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: Paperback / softback
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 neglected period. J. Edward Murr, a Hoosier minister who grew up with Lincoln's cousins, conducted extensive interviews with locals who had known the 16th president during his youth. This book presents a collection of selected portions from Murr's book-length manuscript on Lincoln's youth, which has been published here for the first time. Additionally, Part II offers a series of articles by Murr that originally appeared in the Indiana Magazine of History, providing further insights into Lincoln's life in Indiana. Part III unveils letters between Murr and US Senator Albert J. Beveridge, a prominent historian, discussing Beveridge's early manuscript of the biography "Abraham Lincoln, 1809–1858."

Among all the biographers of Abraham Lincoln, none possessed as deep a knowledge of his boyhood associates and the Indiana environment as J. Edward Murr. Murr's comprehensive research and scholarship on Lincoln have remained unpublished until now. "Abraham Lincoln's Wilderness Years" serves as a testament to the preservation and celebration of this invaluable source material, offering a unique perspective for studying Lincoln's formative years in Indiana.

The book is organized into three parts, each providing valuable insights into Lincoln's life during this period. Part I presents selected excerpts from Murr's manuscript, offering a glimpse into the experiences and memories of those who knew Lincoln during his youth. These excerpts shed light on Lincoln's character, his relationships with his family and friends, and the influences that shaped his early years. Part II comprises a series of articles by Murr that explore various aspects of Lincoln's life in Indiana. These articles provide detailed accounts of his experiences in the state, including his time in school, his work as a farmer, and his involvement in local politics. They also shed light on the social and cultural context of the time, which played a significant role in shaping Lincoln's personality and values. Part III includes letters between Murr and Beveridge, which provide a fascinating glimpse into the historical process of researching and writing about Abraham Lincoln. The letters reveal Murr's dedication to his work, his interactions with other scholars and historians, and his efforts to ensure the accuracy and completeness of his biography.

One of the most remarkable aspects of "Abraham Lincoln's Wilderness Years" is the depth of scholarship and research that has gone into its production. Joshua Claybourn has scoured a wide range of sources, including primary documents, secondary literature, and personal accounts, to gather the most accurate and comprehensive information available on this period of Lincoln's life. The annotations and explanations provided by Claybourn not only enhance the reader's understanding of the material but also provide valuable insights into the historical context and interpretation of the events.

In conclusion, "Abraham Lincoln's Wilderness Years" is a groundbreaking work that fills a significant gap in the historical record of Abraham Lincoln's life. Through the collection and annotation of scholarship on this neglected period, Joshua Claybourn has provided a valuable resource for scholars, historians, and anyone interested in learning more about the man who became one of the most influential presidents in American history. This book offers a fresh perspective on Lincoln's life, shedding light on his formative years and the influences that shaped his character and leadership. Whether you are a seasoned Lincoln scholar or a newcomer to his story, "Abraham Lincoln's Wilderness Years" is a must-read that will deepen your appreciation for this remarkable figure.

Dimension: 229 x 152 x 14 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780253062680