The Wit and Wisdom of Abraham Lincoln

The most eloquent of American presidents, Lincoln seemed to have a comment — sagacious or humorous — on just about anything that mattered. This concise compendium offers his astute observations on a variety of subjects—from women to warfare. Nearly 400 quotations include such thought-provoking and memorable remarks as: Bad promises are better broken than kept. Marriage is neither heaven nor hell; it is simply purgatory. Whenever I hear anyone arguing for slavery, I feel a strong impulse to see it tried on him personally. Quotations are arranged chronologically within such topics as family and friends, the law, politics and the presidency, story-telling, religion, and morality. Students, writers, public speakers, and other readers will find this thought-provoking and entertaining volume an excellent introduction to the sixteenth president’s wit, common sense, and insight.