Lincoln before Washington

The New York Times Book Review has called Douglas L. Wilson ''the leading historian on the young and private Lincoln.'' The provocative selections in this book address topics as disparate as William H. Herndon and his informants, Lincoln's favorite poem, his mysterious broken engagement, the text of his debates with Stephen A. Douglas, and a previously unknown assault on Peter Cartwright. They also provide a fresh look at some of the affinities between Lincoln and Thomas Jefferson.''Impressive! Especially significant is Wilson's comment in his preface that he has come at Lincoln through the 'back door.' I am convinced that this approach can bring to light insights that may not appear to the dedicated Lincoln scholars, who often see Lincoln out of context.'' -- Robert W. Johannsen, author of The Frontier, the Union, and Stephen A. Douglas