Tried by War

TRIED BY WAR is a prime example of an excellent text in the capable hands of an award-winning narrator. Author McPherson manages to find a unique perspective on the Lincoln presidency as he explores Lincoln's role and effectiveness as commander-in-chief during the Civil War. Burdened as he was with generals either reluctant or unable to perform, Lincoln was forced to learn military strategy and to conduct much of the war from the White House. McPherson also draws an intimate portrait of Lincoln: his triumphs and frustrations, self-doubt and anguish as the casualties on both sides mount. George Guidall is an excellent fit for McPherson's detailed text. His smooth presentation and brisk pacing bring a clarity and energy that will help this work appeal to a wide audience. M.O.B. (c) AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine

Starred review from July 28, 2008
Given the importance of Lincoln's role as commander-in-chief to the nation's very survival, says McPherson, this role has been underexamined. McPherson (Battle Cry of Freedom
), the doyen of Civil War historians, offers firm evidence of Lincoln's military effectiveness in this typically well-reasoned, well-presented analysis. Lincoln exercised the right to take any necessary measures to preserve the union and majority rule, including violating longstanding civil liberties (though McPherson considers the infringements milder than those adopted by later presidents). As McPherson shows, Lincoln understood the synergy of political and military decision-making; the Emancipation Proclamation, for instance, harmonized the principles of union and freedom with a strategy of attacking the crucial Confederate resource of slave labor. Lincoln's commitment to linking policy and strategy made him the most hands-on American commander-in-chief; he oversaw strategy and offered operational advice, much of it shrewd and perceptive. Lincoln may have been an amateur of war, but McPherson successfully establishes him as America's greatest war leader.

Starred review from January 15, 2009
Pulitzer® Prize-winning Civil War historian McPherson (Battle Cry of Freedom) concentrates here on Lincoln's performance as a largely self-taught military strategist. Obie® Award-winning actor/narrator George Guidall's performance is expressive, straightforward, persuasive, and lucid; he fades into the background so that listeners are carried along by the tale without entirely realizing his role in directing the journey. Highly recommended for history collections in public and academic libraries. [Audio clip available through us.penguingroup.comLJ 9/1/08; February 12 marks the bicentennial of Lincoln's birth.Ed.]Don Wismer, formerly with Cary Memorial Lib., Wayne, ME

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