Abraham Lincoln's Wilderness Years: Collected Works of J. Edward Murr

Joshua Claybourn's book collects and annotates significant scholarship on Abraham Lincoln's Wilderness Years, covering his learning and growth in southwestern Indiana from 1816 to 1830. Murr, a Hoosier minister who grew up with Lincoln's cousins, interviewed locals and published a manuscript on Lincoln's youth. The book includes selected portions of Murr's manuscript, letters between Murr and US Senator Albert J. Beveridge, and rare insights into Lincoln's boyhood associates and Indiana environment.

Format: Hardback
Length: 298 pages
Publication date: 02 November 2022
Publisher: Indiana University Press

In the early years of his life, from 1816 to 1830, Abraham Lincoln spent a significant portion of his time in southwestern Indiana, a period that marked a crucial phase in his development and growth. Despite the importance of these formative years, Lincoln rarely delved into their details, leaving mysterious gaps in the recorded history of his life. However, in his book titled "Abraham Lincoln's Wilderness Years," Joshua Claybourn has gathered and annotated the most significant scholarship on this lost period, authored by J. Edward Murr, a Hoosier minister who grew up with Lincoln's cousins. Murr's unique perspective, gained through interviews with locals who knew Lincoln, provides a valuable insight into the life and experiences of the 16th president during his youth.

Part I of this collection features selected portions of Murr's book-length manuscript on Lincoln's youth, which have been published here for the first time. These excerpts offer a glimpse into the early years of Lincoln's life, shedding light on his upbringing, education, and formative experiences. Part II presents a series of articles by Murr that originally appeared in the Indiana Magazine of History, providing a detailed account of Lincoln's life in Indiana. Murr's writings offer a rich and detailed perspective on Lincoln's time in the state, covering various aspects of his life, including his interactions with local communities, his work as a farmer, and his political aspirations.

Part III of the book reveals letters between Murr and US Senator Albert J. Beveridge, a prominent historian who was working on his early manuscript of the biography "Abraham Lincoln, 1809–1858." These letters provide a fascinating glimpse into the process of researching and writing Lincoln's biography, as Murr sought guidance and feedback from Beveridge on his work. The letters reveal Murr's dedication to his subject and his commitment to presenting a comprehensive and accurate account of Lincoln's life.

"Abraham Lincoln's Wilderness Years" is a significant contribution to Lincoln scholarship, as it preserves and celebrates the most important source material on Lincoln's boyhood years in Indiana. The book offers a unique perspective on Lincoln's development and provides valuable insights into his early life, which have been largely overlooked by previous biographers. By gathering and annotating this scholarship, Joshua Claybourn has made it accessible to a wider audience, allowing scholars and enthusiasts alike to explore this important period of Lincoln's life in greater detail.

In conclusion, Abraham Lincoln's Wilderness Years is a valuable resource for anyone interested in learning more about Lincoln's life and career. Through the collection and annotation of significant scholarship on this lost period, Joshua Claybourn has preserved and celebrated this important source material, providing a unique perspective on Lincoln's development and growth. The book offers valuable insights into Lincoln's early life, his interactions with local communities, and his political aspirations, and is a must-read for scholars and enthusiasts alike.

Weight: 572g
Dimension: 229 x 152 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780253062673