Description: Based on deep consultation of seldom-examined primary sources, this third volume in Richard Lawrence Miller's massive Lincoln biography follows Lincoln's long effort to win a seat in Congress, his activity there, and his return to Illinois--chastened by his Washington experience. Topics include: Lincoln's anti-slavery efforts in Congress; the popularity of his stance against the Mexican War (which, contrary to common belief, didn't significantly harm his political reputation); his support of Zachary Taylor's presidential campaign and his subsequent efforts to win a patronage job from the Taylor White House; his political activities after returning to Illinois; and his generally happy home life with Mary and his sons. Throughout the work, a new portrait emerges of Lincoln as a canny politician, making his own luck by striking swiftly and strongly when opportunities arose.
Brief description: Richard Lawrence Miller is a retired community organizer and public radio producer. He lives in Kansas City, Missouri.
Review Quotes: About the series: "Miller has done a formidable amount of reading in the Lincoln literature, as well as fine-combing the Illinois newspapers for previously unknown material"-Civil War News; "has great value and is distinctive"-Civil War Book Review; "brings the world of Lincoln and the early western frontier to life"-Patricia L. Goitein, Editor, Galena Trail newsletter; "Miller succeeds in his goal of laying out for all time the documentary record of Lincoln's political actions"-Civil War Studies; "abundant new information...a massive infusion of new material on Lincoln's initiation into politics and his rise to a position of leadership...survey of Illinois newspapers for these years is beyond anything previously attempted...another impressive feat is Miller's mining of the political handbill collection...an invaluable contribution"-Journal of American History; "full of revelations"-Popmatters.com.