MR. LINCOLN: THE LIFE OF ABRAHAM LINCOLN

This series of lectures outlining the life of America’s fascinating and complex sixteenth president is straightforward and clear as far as it goes, but it is too short to do even cursory justice to its subject. Rather, we have admirably concise accounts of certain touchstone ideas and events bridged by biographical summaries that give short shrift to Lincoln’s character, personal life, and philosophical development. Professor Guelzo reads from a text rather than improvises from notes. His prose is plain and accessible, his delivery florid, a style that, while hammy, nonetheless helps the listener sustain interest by virtue of its expressive power. Y.R. © AudioFile 2005, Portland, Maine [Published: AUG/SEP 05]