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Reviews
| "First Among Equals": Abraham Lincoln's Reputation During His Administration. By Hans L. Trefousse. (New York: Fordham University Press, 2005. Pp. xiv, 199. Notes, index. $27.95.)
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Biographies of Abraham Lincoln and histories of the Civil War sympathetic to Lincoln emphasize the enormous obstacles that had to be overcome in order to maintain political control of the Union and win the war, when, even in the North, many individuals and groups were dissatisfied, and some even disaffected. Antiwar Democrats, fervent abolitionists, brilliant but unstable journalists, profit-seekers, and bunglers continually threatened the success of President Lincoln and his shaky coalition, while the Confederate armies fought heroically to prevent Union victory. This nicely organized and clearly written study reminds us that Lincoln always had strong support from key figures in Congress, the press, the clergy, and even among the abolitionists—especially after the Emancipation Proclamation. Among those supporters were men and women who appreciated Lincoln's exceptional qualities of mind and heart; comparisons to George Washington began appearing early in his presidency. Indeed, Trefousse begins his study by noting the considerable number of Americans who saw presidential potential in Lincoln before the nominating convention in May, 1860—first in Illinois, then in the middle west, and finally in New York and New England. The book is divided into six chapters, proceeding chronologically from Lincoln's nomination through each year of his presidency to the virtually simultaneous end of the war and his life. |
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More often than not, public declarations in favor of Lincoln were replies to public attacks. For that reason, Trefousse gives more than token mention of the people who railed against Lincoln and their reasons for doing so. The book therefore serves as an account of the public debate over the character and effectiveness of Lincoln throughout his presidency. Trefousse proves that virtually everything said in praise of Lincoln's presidency after his death had also been said while he was alive. The seeming growth of his reputation after 1865 was a result of his martyrdom, combined with the relative silencing of his enemies and rivals. |
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This is the eighteenth book written, co-authored, or edited by Hans Trefousse. Eleven, including this one, illuminate the era of the Civil War and Reconstruction. |
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