By A. E. Elmore
While it has long been determined that Abraham Lincoln’s
writings were influenced by the King James Bible, until now no full-length
study has shown the precise ways in which the Gettysburg Address uses its
specific language. Refuting the view that the address was crafted with
traditional classical references, this revealing investigation provides a new
way to think about the speech and the man who wrote it. A. E. Elmore
offers chapter and verse evidence from the Bible as well as specific examples
from the Episcopal Book of Common Prayer to illustrate how Lincoln borrowed
from these sources to imbue his speech with meanings that would resonate with
his listeners. He cites every significant word and phrase—conceived, brought
forth, struggled, remaining, consecrate, dedicate,
hallow, devotion, new birth, to name a few—borrowed by
Lincoln from these two religious texts for use in his dedication of the
Gettysburg National Cemetery.
Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address focuses on a
number of overlooked themes and ideas, such as the importance of literary
allusion and the general public’s knowledge of the Bible in the age of Lincoln.
It provides fresh answers to old questions and poses new questions: Was Lincoln
a common thief who made use of words from previously published materials as
well as from works by his contemporaries? Was he a genius whose literary and
political skills were unmatched? No one who reads this highly engaging study
will ever think about Lincoln or the Gettysburg Address the same way again.
About the Author
A former trial lawyer and professor of law and literature, A. E. Elmore (1938–2016) contributed
essays to a number of books, including American Fiction: Form and Function
and The Vanderbilt Tradition, among others.
ISBN 978-0809335602, Southern Illinois University Press, ©
2017, Paperback, 280 pages, End Notes, Works Cited & Index. $22.50. To
purchase this book click HERE.
No comments:
Post a Comment