American Political History: First Edition of The Lincoln and Douglas Debates from the 1858 Illinois Senate Campaign

Abraham Lincoln

First Edition

Lincoln, Abraham. The Lincoln and Douglas Debates, 1860, printed record of the seven public debates between Abraham Lincoln and Stephen A. Douglas during the 1858 Illinois Senate campaign, a pivotal series of political confrontations over slavery and the future of the United States. The debates addressed the expansion of slavery into western territories and the constitutional implications of the Supreme Court’s Dred Scott decision. Lincoln used the campaign to articulate a moral and political critique of slavery’s expansion, including the position he expressed in his earlier convention speech that “a house divided against itself cannot stand.” Although Lincoln lost the Senate race to Douglas, the debates established him as a leading national figure within the Republican Party and played a major role in shaping the political arguments that led to his presidential election in 1860.

Lincoln, Abraham. The Lincoln And Douglas Debates. A Political Debates between Hon. Abraham Lincoln and Hon. Stephen A. Douglas. In the Celebrated Campaign of 1858, in Illinois. Columbus: Follett, Foster and Company, 1860. First edition, third issue identified by the numeral “2” on page 13 and the presence of the publisher’s advertisement. Octavo volume containing 268 pages. Bound in publisher’s original olive green textured cloth with blind stamped borders and spine lettered in gilt.

The Lincoln Douglas debates represented one of the most influential series of political exchanges in nineteenth century American history, addressing the central constitutional and moral questions surrounding slavery in the years immediately preceding the Civil War. Douglas defended the doctrine of popular sovereignty, arguing that territories should decide the legality of slavery for themselves, while Lincoln challenged the compatibility of that doctrine with the Dred Scott decision and emphasized the moral consequences of the institution. Although Douglas retained his Senate seat, Lincoln’s articulate presentation of the issues drew national attention and positioned him as a major political figure within the emerging Republican Party. Slight chipping to the head of the spine, fading to boards and gilt, minor damp staining with light foxing and toning consistent with age. Overall good condition.

Item #15849

Price: $880.00