This will be a short review because there have been so many posts of late related to this book. I’ll just give my overall thoughts. I really enjoyed this book. I had not tried to tackle a history / biography book in a long while and this really was good.
I loved the political and biographical backdrop of Lincoln and some of his competitors for the Republican Nomination for President. The circumstances and politics that led to Lincoln’s nomination were fascinating to me and it really gives a lot of insight into the state of the nation in the mid-19th century.
The insights into Lincoln’s leadership of his cabinet were also great. Mostly drawn from personal letters and correspondence, the narrative has a really authentic and personal feel. You get a sense of people’s real feelings and thoughts – sometimes quite unfiltered. I walked away with an appreciation of the caliber of leaders that Lincoln surrounded himself and for what they accomplished.
Gideon Welles, sec. of the navy, practically built a world class navy in 4 years. Montgomery Blair, postmaster general, did unbelievable work in upgrading and adapting the U.S. postal system to meet the demands of the Civil War given the importance of quick and expedient communication for troop moral and civil stability. (I’m adding a later note here: I saw today a brief tribute to Blair in the post office museum on the 2nd floor of the functional post office at Franklin Court today in Philly. Blair really did great work.) Salmon Chase as the treasury secretary worked miracles to fund the war and keep the country financed. This was a huge necessity for the effort to preserve the union. Finally, Sec. of War Edwin Stanton really masterfully orchestrated the war effort in ways unheard of. These guys stepped up to the plate when the circumstances required great leaders to give great leadership. When one looks at all of what was developed during the Civil War, during Lincoln’s Presidency, it’s really unbelievable.
I walk away blown away by the complexity of the times of this era and by Lincoln’s fierce resolve and humility in dealing with both friends and foes. I do walk away with insights into leadership, though I mostly walk away humbled by the ways in which God’s grace was evident to the country even in a very dark and ominous time. I learned a lot, most of which I’m very grateful for. If you’re looking for a 750 page historical and presidential biography, then this book is for you 🙂
