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The review especially recommends Following Lincoln as He Followed Douglas: Retracing Their Debates to “the non-specialist general reader with an interest in Abraham Lincoln, in American political history, and understanding Lincoln's vision of the future and belief in freedom that still permeates American political discourse today.”
Baldino’s book recreates the dramatic campaign, which became a catalyst for Lincoln’s political career. The 1858 series of debates captured the public’s imagination even though, at the time, Lincoln was relatively unknown outside of Illinois. He had left his law practice and entered the race for U.S. Senator from Illinois because he wanted to oppose the spread of slavery. He and Stephen Douglas argued about America’s future. The candidates mixed politics with complex legal issues, history lessons and the great moral issue of the day. Each of seven debates lasted three hours, demanding stamina and dedication from the crowds who came to hear them. Their campaigning set a standard for midterm mudslinging and managed to arouse the public’s conscience.
Kimberly L. Sullivan, Ph.D., author of Qaddafi’s Libya (Lerner Publishing 2008) echoes The Midwest Book Review’s praise by saying, “Baldino’s thorough research and keen insights clarify why the Lincoln-Douglas debates hold such enduring importance in American history. Meanwhile, vivid descriptions and rich detail bring the excitement of the debates to life for modern readers.”
Following Lincoln as He Followed Douglas is Baldino’s fourth book. It is available in wide distribution with a retail price of $11.95 for the trade paperback, ISBN 978-1-4357-0385-
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