Newest Books by Gordon Leidner:Abraham Lincoln and the Bible: A Complete Compendium --Publication Date April 17, 2022 by Southern Illinois University Press How did Abraham Lincoln’s lifelong study of scripture influence him as a man and, ultimately, as president? |
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I believe the Bible's impact on President Lincoln was profound—more than previously recognized—and have investigated all the known writings of Abraham Lincoln to identify, catalog, and study every instance in which Lincoln quoted from or alluded to the Bible. Rather than dwelling on the never-ending debate about Lincoln’s religious beliefs, I show how scripture affected Lincoln personally, professionally, and politically.
Most of the book is a short biography that focuses on Lincoln’s use of the Bible, how it shaped him as a person, how its influence changed over time, and how biblical quotations peppered his letters, speeches, and conversations. The book concludes with an unparalleled appendix that tabulates nearly 200 instances of Lincoln’s quoting from or alluding to scripture, giving locators for the Bible and Roy P. Basler’s nine volume Collected Works of Abraham Lincoln and quotations from both sources. The appendix also includes when and where Lincoln used each quote, providing valuable context, whether the use was in personal letters such as one to Queen Victoria after the death of Prince Albert, political speeches such as the Gettysburg Address, or state addresses such as the Second Inaugural Address.
By showcasing Lincoln’s specific biblical references and influences, I reframe the question of Lincoln’s religious beliefs so that readers may evaluate for themselves what solace and guidance the Bible afforded the sixteenth president.
Selected reviews of the book below:
“Gordon Leidner’s exceptionally thorough, careful analysis of the sixteenth president’s many Biblical references, both direct and indirect, shows how profoundly affected Abraham Lincoln was by scripture and how that helped make him such a successful political leader. This book is a most welcome contribution to the Lincoln literature.”--Michael Burlingame, author of Abraham Lincoln: A Life
“Leidner’s exhaustively researched biography offers a fresh, fascinating, and compelling account of how the Bible uniquely influenced Lincoln’s thinking, writing, and leadership. It belongs on the shelf of anyone interested in Lincoln, U.S. politics, or the Bible’s influence in American life.”--Candy Gunther Brown, author of The Word in the World: Evangelical Writing, Publishing, and Reading in America, 1789–1880
“By narrating Lincoln's life with a focus on how he quoted the Bible—also when and under what circumstances—Leidner makes a vital contribution to never-ending debates over the character of Lincoln's faith. The book excels for its specificity and its detail, but also for its caution.”--Mark A. Noll, author of America's God: From Jonathan Edwards to Abraham Lincoln
“Through his painstaking scrutiny of Lincoln’s spoken and written words, Gordon Leidner has produced a unique documentary record of Lincoln’s use of the Bible. Identifying almost two hundred biblical allusions, including many previously overlooked, he presents a political leader whose language during a time of acute political crisis derived particular moral power from being saturated with the scriptures.”--Richard Carwardine, author of Lincoln: A Life of Purpose and Power
“Abraham Lincoln's political rhetoric drew heavily from the Bible. Thanks to Gordon Leidner, we now have a guide to these scriptural references. I will keep this book close to my desk and turn to it often in my own research and writing.”--John Fea, author of Was America Founded as a Christian Nation?: A Historical Introduction
“Abraham Lincoln and the Bible is the definitive account of the influence of the most significant book in American history upon the greatest president in American history.”--Timothy Larsen, author of A People of One Book: The Bible and the Victorians
“Gordon Leidner has written a fascinating account of Abraham Lincoln's relationship with the Bible. By revealing Lincoln's personal interactions with the scriptures, Leidner shows the many ways that the Bible influenced and inspired Lincoln's thinking. Even readers who have been studying Lincoln for years will find new insights in this deeply researched and well-crafted biography.”--Jonathan W. White, author of A House Built By Slaves: African American Visitors to the Lincoln White House
Most of the book is a short biography that focuses on Lincoln’s use of the Bible, how it shaped him as a person, how its influence changed over time, and how biblical quotations peppered his letters, speeches, and conversations. The book concludes with an unparalleled appendix that tabulates nearly 200 instances of Lincoln’s quoting from or alluding to scripture, giving locators for the Bible and Roy P. Basler’s nine volume Collected Works of Abraham Lincoln and quotations from both sources. The appendix also includes when and where Lincoln used each quote, providing valuable context, whether the use was in personal letters such as one to Queen Victoria after the death of Prince Albert, political speeches such as the Gettysburg Address, or state addresses such as the Second Inaugural Address.
