Next clue. While this person is well known for academic writing, he also has a reputation for cultural commentary as well.
Best
Rob
Next clue. The person in question teaches at the same school that Wilson graduated from.
Best
Rob
Steve got it. It is Sean Wilentz. I came across Wilentz in doing research for my next article. I found that in 2007 he had delivered remarks on Sandburg's work at a New York conference. I emailed Wilentz and was pleasantly surprised when he responded and provided me with his notes. In looking it over, I will definitely use Wilentz's work in conjunction with my own. I find it somewhat ironic that Wilentz defends Sandburg given that he once wrote a scathing review of David McCullough's book on John Adams.
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Rob
Sometime in 1930 Carl Sandburg wrote a letter to Lloyd Lewis in which he wrote, "He was a poet, artist, dreamer, son of a gun, hellraiser, redheaded fiddler, farmer, inventor, politician. And I think his fame is the answer to the point that Lincoln died at just the right time."
Who was Sandburg writing about?
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Rob
Sorry Roger, but it isn't Twain.
Clue: This person lived before Sandburg.
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Rob
Sorry Steve, but it isn't Young.
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Rob
I agree with Wild Bill--Thomas Jefferson.
Bill and Susan are correct. It is Jefferson. Later today I will put up more of the letter.
Best
Rob
In the letter that Sandburg wrote to Lewis, he started out "Jefferson is the only other President of the USA I can think of who would draw out of me the same drudgery, and sustain me thru it, as Lincoln does." After the comment he made about Lincoln dying "at the right time" Sandburg wrote "somehow if Lincoln had rounded out a natural life his personality would have been or become the sort of legend and tradition Jefferson is."
One wonders what it would have been like if Sandburg has turned his attention ot Jefferson after finishing the Lincoln biography.
Best
Rob
This is a two-parter. Read the following:
I want your Photograph--I want it at once--There is no use in your saying you 'will probably send it to me--' I must have it--I cant do without it and I dont intend to do without it--I must have it, if it costs me a trip to [redacted] and a race with Blood hounds to chace you down and then carry you to town with these strong arms and hold you until we can get your darned old phiz in type.
First, to whom was this written?
Second, who was the writer?
First clue: It was not Sandburg.
Best
Rob