This collection in the words of editor William E. Gienapp is to “provide the most direct record of his [Lincoln] ideas.” Given that Abraham Lincoln was a public individual, as hardly any of his private non-political correspondence survived, his speeches and writings not only shows his progression in eloquence and learn but how his political thoughts developed over the decades from 1831 to the end of his life. Divided into seven chapters separated by years—the first chapter covering the longest period—especially when it came to his years in the White House. Lincoln’s most famous speeches are the obvious highlights of the book, but other speeches and letters are added bonuses. ( )