Tried by War: Abraham Lincoln as Commander in Chief
by Joyce Carol Oates

Hosted by Michael Johnson, Professor of History

"Tried by War is a masterful account of Abraham Lincoln as commander in chief during the Civil War. A moving narrative spiced with telling quotes from Lincoln and his contemporaries, the book offers a balanced and accessible portrait of Lincoln grappling with the challenges of America's bloodiest war."

— Michael Johnson, Professor of History, Faculty Host

 

How to Participate

Listen to the audio introduction with the faculty host (34:58)
Read the transcription of the recording
Join the online discussion through JHU inCircle.

About this Month's Selection

2009 marks the 200th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln's birth and with the publication of alumnus Jim McPherson's newest work on Lincoln, we thought this would be the ideal topic for our first discussion.

In this book, McPherson — the nation's best-known and best-selling Civil War historian — focuses on Lincoln's efforts as president to direct wartime strategy through thickets of the conflicting agendas of generals, politicians, and of course the Confederate Army. McPherson explains how Lincoln forged the role of commander in chief from the provisions of the Constitution and his own political and moral vision.