Brevity because-unlike the Second Inaugural, which is arguably the deeper speech-it is short enough to memorize, to quote easily in full, to recite on public occasions. What makes the Gettysburg Address such a magical, profoundly important American speech? Wills, emeritus professor of history at Northwestern University, has written numerous books, including studies of George Washington, Richard Nixon and Ronald Reagan. Wills described Lincoln’s speech, delivered 150 years ago, as an “intellectual revolution” because it creates a national commitment to equality that cannot be found in the Constitution.
His Lincoln at Gettysburg: The Words That Remade America won the 1993 Pulitzer Prize for general nonfiction and the 1992 National Book Critics Circle Award for criticism. In 1992 the author, journalist and historian Garry Wills examined the Gettysburg Address in its historical moment and cultural context. Everett spoke (from memory) for about two hours, and was followed by Lincoln, who spoke for roughly three minutes-a mere 272 words. That honor went to renowned orator Edward Everett. President Abraham Lincoln was not the featured speaker at the November 19, 1863, dedication ceremony for the Soldiers National Cemetery at Gettysburg, Pa., following one of the most decisive battles of the Civil War. What is the genius in the Gettysburg Address? Interview with Garry Wills, author and historian Close
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