Larry Shapiro (1)

Abraham Lincoln, Mystic Chords of Memory, A Selection From Lincoln’s Writings (pp 79) Published 1953. This is a compilation of noteworthy writings — many excerpts — from Lincoln’s writings from throughout his adult life. To save one’s self from having peruse massive collections of Lincoln’s personal letters, speeches, official papers, and formal correspondence to find some of his gems, look no further. In these spare seventy-nine pages are pieces of his prose that provide insight into his humanity, humility, incisive mind, wisdom, and respect for fellow humans. These writings also display a more nuanced perspective on his beliefs about slavery, and slaves, some of which confirm our most closely held and cherished myths about Abraham, and others that seem to contradict what we’ve been taught and want to believe. There is nothing here that will surprise serious students of Lincoln, but it’s a nice reminder of why he was such a remarkable human being, let alone admired leader of this nation. If in my entire life I could write a single sentence matching the quality of Abraham Lincoln’s writing I would die a happy man.… (meer)