Lincoln at Gettysburg
Lincoln at Gettysburg: The Words that Remade America
Author: Garry Wills
Amazon info
A truly awesome book that sets Lincoln's memorable address in the context of its times - including the influences of the Greek Revival and The Rural CemeteryMovement. The books main focus is how Lincoln's speech and famous proclamation that "all men are created equal" shifted our "founding document" from the Constitution (with its 3/5 compromise) to the Declaration of Independence (with a strong sense of equality). The Declaration served as Lincoln's vision for what our government should aspire to be - with the Constitution an important step along the way.
Equally interesting was the story behind Everett's speech - the "keynote" speech of the day. Not long and boring as some might believe, but rather a riveting docu-drama presented by one of the age's best speakers (who spoke for two hours without notes - giving detailed battle scenes and history).
I only read this book because it arrived in the mail - and I am very glad I did - I might even re-read it, it was that good.
Recommended: For all. An excellent required book for Cornell 1st years.