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Gore Vidal's Narratives of Empire series spans the history of the United States from the Revolution to the post-World War II years. With their broad canvas and large cast of fictional and historical characters, the novels in this series present a panorama of the American political and imperial experience as interpreted by one of its most worldly, knowing, and ironic observers.
To most Americans, Abraham Lincoln is a monolithic figure, the Great Emancipator and Savior of the Union, beloved by all. In Gore Vidal's Lincoln we meet Lincoln the man and Lincoln the political animal, the president who entered a besieged capital where most of the population supported the South and where even those favoring the Union had serious doubts that the man from Illinois could save it. Far from steadfast in his abhorrence of slavery, Lincoln agonizes over the best course of action and comes to his great decision only when all else seems to fail. As the Civil War ravages his nation, Lincoln must face deep personal turmoil, the loss of his dearest son, and the harangues of a wife seen as a traitor for her Southern connections. Brilliantly conceived, masterfully executed, Gore Vidal's Lincoln allows the man to breathe again.
From his early arrival on the literary scene, Vidal's fascinations with politics, power and public figures have informed his writing. He takes his first name from his maternal grandfather, Thomas Pryor Gore, a populist Senator from Oklahoma for whom neither blindness nor feuds with FDR could prevent a long, distinguished career (Incidentally, T.P. Gore belonged to the same political dynasty into which Al Gore was born). Vidal's best-received historical fictions, like Julian, Burr, and Lincoln, re-imagine the personal and political lives of powerful figures in history. In his essays, he frequently chooses political subjects, as he did with his damaging assessment of Robert Kennedy-for-President in an Esquire article in 1963.
At the same time, Vidal's assets as a writer have made him a dangerous public figure in his own right. His sharp wit has discomposed the unrufflable (William F. Buckley) and the frequently ruffled (Norman Mailer) alike, and did so terrify his congressional campaign opponent J. Ernest Wharton that the latter refused to engage Vidal in debate. Even since he's left his aspirations as a politician behind, Vidal's attraction to controversial political issues continues in his provocative essays and public appearances.
Author biography courtesy of Random House, Inc.
Anonymous
Posted April 20, 2009
I have to confess that when I purchased this book I didn't realize it was historical fiction. Nonetheless, this book delivers a unique view of the challenges that Lincoln's presidency faced and blows up stereotypes of the man. Once immersed, I couldn't help but wonder how much was based on historical fact and how much was conjecture on Gore Vidal's part. I longed for footnotes despite Vidal's assertion that "All of the principal characters really existed, and they said and did pretty much what I have them saying and doing..." Gore Vidal delivers a flesh and blood portrait of Lincoln in a way that a dry, biographical tome cannot.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
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Posted May 17, 2004
In my opinion, this is the most accurate depiction of Lincoln, the man. Lincoln was truly one of the greatest Presidents America has ever had, besides Washington, and FDR.. No one has ever used the power of the presidency, like Lincoln, before or since his time. He keep the union together by means that were viewed as controversial, border line dictatorial in nature. Lincoln truly was a gifted insightful man, who drew strength from opposition, with a fortitude to face any challenge. Lincoln had a meek strenght that was not understood until after his death..
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
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Posted May 6, 2000
The research for this book is incredible. I've read this book ten years ago. I still enjoy reading this book still after ten years. This is an absolute incredible book.I promise you will injoy reading this book
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
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Posted June 8, 2012
This is a remarkably palatable alternative to the standard biographies one often trudges through. Thanks to historical sources, along with Gore Vidal's creativity, Lincoln is placed squarely in his own time period, where he is judged based on the norms of those days. At times, I found myself shocked that I was reading about the man on the bill in my wallet, but that starkness and realism is just the reason the 'real' Lincoln becomes much more accessible in this novel. I went from idolizing Lincoln, to being disappointed that he fell short of legend, and finally to idolizing him again.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted July 28, 2009
While Vidal's "Lincoln" is a novel, it is excellent history that complements Doris Kearns Goodwin's "Team of Rivals" with a fascinating account of Lincoln's mastery in leading his Cabinet as well as the Nation as the Union was preserved. This is the best of the Gore Vidal historical novels.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted December 21, 2005
Generally, I prefer my history in non-fictional form. However I have read Gore Vidal's take on Lincoln's war years twice now. To me, it is a tremendously enjoyable portrayal of Lincoln from a human perspective. I've also read various other nonfiction treatments, such as Carl Sandburg. Vidal's 'Lincoln' is fascinating because like most fine historical fiction, it brings the character to life.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted September 15, 2005
I had mixed feelings about the book. I think it's very difficult to write a book about a man who is almost mythical (not a great word) to many Americans, and make him 'real.' I think we like to idealize him, make believe that he didn't have ordinary conversations, spoke to his wife playfully--in essence, do the things that everyone else does. I think Vidal had a good purpose, and I think it probably came across well (though I didn't get far in the book), but I couldn't get over my own ideas of Lincoln the President, the Emancipator, the War Leader, and Hero of the (then) Republican party. Having been a history major, I think I prefer to look at Lincoln through his own words.
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Posted August 10, 2001
I first received this book from my mother as a Christmas gift back in 1984, when I was 15. I have read it 3 times since then, and still love it. This book shows Lincoln in all his humanity and greatness from dealing with his crazy wife Mary, to fending off political rivals such as Salmon Chase, and evolving from a committment to hold the union together to one ending slavery as well. An excellent compliment to David Donald's book on Lincoln
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Posted February 20, 2013
I miss you i hope you can go to madisons even if i get mad and say i don't. You know me right i funny and stupied. By the way this is vicki ashley its not my mom ok. I whader what eli did to day that was sos bad i never thought he would do soom thing like that ever. And hopes he never does it again. I think its bad. I'm bord r you i know i'm talking to much and i'm over at my dads that i always talk about and i am talking to you on my nook frist time. That my dad got me for chirstmas is he alsome or what got to go bye. The end by vicki ashley-matics
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Posted January 4, 2013
I love Abe Linclon, he is one of my favorites. Read this book, stay free
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Posted April 30, 2011
Great read. really enjoyed.
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Posted July 24, 2011
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Posted October 27, 2008
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Overview
Gore Vidal's Narratives of Empire series spans the history of the United States from the Revolution to the post-World War II years. With their broad canvas and large cast of fictional and historical characters, the novels in this series present a panorama of the American political and imperial experience as interpreted by one of its most worldly, knowing, and ironic observers.
To most Americans, Abraham Lincoln is a monolithic figure, the Great Emancipator and Savior of the ...