Abraham lincoln measured the promise and cost of Americanfreedom in lucid and extraordinarily moving prose, famousfor its native wit, simple dignity of expressions, and peculiarlyAmerican flavor. This volume, with its companion, "Abraham Lincoln: Speeches and Writing1859 1865," comprises the most comprehensive selection everpublished. over 240 speeches, letters, and drafts take Lincolnfrom rural law practice to national prominence, and chart hisemergence as an eloquent antislavery advocate and defender ofthe constitution. included are the complete Lincoln-Douglasdebates, perhaps the most famous confrontation in Americanpolitical history."