The Lincoln-Douglas Debates

By: Abraham Lincoln, Stephen Douglas

Narrated by: David Strathairn, Richard Dreyfuss

This Star-Studded New Recording Brings to Life a History Changing Political Battle!

The Lincoln-Douglas Debates made history and changed its course through seven legendary match-ups between Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglas during the 1858 Illinois senatorial race. Although he lost the election, Lincoln's gift for oratory and his anti-slavery stance made him a nationally known figure, and led to his election to the presidency in 1860.

Never before presented in audio, these debates and great statesmen are brought to life by narrators Richard Dreyfuss (Douglas) and David Strathairn (Lincoln). Perfectly timed for the Lincoln Bincentennial celebrations, The Lincoln-Douglas Debates provide a soundtrack to a nation discovering its better self.

©2009 BBC Audiobooks America; 2009 the Abraham Lincoln Association

An Outstanding Audio Experience

For those who are truly interesting in having a concise and thorough understanding of American history, specifically that of the political sentiments of slavery leading into the Civil War, this is a must-listen!

Wow, what a great listen!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

If I had a friend that loved US history or Civil War history, I would tell him/her that this is an absolute must to read and to listen to.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Lincoln-Douglas Debates?

When Abraham Lincoln methodically explains the role of the Declaration of Independence, and his view of the Founding Fathers gradual emancipation, I was mesmerized.

Have you listened to any of David Strathairn and Richard Dreyfuss ’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I don't believe I have ever listened to David Strathairn or Richard Dreyfuss before, however, their performance was perfect for this audio book. Their voices and performance will forever be what I think Abraham Lincoln's and Steven Douglas's voices actually sounded like.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I wish I could have listened to this book in one sitting, but instead listened to this book on my commute to work every morning.

Any additional comments?

This is a used audible credit well worth it.

Powerful

I have heard about the Lincoln Douglas debate's for years. It always seem like something I should read, but I never got around to it. But when I heard about this audio adaptation, that included two of my favorite actors voices, I had to listen to it. I was not disappointed. I learned A lot about what Lincoln thought and how he used the debates to communicate to the people and to move the United States toward emancipation. I have even
more respect for Abraham Lincoln.

execellent performance

Finally an audio book that exceeds expectation. Im a stickler for tempo & pace,
this one though, just a touch faster than my mind likes to operate, is pretty close
to perfect. I thoroughly enjoyed the performance, kudu's to both Lincoln & Douglas.

It would also be good to have had some background study of the Lincoln Douglas Debates
to fully appreciate the audio book, I can recommend the Great Courses class/DVD's
Lincoln - In His Own Words as a nice complement to this.

I think any reader/listener interested in this topic will thoroughly enjoy this audio book.

Pretty Amazing

It’s incredible to think stenographers recorded this and these were the actual words of Lincoln and Douglas from the 1880s. Some jarring. Much fascinating. All very interesting. Dreyfus is tremendous!