Lincoln on War

Holzer's selection of Lincoln's speeches, letters, memoranda, telegrams, orders, and private statements on war reveal a president much interested in war and not afraid of it, a leader who was at once farsighted and often practical. Lincoln grasped the importance of grand strategy, became an excellent judge of military men, and remained open to new ideas. In Holzer's estimation, these writings deserve attention because words were essential for galvanizing support for the Union cause, for emancipation, and for communicating effectively to insure coordinated military action. Lincoln gave people substantive and even soaring reasons to fight and die for the Union, democratic government, and "a new birth of freedom." As relevant today as during America's "ordeal by fire" and highly recommended to all interested readers.