“In this relatively short and highly readable book, Fornieri argues that Abraham Lincoln was not only a great statesman who combined political effectiveness with moral goodness but also a political philosopher in his own right.”—James Fetter, American Political Thought

“An unwavering defense of the greatness of Lincoln’s character as a statesman and philosopher whose qualities played a crucial role in the outcome of the Civil War.—John C. Briggs, Claremont Review of Books

 “An exceptional scholarly treatment. Highly recommended for Lincoln scholars, both professional and avocational.”—David J. Kent, author of Lincoln: The Man who Saved America

“Fornieri has written an excellent book explaining what made Lincoln great.”—Rodolfo Hernandez, VogelinView

"Abraham Lincoln, Philosopher Statesman is a judicious and clear-thinking book that makes thoughtful sense of Lincoln’s greatness."—John Burt, Journal of the Abraham Lincoln Association

"Fornieri has gone beyond his brethren in successfully synthesizing a portrait of President Lincoln as embodying characteristics—wisdom, prudence, duty, magnanimity, rhetoric, and patriotism—grounded in an impressive understanding of Aristotle and Thomas Aquinas, and constituting a level of virtue only truly great servants of a people could achieve."—Bruce Frohen, The Imaginative Conservative

“Abraham Lincoln, Philosopher Statesman draws the connections between Lincoln's deeds and classic political theory as well as political philosophy, ethics, and history. Highly recommended.”—James A. Cox, Midwest Book Review
 

“In this wonderfully concise work on the politics of Lincoln, Joseph R. Fornieri performs to perfection the task of laying out the lines of Lincoln's politics, not only for his time but also in terms of the seven classical characteristics that make for ‘greatness of soul.’ Put away the treacly little handbooks that promise to deliver Lincoln’s ‘leadership secrets’—here is the real stuff of Lincoln’s statesmanship.”—Allen C. Guelzo, author of Fateful Lightning: A New History of the Civil War and Reconstruction

“By bringing the insights of political philosophy to bear on the study of Abraham Lincoln, Fornieri enriches our understanding of what made the sixteenth president not only a great politician but also a great statesman. Rejecting the cynical notion that a seasoned political operator cannot also be a principled idealist, Fornieri shows that what made Lincoln great was that he was both. Clearly written and passionately argued, this is a book from which scholars can learn but that general readers can enjoy.”—James Oakes, author of Freedom National: The Destruction of Slavery in the United States

“Viewing Lincoln through the lens of political philosophy, Fornieri convincingly shows how the sixteenth president piloted the ship of state prudently between the Scylla of utopian perfectionism and the Charybdis of mere cynical shrewdness.”—Michael Burlingame, Chancellor Naomi B. Lynn Distinguished Chair in Lincoln Studies, University of Illinois Springfield