LINCOLN AND CHIEF JUSTICE TANEY Slavery, Secession and the President's War Powers

The intersection of the lives of Supreme Court Justice Roger B. Taney and Abraham Lincoln is best known for their battle over slavery. During the Civil War, clashes also occurred over civilian rights in military courts and presidential war powers---issues relevant to contemporary listeners. Richard Allen delivers detailed courtroom documents with clarity, keeping listeners intrigued as to the next stage in the drama. However, his erratic pronunciation of " Illinois" and a Union general's name is a bit off-putting. Nonetheless, Simon's biographical and educational background on both individuals is conveyed with empathy by Allen, especially his portrait of the aging Taney, beset by family losses and shivering in ill-heated quarters in the basement of the Supreme Court. D.P.D. © AudioFile 2007, Portland, Maine [Published: JUN/ JUL 07]