Herndon on Lincoln: Letters

[Rob Wick]

Gene (and everyone else),

Here is the detailed information on the book I mentioned in the Lincoln/syphilis thread.

https://www.press.uillinois.edu/books/ca...39812.html

The book is part of the Knox College Lincoln collection, which has made a name for itself in presenting solid research and annotations on classic Lincoln works. Anyone familiar with Douglas Wilson and Rodney Davis know they are not as skeptical of Herndon as many others. In order to bring Herndon's valuable material to a larger audience, they first brought out Herndon's Informants. Their next project in this process was the annotated version of Herndon's biography. This book is the first of a two-volume series of Herndon's writing. This, as the title states, is Herndon's letters. The next volume will include Herndon's lectures and other previously unpublished items. I've not heard of a potential date of publication, but you can rest assured I will be one of the first to buy it.

The editors mention they brought out the book in order to correct many of the mistakes in Emanuel Hertz's collection of Herndon material in The Hidden Lincoln. I make no secret of my deep admiration of both men (Wilson kindly provided me with the manuscript copy of a speeh he gave on Tarbell at Allegheny College several years ago). Much of that stems from my support of their desire to restore Herndon as a trusted source on Lincoln's life. They don't approach the subject blindly, and are quite serious about keeping bad information out of the record, but ever since the Springfield clique of Randall, Angle, Thomas, etc., made Herndon toxic waste, much of the wheat has been tossed out with the chaff.

The first volume is now in paperback.

Best
Rob