Abraham Lincoln Biography - The Man Behind the Myths | American History Books, Presidential Leadership Insights | Perfect for Students, Historians & Political Enthusiasts

July 19, 2013A Review by Anthony T. Riggio of Stephen B. Oates, Abraham Lincoln, The Man Behind the Myths.I downloaded this work from Kindle and it is one of the better biographies of Lincoln, though limited to, many of the common beliefs and misconceptions about the life of Lincoln. Oates wrote this book in 1984 while teaching at the University of Massachusetts in Amherst. His Part one deals with the popular myths about the man, namely the people's man and the arch villain. It contrasts his reputation in both the North and the South. Oates does a great job in presenting the reasons for much of Lincoln's mood swings and his preoccupation with the strategy of the war.Lincoln's idea's about slavery are one of the most misunderstood and misinterpreted concepts of his political life and Oates presents these in a dispassionate form. I believe from reading this part, that Mr. Lincoln was always, in his heart of hearts always an abolitionist though many continue to argue about his motives regarding slavery. Oates paints the best conclusions I have read in the many biographies I have read about Lincoln.All of his leadership efforts are clearly aimed at the preservation of the Union to include his personal belief that the rebel states continued to remain part of the United States. This idea, I believe, motivated his posture on reconstruction as the war was winding down. Evidence of this is clearly manifest in the position of his commanding general US Grant.It is very clear to the reader that Lincoln's assassination created an increased difficult time for the White southerners and equally a curse for the newly freed slaves.I recommend this short book, which is well outlined and commented upon as a balanced biography and one which every student of the Civil War and Abraham Lincoln should add to his collection of must reads.I was very happy to give five stars to this book.