Photo: Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library Etched Glass
Photo:Abe Lincoln Presidential Library Window
Photo:Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library Window
Photo:ALPLM Derived Art Work - Springfield, IL 02.12.06
I took several photographs within the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library today while standing in line at a book signing. The signing featured Doris Kearns Goodwin, author of Team of Rivals - The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln.
The ALPLM is located in downtown Springfield, Illinois. Photographs presented in this post are from several which I took of etched glass windows separating the atrium, from the research, and reading area.
I was lucky in the sense that most of the lights in the research facility were turned off thus allowing some very beautiful colors to reflect through the etchings. These images are derived from prarie grass etchings, and are very reminescent of Frank Lloyd Wright designs.
I have several more photographs I intend to post of the booksigning so stay tuned history fans.
2 comments:
Very nice. BTW How was the book? I heard it took her several years to write.
Team of Rivals - The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln is a great book.
I highly recommend it.
When I read about Abe I can tell you honestly I'm struck with the feeling that not only does the times make the man, but that the man, if he's truly great, can make the times.
Lincoln was, I believe, the greatest president this country has ever had.
Quite simply there really wasn't anyone else within reach of the presidency at this critical point in American history which could have led the nation as well as Lincoln.
Raised on the mythos of Lincoln I naturally became skeptical of all the praises I had accepted as a child without understanding. As an adult, with at least a bit of understanding of American, and world history, as well as some knowledge of the presidential linage, I can state that I am very impressed with Lincoln.
Was he a saint? Not really, but he wasn't a racist devil either. He was a man who was committed to making a contribution, to making a change for the better, and that is precisely what he did.
From his humble origins, to rise up, and not only change, but to save the United States was an incredible accomplishment. Added to that this leader with his moral courage never stopped growing. He steered the nation slowly, and surely toward the abolition of slavery - not one day too soon to accept, not one day too late.
The means by which he accomplished this task, and the circumstances under which he accomplished it were simply profound.
He was indeed a genius, and my hero.
I look at some of the presidents we have had in office since Abe Lincoln, and feel despair for this nation.
Still I have hope that we will prevail even in these dark times.
JP
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