"In a remarkable reappraisal of Lincoln, distinguished historian Burton shows how the Kentucky-born president's Southernness empowered him to conduct a civil war that redefined freedom as a personal right protected by the rule of law. In the violent decades that followed, the extent of that freedom would be contested by racism and unregulated capitalism, but not its central place in what defined the country"--Publisher description.

Kindred spirits and double-minded men -- "Gale of simple freedom" -- To carry out the Lord's vengeance -- Washed in the blood -- "Southerner by birth" -- "The coming of the Lord" -- "A giant holocaust of death" -- "I want you to come home" -- "To square accounts" -- The promised land -- "The safeguard of the Republic" -- "A dead radical is very harmless" -- The new colossus -- A cross of gold.