Abraham lincoln by Lord Longford

Introduction by Elizabeth Longford. Abraham Lincoln stands out above all other American statesmen. Born in poverty in the Mid-West, he spent the first fifty years of his life in relative obscurity; the nearest he came to national prominence was as a member of Congress from 1847 to 1849. His permanent contribution was produced in little more than four years between his inauguration as president in 1861 and his tragic assassination in 1865. Lincoln is famous as the President who abolished slavery in the United States of America. But, as Lord Longdord shows in this moving and lucid biography, the achievement of Lincoln was even greater and far more complex than this. For not only was he devoted to the cause of emancipation, he was equally concerned that the union of the states should be preserved on a basis of mutual trust and loyalty. In his mind the cause of union and true democracy were inseparable. During the turbulent years of the Civil W@r, Lincoln guided the North to victory, holding together diverse and antagnostic factions, both military and civilian, in times of bitter defeat and inflorious victory. He acted always in a spirit of compassion and humility, determined that when peace came there should be a reconciliation based on love not hate. it is for this as well as for the abolition of slavery that Lincoln is remembered with such affection and admiration.