An exhausting theme

[L Verge]

Since I am not a student of general Lincoln studies, may I ask if a politician or political insider by profession has ever written a book on Lincoln from that perspective? Am I correct in assuming that Sidney's may be a first? I think it might be refreshing to hear what a politician has to say about one of the most complex politicians in American history. Historians' analyses turned me off years ago. David Herbert Donald's book is the only one that I even made a dent in -- and still didn't finish.

I had lunch with Mr. Blumenthal and Dr. Terry Alford over a year ago. Sidney is right in saying that no one except his wife and dog knows what's in his book -- and now, maybe a publisher. We had interesting conversations, but nothing clear cut as to what his views consist of. The only thing concrete was his acceptance of the fact that I can't stand Bill Clinton. He assured me that I would like him if I ever met him. He also has definite views on the assassination of Lincoln - but he never divulged what they are.