Review Of "Abraham Lincoln, The Quakers, And The Civil War: 'A Trial Of Principle And Faith'" By W. C. Kashatus

Document Type

Book Review

Publication Date

3-1-2015

Published In

Choice

Abstract

Kashatus, author of several monographs about Quakers, antislavery, and baseball, focuses on Friends' dealings with Lincoln from his election until his assassination. To make the events intelligible to general readers, he summarizes in the text conclusions from relevant secondary literature on Lincoln, the war, and Friends and adds supplementary material in footnotes for scholars. His sources on Quakers include minutes of yearly meetings and letters to and from Lincoln, but Kashatus did not use local or monthly meeting records that would have provided information on the various disciplinary measures taken against those who served in the military. Friends were caught between two traditional testimonies: antislavery and pacifism, and there were significant differences on correct action. Lincoln wished to conciliate Quakers while prosecuting the war and, in time, freeing slaves. The result was a series of politically adept actions and fascinating meetings and letters between the president and visiting individuals and delegations of Friends. Although a specialized subject, this book can be read with profit by those whose primary interest is Lincoln or Quakers. Summing Up: Recommended. All levels/libraries.

Comments

This work is freely available courtesy of Choice Reviews. The review has been reproduced in full in the abstract field.

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