Lincoln Before Washington

The New York Times Book Review has called Douglas L. Wilson "theleading historian on the young and private Lincoln." The provocativeselections in this book address topics as disparate as William H. Herndonand his informants, Lincoln's favorite poem, his mysterious broken engagement,the text of his debates with Stephen A. Douglas, and a previously unknownassault on Peter Cartwright. They also provide a fresh look at some ofthe affinities between Lincoln and Thomas Jefferson."Impressive! Especially significant is Wilson's comment in his prefacethat he has come at Lincoln through the 'back door.' I am convinced thatthis approach can bring to light insights that may not appear to the dedicatedLincoln scholars, who often see Lincoln out of context." -- RobertW. Johannsen, author of The Frontier, the Union, and Stephen A. Douglas