Douglas L. Wilson
"Based on very extensive research, this book brings to light a startling array of fresh information about one of the least understood periods in the life of Abraham Lincoln, his years as an Illinois legislator, 1834-42. As these were also the years in which he transformed himself from an uneducated storekeeper to a successful lawyer and politician, was involved in several courtships, battled severe depression, and finally married a stylish Kentucky belle, the new details that Richard Lawrence Miller's book provides help to fill out the picture of important facets of Lincoln's career."--(Douglas L. Wilson, author of Lincoln's Sword)
Thomas F. Schwartz
"The great strength of this book is Miller's wide and deep reading of the primary printed sources of the period. He provides new information and insights on this formative period of Lincoln's political development."--(Thomas F. Schwartz, Ph.D., Illinois State Historian)
Edward J. Renehan Jr.
"Richard Lawrence Miller does a superb job of resurrecting the Lincoln who was a young, fledgling Whig politician and member of the Illinois State Legislature. Miller's prose is engrossing, and his historical analysis unfailingly sound. No one interested in Abraham Lincoln will want to pass up this masterful study of the man as a brilliant politico in the making."--(Edward J. Renehan Jr., author of Commodore: The Life of Cornelius Vanderbilt)
Brian Dirck
"A thoroughly researched, lively portrait of Abraham Lincoln's early years as an up-and-coming Illinois politician. Miller displays a discerning eye for detail and a welcome appreciation for the context of Lincoln's times. Lincoln and His World is not only a welcome addition to the literature on Lincoln; it is also a fascinating study of local politics in antebellum America."--(Brian Dirck, author of Lincoln the Lawyer)
Wayne C. Temple
"Prairie Politician: 1834-1842 is Richard Lawrence Miller's subtitle for the second volume of his outstanding series entitled Lincoln and His World which began in 2006. This one, likewise, is a masterpiece of original research in which the talented author places Abraham Lincoln in his surroundings to illustrate how outside events influenced his remarkable life and not the other way around. A unique feature of this study consists of interspersing throughout the entire book legal notices offering rewards for runaway slaves. Lincoln certainly felt great sorrow for these poor creatures as he "skirmished" with numerous newspapers. Even the general public will greatly enjoy this book."--(Wayne C. Temple, author of Abraham Lincoln: From Skeptic to Prophet)
