In 'Lincoln,' Gore Vidal delves into the complexities of one of America's most revered presidents amid the turbulent backdrop of the Civil War. Through a rich tapestry of historical events and personal dilemmas, the narrative paints a vivid portrait of Abraham Lincoln as both a leader and a flawed individual. Vidal’s masterful storytelling intertwines real-life figures and politics, engaging readers in the moral and ethical struggles of the time. As secrets unravel and alliances shift, Lincoln’s journey toward unity and freedom becomes increasingly precarious. This provocative exploration invites readers to reconsider their understanding of leadership, power, and the sacrifices made in the pursuit of a greater good.
By Gore Vidal
Published: 2000
""The whole world knows that the president is a man, and so is the press; they have become friends but cannot accept each other's flaws, for each has betrayed the other in the pursuit of truth.""
Gore Vidal's Narratives of Empire series spans the history of the United States from the Revolution to the post-World War II years. With their broad canvas and large cast of fictional and historical characters, the novels in this series present a panorama of the American political and imperial experience as interpreted by one of its most worldly, knowing, and ironic observers. To most Americans, Abraham Lincoln is a monolithic figure, the Great Emancipator and Savior of the Union, beloved by all. In Gore Vidal's Lincoln we meet Lincoln the man and Lincoln the political animal, the president who entered a besieged capital where most of the population supported the South and where even those favoring the Union had serious doubts that the man from Illinois could save it. Far from steadfast in his abhorrence of slavery, Lincoln agonizes over the best course of action and comes to his great decision only when all else seems to fail. As the Civil War ravages his nation, Lincoln must face deep personal turmoil, the loss of his dearest son, and the harangues of a wife seen as a traitor for her Southern connections. Brilliantly conceived, masterfully executed, Gore Vidal's Lincoln allows the man to breathe again.
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“"The whole world knows that the president is a man, and so is the press; they have become friends but cannot accept each other's flaws, for each has betrayed the other in the pursuit of truth."”
Lincoln
By Gore Vidal
Discover a world of knowledge through our extensive collection of book summaries.
Gore Vidal (1925-2012) was an acclaimed American author, playwright, and political critic, known for his provocative and insightful explorations of American society and politics. His notable works include 'The City and the Pillar,' 'Julian,' and 'Burr,' which showcase his masterful command of narrative and dialogue, as well as his keen ability to intertwine historical events with fictional elements. Vidal's writing style is characterized by its wit, erudition, and unapologetic confrontation of taboo subjects, often challenging societal norms and values. Over his prolific career, he became a prominent voice in American literature, recognized for both his literary contributions and his outspoken views on various political affairs.
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