Lincoln Discussion Symposium

Hello. I'm wondering what variety of books the board uses for Lincoln's writings.

I have the two-volume Library of America edition: Speeches and Writings 1832-1858 and 1859-1865.

Those books, like all of the Library of America books, are beautifully bound and printed. And hardly a better editor could have been chosen to select and annotate the items than Don Fehrenbacher. But the presentation is strictly chronological, which presents the reader with, say, a brief letter followed by a long speech, followed by more brief pieces, then another long speech, etc. The reader new to Lincoln's writings might find a strictly chronological presentation somewhat daunting.

Would you mind sharing what you like (or dislike) about your go-to edition?

I am asking about this because I'm thinking of putting together a collection myself, so I must consider whether the effort would be worthwhile.

Thanks.

Lane, I do not think I have a favorite collection, but when it comes to jokes, anecdotes, and stories I have a pretty strong favorite in Abe Lincoln Laughing edited by Dr. Paul M. Zall. Professor Zall was a research scholar who tried to eliminate all the apocryphal stories, etc., and he only included authentic material and identified his sources.

One of my favorites from Dr. Zall's book -

Abraham Lincoln told the following story about Ethan Allen when Allen visited England after the Revolutionary War:

"It appears that shortly after we had peace with England, Mr. Allen had occasion to visit England, and while there the English took great pleasure in teasing him, and trying to make fun of the Americans and George Washington in particular. And one day they got a picture of General Washington, and hung it up in the Back House where Mr. Allen could see it. Finally, they asked Mr. Allen if he could see it. Mr. Allen said no, but added that he thought it was a very appropriate place for an Englishman to keep it. Mr. Allen was asked why he felt this way. Mr. Allen replied that there was nothing that will make an Englishman **** so quick as the sight of General Washington. After that, they left Mr. Allen and Mr. Washington alone."

I use the online edition of Basler's Collected Works.

https://quod.lib.umich.edu/l/lincoln/

(12-04-2017 01:34 PM)Susan Higginbotham Wrote: [ -> ]I use the online edition of Basler's Collected Works.
https://quod.lib.umich.edu/l/lincoln/

Truly a great resource, Susan!

I just use the RJNorton on line version

(12-04-2017 11:35 AM)RJNorton Wrote: [ -> ]Lane, I do not think I have a favorite collection, but when it comes to jokes, anecdotes, and stories I have a pretty strong favorite in Abe Lincoln Laughing edited by Dr. Paul M. Zall. Professor Zall was a research scholar who tried to eliminate all the apocryphal stories, etc., and he only included authentic material and identified his sources....

Thanks. You've mentioned that book before. I'll have to think about getting it.

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(12-04-2017 04:11 PM)RJNorton Wrote: [ -> ]

(12-04-2017 01:34 PM)Susan Higginbotham Wrote: [ -> ]I use the online edition of Basler's Collected Works.
https://quod.lib.umich.edu/l/lincoln/

Truly a great resource, Susan!

Yes, I use it all the time. But I am wondering about actual physical books.