By showcasing Lincoln’s specific biblical references and influences, I reframe the question of Lincoln’s religious beliefs so that readers may evaluate for themselves what solace and guidance the Bible afforded the sixteenth president.
Selected reviews of the book below:
“Gordon Leidner’s exceptionally thorough, careful analysis of the sixteenth president’s many Biblical references, both direct and indirect, shows how profoundly affected Abraham Lincoln was by scripture and how that helped make him such a successful political leader. This book is a most welcome contribution to the Lincoln literature.”--Michael Burlingame, author of Abraham Lincoln: A Life
“Leidner’s exhaustively researched biography offers a fresh, fascinating, and compelling account of how the Bible uniquely influenced Lincoln’s thinking, writing, and leadership. It belongs on the shelf of anyone interested in Lincoln, U.S. politics, or the Bible’s influence in American life.”--Candy Gunther Brown, author of The Word in the World: Evangelical Writing, Publishing, and Reading in America, 1789–1880
“By narrating Lincoln's life with a focus on how he quoted the Bible—also when and under what circumstances—Leidner makes a vital contribution to never-ending debates over the character of Lincoln's faith. The book excels for its specificity and its detail, but also for its caution.”--Mark A. Noll, author of America's God: From Jonathan Edwards to Abraham Lincoln
“Through his painstaking scrutiny of Lincoln’s spoken and written words, Gordon Leidner has produced a unique documentary record of Lincoln’s use of the Bible. Identifying almost two hundred biblical allusions, including many previously overlooked, he presents a political leader whose language during a time of acute political crisis derived particular moral power from being saturated with the scriptures.”--Richard Carwardine, author of Lincoln: A Life of Purpose and Power
“Abraham Lincoln's political rhetoric drew heavily from the Bible. Thanks to Gordon Leidner, we now have a guide to these scriptural references. I will keep this book close to my desk and turn to it often in my own research and writing.”--John Fea, author of Was America Founded as a Christian Nation?: A Historical Introduction
“Abraham Lincoln and the Bible is the definitive account of the influence of the most significant book in American history upon the greatest president in American history.”--Timothy Larsen, author of A People of One Book: The Bible and the Victorians
“Gordon Leidner has written a fascinating account of Abraham Lincoln's relationship with the Bible. By revealing Lincoln's personal interactions with the scriptures, Leidner shows the many ways that the Bible influenced and inspired Lincoln's thinking. Even readers who have been studying Lincoln for years will find new insights in this deeply researched and well-crafted biography.”--Jonathan W. White, author of A House Built By Slaves: African American Visitors to the Lincoln White House
The Leadership Secrets of Hamilton: 7 Steps to Revolutionary Leadership from Alexander Hamilton and the Founding Fathers
"Author Gordon Leidner's little book is packed with tons of applicable wisdom of Hamilton's vision of respecting your people and getting them to aim for more."
"- Coaching Tip: The Leadership Blog
Victorious in the War of American Independence, Alexander Hamilton and the Founding Fathers built the first successful democratic government. They'll forever go down in history as having changed the rules of leadership and redefined what it means to ignite change in people.
As a modern-day leader, you may not be establishing a new system of government--but the principles of radical leadership still apply, whether you're undertaking a new initiative, rejuvenating a business, or sparking motivation in your team.
Using history's greatest rebels as your guide, start your revolution!
