Coming Soon! My newest book, Lincoln: The Man Who Saved America, was released by Fall River Press on July 31, 2017. As noted in the prologue:
Lincoln delivered his inaugural address, then was given the presidential oath of office by Chief Justice Roger Taney, whose Dred Scott decision a few years earlier had further divided the nation and enlarged the growing rift between free states and slave states. Lincoln pondered whether he would be able to keep the Union together.
We must not be enemies. We must be friends.
Lincoln tried to reassure the South:
The government will not assail you. You can have no conflict, without yourself being the aggressors.
He pleaded with them not to destroy the vision of the Founders, who established the Constitution “to form a more perfect union.” But he was also firm:
You have no oath registered in Heaven to destroy the government, while I shall have the most solemn one to ‘preserve, protect and defend’ it.
After being sworn into office, Lincoln traveled alone by carriage up muddy Pennsylvania Avenue to the White House. Just over a month later, the Confederate army fired on Fort Sumter in Charleston, South Carolina, beginning the Civil War. The conflict that followed over the next four years would be the bloodiest and most divisive struggle ever faced by America. The responsibility for saving the nation fell squarely on Lincoln.
Here is the Table of Contents to give you an indication of what is covered in the book; essentially, cradle to grave and more.
Prologue
Chapter 1: Kentucky Born, Indiana Raised
Chapter 2: Coming of Age in Illinois
Chapter 3: Beginning a Life in Politics
Chapter 4: Lincoln’s Loves and Family
Chapter 5: Life as a Lawyer
Chapter 6: A House Divided—Slavery on the Rise
Chapter 7: Running for President
Chapter 8: President—The Union Must be Preserved
Chapter 9: From Gettysburg to Reelection
Chapter 10: Of Martyrdom and Legacy
Appendix 1: Timeline
Appendix 2: Selected Resources and Further Reading
Like my Tesla and Edison books, Lincoln: The Man Who Saved America is chock full of period photos, drawings, and other highlights that make the book visually appealing. Reviewers of my previous books have described them as “beautifully illustrated” with “clear, accessible writing.” They have been called “quick to read” and “a fun book” that “appeals to general readers with a wide range of interests” and makes “a perfect gift.” The presentation is designed to make the story of Lincoln come alive for all ages.
Here is a preview.
Look for the book in stores now! Meanwhile, check out my Goodreads author page. While you’re at it, “Like” my Facebook author page for more updates!
David J. Kent is the author of Lincoln: The Man Who Saved America, now available. His previous books include Tesla: The Wizard of Electricity and Edison: The Inventor of the Modern World (both Fall River Press). He has also written two e-books: Nikola Tesla: Renewable Energy Ahead of Its Time and Abraham Lincoln and Nikola Tesla: Connected by Fate.
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