The Presidency of Abraham Lincoln

[Eva Elisabeth]

...by Philip Shaw Paludan.

In my latest Lincoln literature addition, "100 Essential Lincoln Books" I was pleased to find Paludan's book to be included by Michael Burkhimer as it one of my favorites, too. Since I cannot remember it being mentioned on this forum, I would like to do this now.

As the title suggests, Paludan portraits Abraham Lincoln's presidency while he "eschews all attempts at finding the inner Lincoln. Instead, he emphasizes Lincoln's actions as president as well as his political thought."

Paludan examines the constitutional background to the Civil War, northern politics and society before and during the war, and how these influences shaped Lincoln.

Also, the author points at Lincoln's successful handling of economy, essential as ensuring the North was wealthy enough to win the war, and his
skills as party leader and shaper of public opinion.

I found it highly readable and second Mr. Burkhimer in considering it essential on a Lincoln bookshelf.