Lincoln in His Own Words - Softcover

Meltzer, Milton

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1328895742 ISBN 13: 9781328895745

Publisher: Clarion Books, 2018

Synopsis

Get to know one of the greatest presidents in American history, Abraham Lincoln, through his speeches, writings, and letters. Author Milton Meltzer provides historical context for Lincoln's words, and dramatic illustrations by Stephen Alcorn complete this handsome volume, now available in paperback.

A renowned orator and writer, Abraham Lincoln believed in speaking plainly so every American could understand the complicated issues affecting the country. His simple but elegant words are a testament to his unfailing dedication to the ideals of freedom, equality, and justice upon which America was founded.

In this comprehensive collection of Lincoln’s writings—from the Emancipation Proclamation to the compassionate and often humorous letters to family and friends—historian Milton Meltzer provides a rare personal glimpse into the life of the man behind the legendary words, with bold linocuts by illustrator Stephen Alcorn.

About this title

About the Author

Milton Meltzer (1915–2009) was the author of 110 books, five of which were nominated for the National Book Award. With Langston Hughes, he coauthored A Pictorial History of African Americans, now in its sixth edition. He received the 2001 Laura Ingalls Wilder Award for his contribution to children's literature, the 1986 Jane Addams Peace Association Children's Book Award, and the 2000 Regina Medal. He lived in New York City.
 

Stephen Alcorn is an acclaimed painter and printmaker who has created artwork for a number of anthologies and picture books, including Let It Shine: Stories of Black Women Freedom Fighters by Andrea Davis Pinkney, and I, Too, Sing America: Three Centuries of African American Poetry by Catherine Clinton. He lives in Cambridge, New York. Visit Stephen Alcorn at alcorngallery.com.
 

From Kirkus Reviews

Describing Lincoln as ``one of the greatest masters of the English language,'' Meltzer lets him speak eloquently for himself, skillfully selecting passages from Lincoln's speeches, letters, and other writings to characterize the man, follow the development of his ideas, and exemplify his achievements. Roughly half the words here are Lincoln's, with Meltzer's commentary setting them in context with enough specific events, telling details, and lucid interpretation to make this a fine biography, as well as a compilation of beautifully balanced prose substantiating Meltzer's assessment of Lincoln as a ``great mind and...noble spirit''--a political realist whose determination to save the Union was always informed by his compassion for the slaves. Included are 14 ``Brief Profiles of Lincoln's Contemporaries,'' significant figures from Jefferson to Grant- -writers, abolitionists, politicians; their portraits are among the many striking full-page linocuts adorning this handsome volume. Alcorn's art is a mixed success: some of his fanciful depictions of the era are clumsy or obscure, but, overall, they're moving and sometimes decorative. His portraits, too, are not equally effective, but at their best they are powerful and telling. An excellent illustrator's note elucidates Alcorn's philosophy and aims; a lengthy chronology samples contemporaneous political and social history; there's also a fine note on sources; index. A splendid book, for every library. (Nonfiction. 12+) -- Copyright ©1993, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.

About this edition

• Publisher: Clarion Books
• Publication date: 2018
• ISBN 10: 1328895742
• ISBN 13: 9781328895745
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 240
• Illustrator: Alcorn Stephen