The Lincoln-Douglas debates;

 (4 customer reviews)

This 14 disc set includes the texts as transcribed by newspaper reporters, with introductions and occasional interjections by the audience. Allen Guelzo, who introduces the debates, does not sound like a college professor who happened to write a very fine book on the debates, but as another professionally trained voice. His spoken introduction is valuable for setting the context, but his book Lincoln and Douglas: The Debates that Defined America (Simon & Schuster Lincoln Library) is even better. A little reading ahead of time will help you with the Lecompton constitution, Douglas and Buchanan's conflicted relationship, and Lincoln's reading of the combined effects of Dred Scott and the Fugitive Slave Law.

Richard Dreyfuss gives Judge Douglas a fair reading and then some. In the later debates, under the stress of travel and...Read more

These are the legendary debates between Abraham Lincoln and Senator Stephen Douglas for the senate seat from Illinois. The debates are on the question of continuing or ending American slavery. Lincoln loses the senate election, after these debates. But he electrifies the country (and listening you can understand why).

I literally would cheer loudly sometimes, as though I was in the audience in real time!.

Then two years later they face off again - this time in the election for President - and the rest is history!

These debates are a thriller! What magnificent construction, thrust & parry, acid and suckle. No seven game basketball series between Magic Johnson and Larry Bird can come even close to the excitement, consequence and sheer suspense of these 7 verbal duels!

In spite of the fact that we should not judge people for their thoughts and actions in their time, with our values today, I literally had to overcome my feelings of wanting...Read more

The Dreyfuss - Strathairn recording of these monumental historical debates helped me to appreciate the magnificent intellect of both Lincoln and Douglas, while almost squirming from both of their attitudes regarding slavery. Anyone who has an appreciation of history or politics simply must listen to this recording. It is one of the best you will ever hear.