Point of View

Perspective

Two perspectives should be discussed: that of the compiler and editor, William Gienapp, and that of Abraham Lincoln himself.

Gienapp was a well-respected Professor of History at Harvard University. He was noted as an authority on nineteenth century America and particularly the Civil War, so he was particularly appropriate to edit this collection of Lincoln's writings. At the same time This Fiery Trial was published (2002), he also released a full biography of Abraham Lincoln.

Gienapp has the benefit of decades of scholarly work on the Civil War and Lincoln, and is thus able to provide an overall historical perspective on the various correspondences. He chose letters and addresses which he felt were particularly revealing, and which tell a story of the Civil War and the significant part Lincoln played. Gienapp is also able to relate to the modern reader. For example, he points out that...