Lincoln of Kentucky

Lowell H. Harrison

Narrated by John McCormick

Available from Audible

Book published by University Press of Kentucky

Young Abraham Lincoln and his family joined the migration over the Ohio River, but it was Kentucky—the state of his birth—that shaped his personality and continued to affect his life. His wife was from the commonwealth, as were each of the other women with whom he had romantic relationships. Henry Clay was his political idol; Joshua Speed of Farmington, near Louisville, was his lifelong best friend; and all three of his law partners were Kentuckians. During the Civil War, Lincoln is reputed to have said, "I hope to have God on my side, but I must have Kentucky." He recognized Kentucky's importance as the bellwether of the four loyal slave states and accepted the commonwealth's illegal neutrality until Unionists secured firm control of the state government. Lowell Harrison emphasizes the particular skill and delicacy with which Lincoln handled the problems of a loyal slave state populated by a large number of Confederate sympathizers. It was not until decades later that Kentuckians fully recognized Lincoln's greatness and paid homage to their native son.

Lowell H. Harrison , professor emeritus of history from Western Kentucky University, is the co-author of A New History of Kentucky and author of several books including The Civil War in Kentucky.

REVIEWS:

“An excellent read that will fascinate.”

—CHOICE

“A readable and rewarding book.”

—Journal of American History

“This well-written volume will appeal to general readers who seek an introduction of the life of Abraham Lincoln and to how a border state fared during this national calamity.”

—Journal of Illinois History

“A valuable addition to the great volume of work on one of our greatest presidents. It will please anyone interested in Lincoln, the Civil War or Kentucky history.”

—Bowling Green Daily News

“An outstanding work that sheds new light, brings people and events alive, and provides the deeper understanding of the problems and challenges of Lincoln and Kentuckians in the Civil War.”

—James A. Ramage

“A fascinating and interesting account of Lincoln the boy, Lincoln the young man, Lincoln the politician, Lincoln the president, Lincoln the husband and father, and Lincoln the Kentuckian.”

—Louisville Voice-Tribune

“A fresh story, told in an effective and uncluttered style that provides new depth and detail to many of the important issues raised by the Civil War.”

—Mississippi Review