Starred review from July 28, 2008
Given the importance of Lincoln's role as commander-in-chief to the nation's very survival, says McPherson, this role has been underexamined. McPherson (Battle Cry of Freedom
), the doyen of Civil War historians, offers firm evidence of Lincoln's military effectiveness in this typically well-reasoned, well-presented analysis. Lincoln exercised the right to take any necessary measures to preserve the union and majority rule, including violating longstanding civil liberties (though McPherson considers the infringements milder than those adopted by later presidents). As McPherson shows, Lincoln understood the synergy of political and military decision-making; the Emancipation Proclamation, for instance, harmonized the principles of union and freedom with a strategy of attacking the crucial Confederate resource of slave labor. Lincoln's commitment to linking policy and strategy made him the most hands-on American commander-in-chief; he oversaw strategy and offered operational advice, much of it shrewd and perceptive. Lincoln may have been an amateur of war, but McPherson successfully establishes him as America's greatest war leader.
Starred review from January 15, 2009
Pulitzer® Prize-winning Civil War historian McPherson (Battle Cry of Freedom) concentrates here on Lincoln's performance as a largely self-taught military strategist. Obie® Award-winning actor/narrator George Guidall's performance is expressive, straightforward, persuasive, and lucid; he fades into the background so that listeners are carried along by the tale without entirely realizing his role in directing the journey. Highly recommended for history collections in public and academic libraries. [Audio clip available through us.penguingroup.comLJ 9/1/08; February 12 marks the bicentennial of Lincoln's birth.Ed.]Don Wismer, formerly with Cary Memorial Lib., Wayne, ME
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