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 E. Morel, Washington and Lee University, and author of "Lincoln's Sacred Effort: Defining Religion's Role in American Self-Government"

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

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