Rise to Greatness: Abraham Lincoln and America's Most Perilous Year
Author(s): David Von Drehle
The electrifying story of Abraham Lincoln's rise to greatness during the most perilous year in our nation's history
As 1862 dawned, the American republic was at death's door. The federal government appeared overwhelmed, the U.S. Treasury was broke, and the Union's top general was gravely ill. The Confederacy--with its booming economy, expert military leadership, and commanding position on the battlefield--had a clear view to victory. To a remarkable extent, the survival of the country depended on the judgment, cunning, and resilience of the unschooled frontier lawyer who had recently been elected president.
Twelve months later, the Civil War had become a cataclysm but the tide had turned. The Union generals who would win the war had at last emerged, and the Confederate Army had suffered the key losses that would lead to its doom. The blueprint of modern America--an expanding colossus of industrial and financial might--had been indelibly inked. And the man who brought the nation through its darkest hour, Abraham Lincoln, had been forged into a singular leader.
In "Rise to Greatness," acclaimed author David Von Drehle has created both a deeply human portrait of America's greatest president and a rich, dramatic narrative about our most fateful year.
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"Von Drehle's polished style and sense of drama will appeal to general readers interested in this formative time in American history... Von Drehle makes a strong case that Lincoln's remarkable development both as a military strategist and as a political genius occurred during [1862], laying the groundwork for eventual Union triumph."--"Library Journal"
"Von Drehle has chosen a critical year ('the most eventful year in American history' and the year Lincoln rose to greatness), done his homework, and written a spirited account."--" Publishers Weekly"
"With his keen journalist's eye for detail, and the surefooted feel of an historian, David Von Drehle has produced an enthralling book. "Rise to Greatness "is a marvelous and important story, marvelously told."-Jay Winik, author of "April 1865"
"Von Drehle has chosen a critical year ('the most eventful year in American history' and the year Lincoln rose to greatness), done his homework, and written a spirited account."--" Publishers Weekly"
""Rise to Greatness" is a terrific read packed with fascinating facts that add color to a powerful depiction of the Civil War's second year. The narrative is driven by Lincoln's movement toward freedom for the slaves and his growing disenchantment with General McClellan, climaxed by the general's removal from command and the president's issuance of the Emancipation Proclamation."--James M. McPherson, author of "Battle Cry of Freedom"
"In the perilous year leading up to the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation, Abraham Lincoln had to maneuver against his own generals and cabinet officers while fending off dark forces desiring disunion or dictatorship. By succeeding, as David von Drehle shows in this fascinating narrative, Lincoln saved the Union and redefined the American presidency. This is not only an important work of history but also a valuable manual on leadership."--Walter Isaacson, author of "Einstein "and "Steve Jobs"
""Rise to Greatness" is a fascinating and
David von Drehle is the author of three previous books, including the award-winning "Triangle," a history of the Triangle shirtwaist factory fire that "The New York Times" called "social history at its best." An editor-at-large at "Time" magazine, he and his family live in Kansas City, Missouri.""
General Fields
- :
- : Henry Holt & Company
- : Henry Holt & Company
- : 0.703
- : 29 October 2012
- : 240mm X 163mm X 39mm
- : United States
- : books
Special Fields
- : David Von Drehle
- : Hardback
- : 1012
- : 973.7092
- : 480
- : illustrations