Lincoln Discussion Symposium

Full Version: "The Problem With Lincoln"?
You're currently viewing a stripped down version of our content. View the full version with proper formatting.
Just came across this unusual book, out last year (The Problem With Lincoln by Thomas J. DiLorenzo), and wondered if anyone on this board had seen it, read it, or had thoughts about it:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/168451018X/ref...UTF8&psc=1
DiLorenzo does not look upon Lincoln as favorably as most other Lincoln biographer's do.

"He overturned our original constitutional order, violated the rights of Americans both North and South, massively inflated the federal government, and plunged the nation into a wholly unnecessary war. Why? Not to free the slaves, as his hagiographers would have you believe, but out of personal ambition, greed for power, and, incidentally, to enrich the railroad interests that supported his political career." (from Amazon book description)
Tom, I have a book by Thomas DiLorenzo entitled A New Look at Abraham Lincoln, His Agenda, and an Unnecessary War. The book gives a very negative view of Lincoln and his policies. I recall, many years ago, Ed Steers wrote a series of refutations regarding DiLorenzo's Lincoln criticisms, but I do not know if Ed's thoughts are online or not. I have forgotten where I read them. This was long ago (15+ years I think).
Have not read it but students of Lincoln are familiar with him, of course. He should not be summarily be dismissed. If we are to be serious students of history we must weigh all viewpoints and come to our conclusions about them. I personally know his viewpoints from reading his previous works and don’t agree with most of them- but at least I can say I have read them.
Here's a link to a review of one of his previous Lincoln books:

https://claremontreviewofbooks.com/dishonest-about-abe/
Reference URL's