Lincoln Poll in USA TODAY

[Rob Wick]

Laurie,

It's really hard to judge how much influence both men have today, because I doubt that both are read very much. While it's true that Sandburg's single-volume distillation of his books is still in print, I think many people approach it with caution simply because of Sandburg's reputation (some deserved, some not) as a careless writer. Plus, there is so much more out there now, that Sandburg remains a "name" but more as a relic than as a real source.

As for Randall, his name is pretty much non-existent. Even though he was known during his lifetime as the most pre-eminent academic historian studying Lincoln, none of his books are in print and others in academia have done much to question many of his conclusions. His "Blundering Generation" thesis is looked upon as outdated, although there are still some adherents even at this late point.

What I find most fascinating about the two men is how well they got along personally and how each influenced the other. Randall was the consummate historian and Sandburg the myth-making poet, but both saw in the other something which brought them together. I've attached my article which appeared in the Journal of Illinois History to give you a better idea of what I mean.

Personally, I would have loved to know both men. Reading through their letters and papers, both were committed to telling Lincoln's story in their own way, but they also knew that they weren't operating in a vacuum. They were just as interesting outside of their intellectual pursuits.

Thanks for asking.

Best
Rob

P.S. I tried to add the article as it actually appeared in the journal, but it seems it is too big. What I've attached is a PDF of the typescript.