Lincoln on the Verge

Thirteen Days to Washington

De: Ted Widmer

Narrado por: Fred Sanders, Ted Widmer

Winner of the Lincoln Forum Book Prize

“A Lincoln classic...superb.” ­(The Washington Post)

“A book for our time.” (Doris Kearns Goodwin)

Lincoln on the Verge tells the dramatic story of America’s greatest president discovering his own strength to save the Republic. As a divided nation plunges into the deepest crisis in its history, Abraham Lincoln boards a train for Washington and his inauguration - an inauguration Southerners have vowed to prevent. Lincoln on the Verge charts these pivotal 13 days of travel, as Lincoln discovers his power, speaks directly to the public, and sees his country up close. Drawing on new research, this riveting account reveals the president-elect as a work in progress, showing him on the verge of greatness, as he foils an assassination attempt, forges an unbreakable bond with the American people, and overcomes formidable obstacles in order to take his oath of office.

©2020 Ted Widmer (P)2020 Simon & Schuster Audio

Great Lincoln info

I am pretty sure that you will find a lot of interesting information about Abraham Lincoln that you have not seen or heard before. I found it very interesting to see how significant people interacted with Lincoln in someway. The narration is excellent.

Superb book fit for the legacy of Abraham Lincoln

Great story of a great man, Abraham Lincoln will live on thru the ages for being one history's greatest men who ever lived, this compelling tale helps explain why the sentiment is so. A must listen for one who loves a great story, great flow, and a amazing story of courage and leadership.

Prepare To Be Transported To 160 Years Ago

I couldn't stop listening to this insightful portrait of the rarest of men and his impacts upon the nation both in his own time and upon the future. The rich description of the integrity, courage, sacrifices, and vision of Mr Lincoln, and the vivid pictures of a fractured nation of deeply divided people of 1860/1861 produce a better understanding of how the country ended up in self-slaughter.

This is also a cautionary tale for the current time, to be sure.

Why Lynn Cheney reas

I recall that she was seen reding this book and the author called she found it helpful to stay the course while she received death threats as did Lincoln, not then but now the ostensible icon of the GOP MY great grandfather and his dad both enlisted then Lincoln was fighting for the need to honor and follow the declaration of Ondpendence. We are a nation of DEI, diversity, equalityt and and inclusion.we see now white, Christian nationalism. I wish the presidential candidates could recite Jefferson’s words an Washington’s letter in the opening of the Tuoro Washington promised the synagogue more than mere religious tolerance, explaining that "It is now no more that toleration is spoken of as if it were the indulgence of one class of people that another enjoyed the exercise of their inherent natural rights."

Inspiring and fascinating!

I loved the many stories Widmer told around the 13 days of Lincoln’s journey to inauguration. We all know the fact that he was inaugurated, but Widmer tells the story of the amazing and interconnected journey to make it happen. I have admired Lincoln as have so many around the world, but to read Widmer’s book is to feel like an insider to Lincoln’s life and mission. An inspiring and humbling story!

Setting the Stage for a New President

A good telling of the Lincoln trip to Washington DC, but a little slow. Addressed Lincoln thoughts about Africian Americans well, but did not shed any information on why he did not honor Native Americans at all. New information about his attitude of accepting the risks of injury. Also details about the security on the trip

Great Listen

Couldn't stop listening. Awesome history of the areas visited during Lincoln's journey. So good I'm going to listen again.

Clever idea

Narration is clear and subdued, perhaps too much so.

The information is fascinating and sequencing chapters in the order of train stops made is clever.

Great book

The book was insightful, relating a piece of history we should always remember and pass on.
But the reading was jerky and difficult to listen to. I would appreciate a smoother read.

A perfect book for polarized times.

If you are very concerned about our current polarization, this book is a must listen/read. In detailing Lincoln's 13 day railroad trip from Illinois to his first inauguration in Washington DC, Widmer perfectly describes America in 1861 through the rigors of what Lincoln endured in just getting to his inauguration. The threats, the assassination attempts, the vitriol, the hatred, the fear of violence, the violence itself, the description of the February 1861 insurrection which is eerily similar to January 6 --all are recognizable in today's partisan environment. While our democracy survived the Civil War, due in no small part to Lincoln's moral and political leadership, it is hard to understand whether today's democracy will survive the threats to it coming largely from the old confederacy. In this book, one comes to comprehend the Civil War never really ended -- its passions may have lain dormant but they sadly have been rekindled by the political party Lincoln represented. One can only imagine his shame if he could see what false prophets have done to the idea of freedom he sacrificed his life for. An excellent listen and read. (I bought the book too.)