The Lincoln Persuasion: Remaking American Liberalism

By J. David Greenstone

Book Overview

In this, his last work, J. David Greenstone provides an important new analysis of American liberalism and of Lincoln's unique contribution to the nation's political life. Greenstone addresses Louis Hartz's well-known claim that a tradition of liberal consensus has characterized American political life from the time of the founders. Although he acknowledges the force of Hartz's thesis, Greenstone nevertheless finds it inadequate for explaining prominent instances of American political discord, most notably the Civil War. Originally published in 1993. The Princeton Legacy Library uses the latest print-on-demand technology to again make available previously out-of-print books from the distinguished backlist of Princeton University Press. These editions preserve the original texts of these important books while presenting them in durable paperback and hardcover editions. The goal of the Princeton Legacy Library is to vastly increase access to the rich scholarly heritage found in the thousands of books published by Princeton University Press since its founding in 1905.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0691037647
• ISBN13: 9780691037646
• Release Date: July 1994
• Publisher: Princeton University Press
• Length: 352 Pages
• Weight: 1.10 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 7.8" x 10.0"

Customer Reviews

political difference arise from polarities within liberalism

The United States may be a liberal nation, but liberal belief differ. This metahistory dissects these philosophic strains, and explain how the liberal viewpoint breeds consensus and contention. Lincoln's philosophy and that of other thinkers are clearly explained. The author conclusions are lucid and explicit making it a joy to follow his reasoning.