Powerful ideas from top nonfiction
Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.
Start your free trial
Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
With Malice Toward None summary
Brief summary
With Malice Toward None by Stephen B. Oates is a comprehensive biography of Abraham Lincoln that examines his life, leadership, and the Civil War era. It provides a deep understanding of Lincoln's character and his enduring legacy.
Topics
Table of Contents
With Malice Toward None
Summary of key ideas
Understanding Lincoln's Life and Legacy
In With Malice Toward None, Stephen B. Oates provides a comprehensive and insightful biography of Abraham Lincoln, one of America's most revered presidents. The book begins with Lincoln's humble beginnings in a log cabin in Kentucky, his early years in Indiana, and his move to Illinois. Oates paints a vivid picture of Lincoln's formative years, highlighting his self-education, his early career as a lawyer, and his entry into politics.
As Lincoln's political career progresses, Oates delves into the complex issues of the time, particularly the growing tensions between the North and the South over slavery. He explores Lincoln's evolving views on slavery, his famous debates with Stephen A. Douglas, and his election as the 16th President of the United States. Oates also provides a detailed account of the secession crisis and the outbreak of the Civil War.
Lincoln's Leadership During the Civil War
During the Civil War, Oates portrays Lincoln as a pragmatic and determined leader who faced enormous challenges. He discusses Lincoln's handling of military strategy, his relationship with his generals, and his efforts to maintain the Union. Oates also examines Lincoln's evolving views on emancipation, culminating in the Emancipation Proclamation, which declared the freedom of all slaves in Confederate-held territory.
Despite facing criticism and setbacks, Lincoln's leadership during the war remains a central theme in With Malice Toward None. Oates highlights Lincoln's ability to navigate the complexities of the conflict, his commitment to preserving the Union, and his growing stature as a national leader.
Lincoln's Personal Struggles and Triumphs
Beyond his political and military challenges, Oates also delves into Lincoln's personal struggles, including the death of his young son Willie and his wife Mary's mental health issues. Despite these personal tragedies, Lincoln remained steadfast in his commitment to his duties as president, earning him the admiration and respect of many.
As the war draws to a close, Oates explores Lincoln's vision for the nation's future, including his efforts towards reconstruction and his advocacy for civil rights. Tragically, Lincoln's life is cut short by an assassin's bullet just days after the Confederate surrender, leaving the nation in mourning and his vision for post-war America unrealized.
Lincoln's Enduring Legacy
In the final sections of With Malice Toward None, Oates reflects on Lincoln's enduring legacy. He discusses Lincoln's role in shaping the modern presidency, his impact on the abolition of slavery, and his lasting influence on American society. Oates also examines the immediate and long-term reactions to Lincoln's assassination, highlighting the profound impact of his death on the nation.
In conclusion, With Malice Toward None offers a comprehensive and balanced portrayal of Abraham Lincoln, capturing his personal struggles, political leadership, and enduring legacy. Oates' biography provides a deep understanding of Lincoln's character, his pivotal role in American history, and his continued relevance in the present day.
How do we create content on this page?
More knowledge in less time
Read or listen
Get the key ideas from nonfiction bestsellers in minutes, not hours.
Find your next read
Get book lists curated by experts and personalized recommendations.
Shortcasts New
We’ve teamed up with podcast creators to bring you key insights from podcasts.
What is With Malice Toward None about?
With Malice Toward None by Stephen B. Oates is a comprehensive biography of Abraham Lincoln, delving into his personal and political life. The book provides a detailed account of Lincoln's journey from his humble beginnings to becoming one of the most revered presidents in American history. It offers insights into his leadership during the Civil War and his efforts to unite a divided nation.
With Malice Toward None Review
With Malice Toward None (1994) by Stephen B. Oates explores the life and legacy of Abraham Lincoln. Here's why this book is worth reading:
- Offers a detailed and comprehensive look at Lincoln's life, showcasing his rise from humble beginnings to becoming one of America's greatest leaders.
- Presents interesting anecdotes, primary sources, and historical context that bring Lincoln's story to life, making it a rich and immersive reading experience.
- Examines Lincoln's complex character and his ability to navigate the challenges of his time, providing valuable insights into leadership, empathy, and resilience.
Who should read With Malice Toward None?
- Readers who are interested in the life and presidency of Abraham Lincoln
- History enthusiasts who want to gain a deeper understanding of the American Civil War era
- Individuals who appreciate well-researched and thoughtful biographies
Categories with With Malice Toward None
Book summaries like With Malice Toward None
People ❤️ Blinkist
Sven O.
It's highly addictive to get core insights on personally relevant topics without repetition or triviality. Added to that the apps ability to suggest kindred interests opens up a foundation of knowledge.
Thi Viet Quynh N.
Great app. Good selection of book summaries you can read or listen to while commuting. Instead of scrolling through your social media news feed, this is a much better way to spend your spare time in my opinion.
Jonathan A.
Life changing. The concept of being able to grasp a book's main point in such a short time truly opens multiple opportunities to grow every area of your life at a faster rate.
Renee D.
Great app. Addicting. Perfect for wait times, morning coffee, evening before bed. Extremely well written, thorough, easy to use.
People also liked these summaries
4.7 Stars
Average ratings on iOS and Google Play
32 Million
Downloads on all platforms
10+ years
Experience igniting personal growth
With Malice Toward None FAQs
What is the main message of With Malice Toward None?
The main message of With Malice Toward None is a fascinating look into the life and leadership of Abraham Lincoln.
How long does it take to read With Malice Toward None?
The estimated reading time for With Malice Toward None is several hours. However, the Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is With Malice Toward None a good book? Is it worth reading?
With Malice Toward None is worth reading for its insightful exploration of Abraham Lincoln's character and legacy.
Who is the author of With Malice Toward None?
The author of With Malice Toward None is Stephen B. Oates.
What to read after With Malice Toward None?
If you're wondering what to read next after With Malice Toward None, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- The Trial of Henry Kissinger by Christopher Hitchens
- In Pursuit of the Unknown by Ian Stewart
- The Sleepwalkers by Christopher Clark
- I Am Malala by Malala Yousafzai
- A Short History of Nearly Everything by Bill Bryson
- ISIS by Michael Weiss and Hassan Hassan
- Bloodlands by Timothy Snyder
- Gutenberg the Geek by Jeff Jarvis
- The True Believer by Eric Hoffer
- Genome by Matt Ridley