Subject

Douglas, Stephen A. (Stephen Arnold), 1813-1861 Books

Best books

Allen Johnson

Stephen A. Douglas: A Study in American Politics

"Stephen A. Douglas: A Study in American Politics" by Allen Johnson is a historical account written in the early 20th century. The book delves into the life and political career of Stephen A. Douglas, focusing on his role as a prominent figure in American politics during the antebellum period. It explores his legacy as the rival of Abraham Lincoln and seeks to provide a comprehensive understanding of his contributions and influence on the political landscape leading up to the Civil War. The opening of the work introduces Stephen A. Douglas, tracing his origins from a humble New England boyhood through his tumultuous and ambitious rise in the Midwest's political arena. The narrative shares insights into Douglas's early life, including his education, his apprenticeship as a cabinetmaker, and his eventual move westward as he sought opportunities in the burgeoning frontier towns of Illinois. It sets the stage for his political awakening and ambitions, laying out the formative experiences and influences that shaped his worldview as he transitioned from a struggling youth to an emerging lawyer and politician in the uncharted territories of the West.

William Gardner

The Life of Stephen A. Douglas

"The Life of Stephen A. Douglas" by William Gardner is a historical account written in the late 19th century that explores the life and political career of Stephen A. Douglas, a prominent figure in American politics prior to the Civil War. The book delves into Douglas's early life, his ascent to political influence, and the complexities of his positions on pivotal issues such as slavery and national expansion. The narrative aims to provide a fair and balanced examination of Douglas's legacy, amidst a backdrop of political turbulence during a defining period in American history. At the start of the biography, the author presents a preface that establishes the context for understanding Douglas's life, emphasizing the challenges of political judgment and the necessity of looking beyond contemporary biases. It highlights Douglas's early years, detailing his upbringing, education, and entrance into the legal and political arenas. From his humble beginnings in Vermont to his adventurous journey westward, the text outlines his determination to overcome obstacles, leading to his eventual prominence as a public speaker and politician. The opening section sets the stage for an intricate exploration of his political ideologies and actions as he navigates the tumultuous political landscape leading to the Civil War.

William Garrott Brown

Stephen Arnold Douglas

"Stephen Arnold Douglas" by William Garrott Brown is a historical account written in the early 20th century. The book chronicles the life and political career of Stephen A. Douglas, a prominent figure in American politics during the pre-Civil War era, highlighting his influence and the critical issues of his time, particularly concerning slavery and the expansion of the United States. The opening of the book sets the stage for Douglas's early life, illustrating his upbringing and formative experiences in a rapidly changing America during the 1850s. It details his modest beginnings in Vermont, his struggle for education, and his early career in Illinois, where he quickly made a name for himself in politics and law. The narrative emphasizes Douglas's interaction with significant events and personalities of the time, showcasing his ambition and oratory skills that propelled him to political prominence, ultimately leading him to the center of the national debate over slavery and statehood.

Recently surfaced classics