISBN 9780739171264
Author David Lowenthal
Format Paperback
Page Count 296
Imprint Lexington Books
Publisher Lexington Books
Weight(grams) 449g
Dimensions(mm) 229mm * 152mm * 21mm
