Starred review from December 17, 2007
Subtle and nuanced, this study is something of a sequel to Miller's Lincoln's Virtues
. Here he examines Honest Abe's moral and intellectual life while in the White House, prosecuting a bloody war. Miller finds that early in his presidency, Lincoln balanced two strong ethical imperatives—his duty to preserve the union and his determination not to fire the first shots. Of course, Miller also addresses that other great moral challenge: slavery. In short, says Miller, Lincoln believed slavery was “not only profoundly wrong but profoundly wrong specifically as measured by this nation's moral essence,” and he used a terrific amount of political savvy to push through emancipation. But more original is Miller's discussion of what Lincoln thought was at stake in the war. Through a close reading of the president's papers, Miller persuasively argues that Lincoln believed secession would not merely “diminish” or “damage” the United States but would destroy it. That, in turn, was an issue of global import, for if the American experiment failed, free government would not be secure anywhere. Miller has given us one of the most insightful accounts of Lincoln published in recent years.
December 15, 2007
In this meticulous and thoughtful book, the author (scholar in ethics & institutions, Miller Ctr. of Public Affairs, Univ. of Virginia; "Lincoln's Virtues") seeks and defines the occupant of the Executive Mansion who became a leader and a thinker of qualities perhaps never to be seen there again. An absorbing book; for public and academic libraries.
Copyright 2007 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
February 1, 2008
Millers Lincolns Virtues (2002) extolled the qualities of the future president; this companion volume considers Lincolns character in exercising the powers of the presidency. Largely laudatory, Miller treats illustrative Lincoln decisions in the context of Lincolns frequent reference to his duties under the oath of office to preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States. One set of decisions pertains to the pardon power, Lincolns application of which was usually lenient (sparing army deserters) but on occasion stern (hanging a slave trader). But the presidency can be more powerful than its enumerated powers, and in areas where Lincoln dipped into constitutionally murky waters, such as the suspension of habeas corpus or his issuance of the Emancipation Proclamation, Miller shows Lincolnsdedication tohis oath, that is, to preserve the Union against the Confederacy. Historically, this lodestar for Lincoln stokes criticism for his slow pace toward abolishing slavery, but Miller stints no plaudits in defending Lincoln for politically practical rectitude. Also praiseworthy of Lincoln as diplomat and commander-in-chief, Millers examination will hearten Lincoln admirers everywhere.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2008, American Library Association.)