Abraham
Lincoln and the dilemma of alcohol
Guy
Fraker, author of 'Lincoln's Ladder to the Presidency,' to discuss
Lincoln's views Thursday at presidential museum
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[December
01, 2012]
SPRINGFIELD -- Abraham Lincoln
didn't drink, but he sold alcohol as a store owner. He advocated
temperance, but as a lawyer he represented clients on the other side
of the issue.
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Alcohol presents a striking example of the neutrality Lincoln had to
adopt to become a successful attorney, says Guy Fraker, author of
"Lincoln's Ladder to the Presidency: The Eighth Judicial Circuit."
Fraker will address the issue in a book discussion and signing on
Thursday at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum.
Fraker will speak at 7 p.m. in the Union Theater at the museum. A
book signing at 6:30 p.m. will precede the discussion
The events are free and open to the public, but reservations
should be made by calling 217-558-8934.
"Lincoln's Ladder to the Presidency" examines the 23 years that
Lincoln spent riding the 8th Judicial Circuit in central Illinois.
He built not only a law practice but also vital political
relationships with the circuit lawyers and their judge, David Davis.
A team led by Davis secured the Republican nomination for Lincoln in
May of 1860.
![](http://archives.lincolndailynews.com/2012/Dec/01/images/ads/current/stacy_bch093011.png)
The book includes the personal side of Lincoln's relationships
with his colleagues, clients and the communities of the circuit. It
examines a cross section of his practice and the nature of his
cases. It also analyzes his considerable networking ability as he
built his law practice and political base. "Lincoln's Ladder to the
Presidency" continues to look at Lincoln's circuit comrades through
his presidency and assassination.
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![](http://archives.lincolndailynews.com/2012/Dec/01/images/ads/current/fcs_funeral-lda090907.png) Lincoln biographer Ronald C. White Jr. said Fraker "has an eye
for the revealing legal story and an ear for the interplay of
Lincoln's legal and political ideas and language." And former
Illinois Gov. Jim Edgar said the book "is great history, but it is
also an excellent primer for aspiring politicians."
Fraker has practiced law in Bloomington since 1962. He was a
consultant on "Abraham Lincoln: Prelude to the Presidency," an
award-winning documentary produced by WILL-TV. He was also
co-curator of "Prologue to the Presidency," a permanent exhibit at
the David Davis Mansion, a site operated by the Illinois Historic
Preservation Agency.
Visit
www.presidentlincoln.org for more information about exhibits,
events and programs at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and
Museum.
[Text from file received
from the Illinois
Historic Preservation Agency]
![](http://archives.lincolndailynews.com/2012/Dec/01/images/ads/current/brickey_inside030311.png) |