THE GETTYSBURG GOSPEL The Lincoln Speech that Nobody Knows

At Gettysburg, the stench of the unburied dead, masses of uncontrolled crowds, and sprees of drunken revelry preceded the Great Emancipator's dedication of that hallowed ground. The author portrays the milieu of Gettysburg in November of 1863, following the great battle. Michael Kramer matches his narration to the mood of the event--somber, respectful, and measured. He alters his voice for some of the quotations without any awkwardness. While he doesn't attempt to create a character specific to Lincoln, he handles the president's folksiness and oratory equally well. After hearing the author's analysis of the intricacies of Lincoln's address, listeners finally get to hear the Kramer's rendition of the most famous speech in American history--delivered, surprisingly, as if by a detached bystander. J.A.H. © AudioFile 2007, Portland, Maine [Published: DEC 07/ JAN 08]