" Lincoln and the Abolitionists is deeply researched, and Stanley Harrold has constructed a succinct, informative starting point for anyone interested in his topic."—Journal of the Illinois Historical Society
"With the clear, concise prose and careful eye for detail that have been trademarks of his long and distinguished career, Harrold skillfully narrates how Lincoln's views concerning abolitionism and antislavery politics developed from the conservative positions he adopted from his hero Henry Clay (gradual emancipation coupled with colonization), to the more liberal and expansive positions put forth by William Lloyd Garrison (immediate emancipation with basic rights of citizenship)."—Erik J. Chaput, The Journal of Southern History
"This sharp and rapid survey by one of the foremost scholars of American abolitionism provides an illuminating review of Lincoln’s on-again, off-again relationship with the persistent and demanding band of writers and activists who worked to end slavery and protect the rights of black Americans."—Martin P. Johnson, H-Net
“Here, at last, is a thorough and readable analysis of the at times fraught relationship between a conservative, ambitious politician and the abolitionists who pushed him to adopt their radical agenda of emancipation and equality. In the end they got their way, but even then they remained deeply ambivalent about the politician and his methods. Notwithstanding their different agendas, together, Harrold shows, they managed to change the course of U.S. history.”—Richard Blackett, author of Making Freedom: The Underground Railroad and the Politics of Slavery
“Clearly and lucidly written, this book by one of the foremost historians of abolition authoritatively explores the complex relationship among Lincoln, abolitionists, and Radical Republicans. As Stanley Harrold carefully argues, abolitionists and radicals provoked Lincoln to inhabit higher ground when it came to emancipation and black rights. It is ideal for a broad audience as well as classroom usage.”—Manisha Sinha, author of The Slave's Cause: A History of Abolition
“In his excellent Lincoln and the Abolitionists, Harrold identifies a reciprocal relationship between Lincoln and the abolitionists that contributes toward our understanding of the dynamics of emancipation. This is a welcome addition to the scholarship on Lincoln and racial reformers and to the Concise Lincoln Library.”—John David Smith, author of Lincoln and the U.S. Colored Troops
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