Abraham Lincoln: Speeches and Writings, 1832-1858: Speeches, Letters, and Miscellaneous Writings; The Lincoln-Douglas Debates [with] Abraham Lincoln: Speeches and Writings, 1859-1865: Speeches, Letters, and Miscellaneous Writings; Presidential Messages a…

xix, [1], 898; xxxiii, [1], 787, [9] pp. 8vo. Two volume set. Original blue cloth, gilt titles and rules, ribbon marker bound in. A collection of speeches, letters, and other writings by the 16th President of the United States, including his famous debates with Stephen A. Douglas. Chronology, notes, and index following text. This edition is part of the Library of America series, published by a non-profit organization whose goal is to keep classic works of American literature and history in print as a way of preserving cultural heritage. "Abraham Lincoln was the greatest writer of the Civil War as well as its greatest political leader. His clear, beautiful, and at times uncompromisingly severe language forever shaped the nation's understanding of its most terrible conflict. This volume, along with its companion, Abraham Lincoln: Speeches and Writings 1832–1858, comprises the most comprehensive selection ever published. Over 550 speeches, messages, proclamations, letters, and other writings—including the Inaugural and Gettysburg addresses and the moving condolence letter to Mrs. Bixby—record the words and deeds with which Lincoln defended, preserved, and redefined the Union."