Introduction
James McPherson’s Tried by War: Abraham Lincoln as Commander-in-Chief is an in-depth look into the life and presidency of one of the most iconic figures in American history. McPherson’s book is an essential read for those interested in understanding Lincoln’s military leadership and the politics of the Civil War. This critical review will analyze the author’s qualifications, the focus of the book, the point of view, and the contribution of the work.
Author
McPherson’s book is an in-depth exploration of the 16th President’s tenure as the nation’s leader during the Civil War. McPherson is a distinguished American historian and professor emeritus of history at Princeton University who has written extensively on the Civil War. He is the author of over 20 books on the Civil War era and a recipient of both the Pulitzer Prize and the Lincoln Prize. McPherson’s extensive knowledge and first-hand experience in researching the Civil War make him uniquely qualified to write about the life and leadership of Abraham Lincoln during this tumultuous time.
Key Theme
The emphasis of the book is on the importance of Lincoln’s leadership during the Civil War. McPherson argues that Lincoln’s decision to appoint strong military leaders, combined with his willingness to take risks, was key to the Union’s victory. The author also examines Lincoln’s political acumen and how he successfully navigated the war’s political and military landscape (McPherson 45-46). Additionally, McPherson examines the significance of Lincoln’s relationships with his military advisors and how they contributed to his ability to make informed decisions. The author, finally, looks into the significance of Lincoln’s decision to free enslaved people as a military strategy, asserting that this approach was a significant contributing factor to his success as Commander-in-Chief.
Perspective
McPherson takes a largely positive view of Lincoln as a historical figure. He paints a sympathetic portrait of the president as a leader who faced tough decisions and was under immense pressure from both sides of the conflict (McPherson 23-25). McPherson acknowledges the mistakes Lincoln made but also highlights the significant successes he achieved during his presidency.
McPherson also demonstrates how Lincoln was an innovator in military strategy, often making decisions that were ahead of their time (McPherson 70-72). McPherson, though, still tries to stay objective in viewing Lincoln’s tenure. He acknowledges both the successes and the failures, and does not shy away from presenting evidence that may be unfavorable to the president.
Contribution
McPherson’s work is an in-depth examination of the Civil War, which is both academically rigorous and engaging for a general audience. He outlines the details of the war in a captivating and educational manner, delving into the impact of Lincoln’s presidency on his personal life and those around him. McPherson’s book provides a comprehensive look at the life of one of America’s most beloved presidents, offering a unique insight into his character and decisions.
Conclusion
Tried by War is an impressive work of scholarship, which should be regarded as a significant contribution to the literature on Lincoln’s life. McPherson’s work presents Lincoln’s story in a way that is both accessible and detailed. The book is aimed at both a scholarly and a popular audience, offering readers an in-depth look at the life of this important historical figure. McPherson’s book is a valuable resource for anyone interested in learning more about Abraham Lincoln and his impact on American history.
Work Cited
McPherson, James M. Tried by War: Abraham Lincoln as Commander in Chief. Penguin, 2008.