In the last 150 years since his assassination, Lincoln has been present in the political and cultural imagination of the American public.  The speeches he delivered have become synonymous with American progress and values. But what makes Lincoln's language so effective?

Join Shirley Samuels, editor of “The Cambridge Companion to Abraham Lincoln, ” (Cambridge University Press, July, 2012) for a book talk about the rhetorical power of Lincoln’s prose, from the earliest legal decision, stump speeches, anecdotes, and letters, to the Gettysburg Address and the Second Inaugural Address. The series, aimed at students of American studies, history, and literature, includes an analysis of correspondence with generals and his early poetry, and provides a unique look into Lincoln's private life.

Samuels, professor in the departments of English and American Studies at Cornell University, is also the author of “Reading the American Novel: 1780-1865” (2012), a Choice Outstanding Academic Book of 2013, and numerous other publications.

On view in the Carl A. Kroch Library is the exhibition “Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation at 150,” celebrating the 150th anniversary of Lincoln issuing the Emancipation Proclamation http://rmc.library.cornell.edu/emancipation/. The talk is sponsored by Olin and Uris Libraries, and the Division of Rare and Manuscript Collections.

Light refreshments will be available after the talk, and books will be available for purchase and signing.