Shorter Notice THIS collection of essays is designed for readers
who already know something about Lincoln and especially for readers who know the two volumes so far published of Professor Randall's Life. Professor Randall is the greatest Lincoln expert in the world, and the advan- tages of profound learning are displayed here. The numerous bibliographical questions that bedevil the student of Lincolniana, including the ever-present risk of being taken in by forgery, are adroitly dealt with. So is the doubtful testimony of such first-hand but tendentious witnesses as Lincoln's partner, Herndon. Although, in a sense, specialist articles fin-the trade papers, the essays are very readable. Professor Randall is a courageous though not violent controversialist, and whether he is defending Mrs. Lincoln from the charge of being an embittered virago or Lincoln from the charge of having provoked the attack on Fort Sumter he shows acuteness and learning. He also shows some partisanship. There is more to be said against the policy of the Russell-Palmerston Government during the Civil War than is said here—and a little more to be said agiinst Mrs. Lincoln. There is even more to be said against Wilson's handling of the Senate than Professor Randall admits, although it is as well to be reminded that the bona fides of Henry Cabot Lodge has to be proved, not assumed. Perhaps the most attractive single essay here is' the tribute to John Bright, and for the professional historian the most useful part is the collection of notes that show the skilled hand at work.
Previous page
