The Lincoln-Douglas Debates: The First Complete, Unexpurgated Text

Written by Mario Cuomo

Narrated by Chris Kayser and Ethan McDowell

The seven debates between Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglas held during the Illinois senatorial race of 1858 are among the most important statements in American political history, dramatic struggles over the issues that would tear apart the nation in the Civil War: the virtues of a republic and the evils of slavery.

In this acclaimed book, Holzer brings us as close as possible to what Lincoln and Douglas actually said, Using transcripts of Lincoln's speeches as recorded by the pro-Douglas newspaper, and vice-versa, he offers the most reliable, unedited record available of the debates. Also included are background on the sites, crowd comments, and a new introduction.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Everand Productions
• Release date: Nov 9, 2021
• ISBN: 9781094429649

Mario Cuomo

Mario C. Cuomo was the former Governor of New York. His most recent book is Why Lincoln Matters: Now More Than Ever.

Reviews for The Lincoln-Douglas Debates

[David Slaton · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

The tenor and results of the debates that are the subject of this book are certainly known to those who would select this book. The treatment of the events surrounding them is somewhat interesting. The reading of the oratories is only fair, but certainly conveys the content clearly and gives the reader a good representation of what occurred.

[Jeff Fambrough · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Amazing look at what transpired and how we can go back to debate

[bherner_1 · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

I really wanted to enjoy this book. This version is the complete unedited (or at least as close as possible) version of what both Lincoln and Douglas said. I expected the Gettysburg Address, instead, most of time was taken up attacking the opponent in a manner that modern-day politicians are all-too familiar with.

[benedict8-2 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This is an audio book. It is very well read by the narrators, one of whom is Richard Dreyfus.

This rendition is quite revealing historically. I believe Lincoln came out not quite the hero we thought, and that Stephen Douglas not quite the bad guy as our teachers portrayed him.

The difficulty truly is that each man was playing to the audience, and a modern listener is not going to get the nuance of these debates such that we would understand how each man truly felt.

But the narration is so good and communicates character so well, that it merits an effort to either borrow or buy it (like on Audible.com).

Having said all that, the Quality of the debate between Lincoln and Douglas is one for the ages!

[beau0p0laurence · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

The Lincoln-Douglas debates are classic and important American history, and guess what -- our society is STILL debaing many of these issues today.

[Mike TopSecret · Rating: 1 out of 5 stars]

Oh. My. Cuomo. Need we say more? I thought something was sounding odd... then saw the author's name.

[ebnelson · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A lot of time is spent hashing and re-hashing the issues of the day, and bickering over things that seem down-right trivial today. But the core of the debate is well worth the lulls. Both men make strong arguments. The logic of Douglas’s arguments would find a lot of support today (and do in both the abortion and gay marriage debates). Because of that, Lincoln’s rejoinders are as important now as they were when he fought for abolitionism.