Giant in the Shadows

[Joe Di Cola]

Last weekend I started reading Jason Emerson's "Giant in the Shadows" and I just finished it. It was nearly impossible for me to put the book down! And, the book changed my views of Robert T. Lincoln, views that I have owned for 60 years. When Roger Norton had mentioned he was reading the book I sent him a communication in which I expressed that I had never warmed up to Robert and stated a number of reasons. He encouraged me to read Emerson's book, stating that he thought I would, perhaps, change my mind about Lincoln's oldest son. Others who contribute to this forum also mentioned that they were reading the biography and thought it was a well-researched and well-balanced assessment of Robert T. Lincoln. So, I thank Roger and all of you other contributors to this forum for your thoughts on the book since it directly led to my purchase and reading of a great biography. I have come to respect Robert's achievements and, although I still have a few reservations about some of his decisions, such as his hagiogrqaphic approach to how his father's life was recorded and in a few other areas, I much admire him for the way in which he lived his life. As has been said, he turned out as his father had wished for him. It is reported that, when Robert died, former House Speaker Joe Cannon siad, "...The public I do not suppose, ever will come to regard the man at his true worth." Thanks to Jason Emerson I, for one, have come to regard Robert T. Lincoln at his true worth. If you are out there, Jason, thanks for this contribution to the Lincoln literature and for re-educating me about Robert.