Reenactors, rejoice! This week marks the 150th anniversary of the American Civil War. Appropriately, today is the publication day for Lincoln on War, edited by the highly regarded Lincoln scholar Harold Holzer.

From masterpieces such as the Gettysburg Address to lesser-known meditations on God’s purposes, Lincoln on War is the first book to highlight exclusively Lincoln’s sublime and enduring words on war. Holzer gathers and interprets Lincoln’s speeches, letters, memoranda, orders, telegrams, and casual remarks, organizing them chronologically and allowing readers to experience Lincoln’s growth from an eager young Indian War officer to a middle-aged dove congressman to a surprisingly hardened and determined hawk as the Union’s commander-in-chief.

Praise for Lincoln on War:

“Once again, Harold Holzer has been able to distill the essence of our 16th and greatest President, to get to the heart of the matter with this thoughtful collection of still inspiring words.”—Ken Burns

“One of the world’s foremost Lincoln scholars offers a selection of the president’s writings and remarks on war, its conduct, trials, horror and meaning… A wisely chosen, expertly arranged collection.”—Kirkus Reviews

“Harold Holzer’s Lincoln on War is a much needed tonic on the leadership and political courage we need to see us through difficult times. Commander-in-Chief Lincoln’s words and the author’s running commentary describe how wars are won – with fortitude, will power, and the ability to learn and evolve.”–Frank J. Williams, Chair of The Lincoln Forum and retired Chief Judge of the U.S. Court of Military Commission Review

“The more that modern presidents use or misuse Lincoln’s words to try to justify their war decisions, the more important it is for Americans to know precisely what Lincoln said. Prolific master historian Harold Holzer has gathered Lincoln’s expressions on war, providing essential insight for contemporary citizens. This is an important book that deserves a wide readership.”—John F. Marszalek, Executive Director, Ulysses S. Grant Association, Mississippi State University

Excerpt from Lincoln on War – edited by Harold Holzer