Lincoln in Private

[Gene C]

Informative review Rob.

I didn't care for this book
Most of these 111 notes or fragments were of little or no interest to me.

One of the first "fragments is titled "Fragments regarding a tariff discussion"
In White's book it is a nine and half page fragment? I'll acknowledge it is an important document in looking at Lincoln's critical thinking on an important and complicated subject, but unless you are a student of economics, it's quite dry. I tried a couple of times to wade through with limited success. it just didn't hold my attention. Plus there was no analysis or comment by White explaining the historical circumstances or importance of this 9 page fragment.

Of the 111 fragments, about 50 of them have to do with political appointments for military or public service. Most of these were very brief notes. This one a little more interesting.
"To-day Mrs. Major Paul of the Regular Army calls and urges the appointment of her husband to a Brig. Genl. She is a saucy woman and I am afraid she will keep tormenting me till I may have to do it."

Of the ten chapters that were about 10 specific fragments, in my opinion these provide some personal reflection especially on his views on slavery and his "Meditation of the Divine Will". However, most of these "reflections" do not provide much new information or insight and can be found in other books, so I was disappointed.

It's easily available in bookstores and online bookstores
https://www.amazon.com/Lincoln-Private-P...d_swatch_0
I wouldn't give it as high a rating as Amazon reviewers