Lincoln's Letters

The Private Man and the Warrior

By: Abraham Lincoln

Narrated by: George Vail

Length: 2 hrs and 40 mins

Publisher's Summary

This collection of Lincoln's letters gives us a glimpse into the inner self of a great American president. After a brief autobiography, the letters appear chronologically, beginning with his courtship and early political life and continuing into the presidency. In these letters, Lincoln reveals his private side. His letter to Mrs. Orville Browning is a parody of his rejected proposal. In the letter to John T. Stuart, he reveals his depression at breaking his engagement with Mary Todd, with whom he is later reconciled and eventually marries. In letters to his friend, Joshua Speed, he laments the loss of resolve, the "chief gem" of his character. The letters to generals and statesmen give us insight into Lincoln as a commander and deepen our understanding of the Civil War. Beautifully performed by George Vail, this program provides a unique insight into the man, the times, and the making of this country.

(P) and ©1994 Commuter's Library

Critic Reviews

• Winner of Publishers Weekly Audio: Best of the Year 1995, Historical Works.

"George Vail's resonant voice captures the nuances of the letters with smooth expression....He reflects Lincoln's warmth, humor, and steel with assurance." (AudioFile)

Pass

Narrator is real Dry hard to listen to. Content not that interesting. Team of Rivals, Lincolns Melancholy or Lincoln on Leadership are much better.

The articulation of the letters is awesome

The articulation of the letters of President Lincoln are while written. It is very easy to see that he is a extremely intelligent man.

Most boring book ever!

I really thought this was going to be more interesting. Maybe it’s my own fault for not doing more research into this but these letters are not fascinating and the narrator sounded like those mono tone educational videos from the 80’s we all hated and tuned out. Luckily I didn’t waste a whole credit on this and only paid the $7. I suppose if you are a huge history buff and know all about this era you’d enjoy this but someone who was hoping to learn more I got nothing out of this.

Excellent in every way!

You really believe Honest Abe is reading a the letter of this life and times.