Would welcome a book recommendation

[Rob Wick]

David,

I know it might be hard for someone like you who hero-worships Lincoln to understand this, but it is possible to look at Lincoln as a mere human being bound by the same laws of life that other mere mortals must endure. Lincoln's words and actions would have ensured that he would be forever known and admired, but yes, it was his murder that set that in stone. Read William Hanchett's first chapter in his book on Lincoln's assassination if you can get over the fact that someone would write that before his murder Lincoln was hated.

So my source added a word. Like I really care.

This is where I get off. I've already wasted too much time and I have more important things to do.

Best
Rob

[David Lockmiller]

(07-26-2022 08:35 PM)Rob Wick Wrote:  David,

I know it might be hard for someone like you who hero-worships Lincoln to understand this, but it is possible to look at Lincoln as a mere human being bound by the same laws of life that other mere mortals must endure. Lincoln's words and actions would have ensured that he would be forever known and admired, but yes, it was his murder that set that in stone. Read William Hanchett's first chapter in his book on Lincoln's assassination if you can get over the fact that someone would write that before his murder Lincoln was hated.

So my source added a word. Like I really care.

This is where I get off. I've already wasted too much time and I have more important things to do.

Best
Rob

We agree: "Lincoln's words and actions would have ensured that he would be forever known and admired."

[David Lockmiller]

(07-26-2022 08:35 PM)Rob Wick Wrote:  David,

I know it might be hard for someone like you who hero-worships Lincoln to understand this, but it is possible to look at Lincoln as a mere human being bound by the same laws of life that other mere mortals must endure.

Best
Rob

Rob, have you ever noticed any change in the photographs of President Lincoln's face from the time of his first inauguration as President to his second inauguration as President? It appears to me that this particular mere human being endured a lot of suffering.

[Dave Bruce]

There's a composite that we've all seen showing photos of Lincoln during his presidency and identifying the year each photo was taken.
Very striking. You're right about the drastic changes in his appearance.

[Rob Wick]

(07-27-2022 11:59 AM)David Lockmiller Wrote:  

(07-26-2022 08:35 PM)Rob Wick Wrote:  David,

I know it might be hard for someone like you who hero-worships Lincoln to understand this, but it is possible to look at Lincoln as a mere human being bound by the same laws of life that other mere mortals must endure.

Best
Rob

Rob, have you ever noticed any change in the photographs of President Lincoln's face from the time of his first inauguration as President to his second inauguration as President? It appears to me that this particular mere human being endured a lot of suffering.

More than the mother and father whose son was killed or the widow who had to raise children on her own? It doesn't insult Lincoln to call him merely mortal. Making him into a demigod does far more damage.

Best
Rob

[RJNorton]

(07-27-2022 12:12 PM)Dave B Wrote:  There's a composite that we've all seen showing photos of Lincoln during his presidency and identifying the year each photo was taken.
Very striking. You're right about the drastic changes in his appearance.

I am not sure if this is the one you refer to, but here's an example:

http://www.civilwarprofiles.com/wp-conte...ln-Age.jpg

[Dave Bruce]

That's the one. Thank you.

[David Lockmiller]

(07-27-2022 12:58 PM)Rob Wick Wrote:  It doesn't insult Lincoln to call him merely mortal. Making him into a demigod does far more damage.

Best
Rob

Pray tell us, Rob, how have I contributed into making President Abraham Lincoln into a demigod (by definition, a mythological being who is partly divine and partly human; an inferior deity)?

David

[Rob Wick]

David,

There aren't enough hours in the day to explain to someone who will never listen. Like everyone you are free to live your life however you see fit. I'm moving on since I have a life.

Best
Rob

[RJNorton]

(07-25-2022 06:10 PM)Rob Wick Wrote:  It was not for nothing that Merrill Peterson entitled the first chapter of his book Lincoln in American Memory with the word "apotheosis."

Dave, although it's not exactly what you are looking for, I would definitely recommend Merrill Peterson's book. The website of the Abraham Lincoln Book Shop says of it: "A fascinating history of Lincoln’s place in the American imagination from the hour of his death to the present*, tracing the changing image of Lincoln through time by exploring the reminiscences, biographies, memorials and myths."

*(The book was published in 1994.)

[Dave Bruce]

Excellent recommendation. Thank you both.

---

And actually, that book may be better than what I thought I was looking for.

[Gene C]

(07-28-2022 02:40 PM)RJNorton Wrote:  Dave, although it's not exactly what you are looking for, I would definitely recommend Merrill Peterson's book. The website of the Abraham Lincoln Book Shop says of it: "A fascinating history of Lincoln’s place in the American imagination from the hour of his death to the present*, tracing the changing image of Lincoln through time by exploring the reminiscences, biographies, memorials and myths."

I also thank you and Rob for the book recommendation.
I have enjoyed reading some of the children's and teens books about Lincoln and have noticed a change in how his life story is told over the years. The same change is also evident in books for the adult audience, but was more noticeable in the children's books.