Lincoln : Speeches and Writings : 1859-1865 (Library of America)

Abraham Lincoln was the greatest writer of the Civil War as wellas its greatest political leader. His clear, beautiful, and at timesuncompromisingly severe language forever shaped the nations
understanding of its most terrible conflict. This volume, alongwith its companion, Abraham Lincoln: Speeches and Writings 18321858, comprises the mostcomprehensive selection ever published. Over 550 speeches,messages, proclamations, letters, and other writingsincludingthe Inaugural and Gettysburg addresses and the moving condolenceletter to Mrs. Bixbyrecord the words and deeds withwhich Lincoln defended, preserved, and redefined the Union.