Editorial Review:
"...this particular book has the potential to not only create leaders worthy of following in the future, but also to roll back what sometimes looks like an amoral free-for-all in the workplace."
- Simon Constable, Forbes.com, Feb. 9,2017
"Author Gordon Leidner's little book is packed with tons of applicable wisdom of Hamilton's vision of respecting your people and getting them to aim for more."
"- Coaching Tip: The Leadership Blog
Victorious in the War of American Independence, Alexander Hamilton and the Founding Fathers built the first successful democratic government. They'll forever go down in history as having changed the rules of leadership and redefined what it means to ignite change in people.
As a modern-day leader, you may not be establishing a new system of government--but the principles of radical leadership still apply, whether you're undertaking a new initiative, rejuvenating a business, or sparking motivation in your team.
Using history's greatest rebels as your guide, start your revolution!
Editorial Review:
"...this particular book has the potential to not only create leaders worthy of following in the future, but also to roll back what sometimes looks like an amoral free-for-all in the workplace."
- Simon Constable, Forbes.com, Feb. 9,2017
Conversations With Lincoln: Little-Known Stories From Those Who Met America's 16th President
What was it like to meet our sixteenth president?
Was he really as kind and honest as we perceive him to be today? This astonishing new book is an inspiring and eye-opening collection of stories, anecdotes, and quotes from people who sought out Lincoln for his wisdom, help, or just his irresistible wit. He offered a patient ear to almost anyone who came to see him, and his compassion and understanding bettered the lives of hundreds who crossed his threshold.
From the lips of those who knew and met him, Conversations with Lincoln offers new insight into one of the most famous men in the world and shows not just how passionate he was about the political principles he fought for, but how generous he was for his people.
Editorial Review:
"Bravo to Gordon Leidner for opening a window to little known encounters between Abraham Lincoln and every-day Americans. These conversations will further elevate our knowledge and appreciation of a leader for all seasons."
--Ronald C. White Jr., author of A. Lincoln: A Biography and fellow at the Huntington Library
Have you ever wondered what it would have been like to meet Abraham Lincoln? Now you can know! In this wonderful volume, Gordon Leidner has brought together some of the most poignant firsthand accounts from men and women who actually met Lincoln. Covering from his young adulthood in Illinois in the 1830's up through his last full day of life in 1865, we encounter Lincoln as a humble, selfless man who cared about the lives of his friends, neighbors, and constituents. This is a book that every Lincoln lover should read."
-Jonathan W. White, author of Lincoln on Law, Leadership, and Life
What was it like to meet our sixteenth president?
Was he really as kind and honest as we perceive him to be today? This astonishing new book is an inspiring and eye-opening collection of stories, anecdotes, and quotes from people who sought out Lincoln for his wisdom, help, or just his irresistible wit. He offered a patient ear to almost anyone who came to see him, and his compassion and understanding bettered the lives of hundreds who crossed his threshold.
From the lips of those who knew and met him, Conversations with Lincoln offers new insight into one of the most famous men in the world and shows not just how passionate he was about the political principles he fought for, but how generous he was for his people.
Editorial Review:
"Bravo to Gordon Leidner for opening a window to little known encounters between Abraham Lincoln and every-day Americans. These conversations will further elevate our knowledge and appreciation of a leader for all seasons."
--Ronald C. White Jr., author of A. Lincoln: A Biography and fellow at the Huntington Library
Have you ever wondered what it would have been like to meet Abraham Lincoln? Now you can know! In this wonderful volume, Gordon Leidner has brought together some of the most poignant firsthand accounts from men and women who actually met Lincoln. Covering from his young adulthood in Illinois in the 1830's up through his last full day of life in 1865, we encounter Lincoln as a humble, selfless man who cared about the lives of his friends, neighbors, and constituents. This is a book that every Lincoln lover should read."
-Jonathan W. White, author of Lincoln on Law, Leadership, and Life