Abraham Lincoln's stature as an American cultural figure grows from his political legacy. In today's milieu, the speeches he delivered as the sixteenth president of the United States have become synonymous with American progress, values and exceptionalism. But what makes Lincoln's language so effective? Highlighting matters of style, affect, nationalism and history in nineteenth-century America, this collection examines the rhetorical power of Lincoln's prose - from the earliest legal decisions, stump speeches, anecdotes and letters, to the Gettysburg Address and the lingering power of the Second Inaugural Address. Through careful analysis of his correspondence with Civil War generals and his early poetry, the contributors, all literary and cultural critics, give readers a unique look into Lincoln's private life. Such a collection enables teachers, students, and readers of American history to assess the impact of this extraordinary writer - and rare politician - on the world's stage.
List of illustrations; List of contributors; Chronology; Introduction; 1. Rhetorically Lincoln: Abraham Lincoln and oratorical culture Ivy Wilson; 2. Abraham Lincoln and poetry Faith Barrett; 3. Seeing Lincoln: visual encounters Carol Payne; 4. The Gettysburg Address and the Second Inaugural Stephen Cushman; 5. Lincoln and the natural nation Timothy Sweet; 6. Abraham Lincoln and the American Indians Bethany Schneider; 7. Abraham Lincoln and the self-governing constitution Deak Nabers; 8. Abraham Lincoln and spiritual crisis Harold K. Bush; 9. Lincoln and England during the Civil War Paul Giles; 10. Lincoln in international memory Betsy Erkkila; 11. Lincoln in hemispheric relations Robert Fanuzzi; 12. Lincoln and the calling of the dead Anne Norton; Guide to further reading; Index.
