Whenever you read or hear Lincoln’s words, you know they’re good. You may not be sure why, but you feel them and they move you. Mr. Rizer’s book articulates why and how Lincoln’s words have their effect. Not only does his analysis articulate the reasons Lincoln’s words evoke the feelings we get when we hear about “that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion,” but he also draws lessons from Lincoln’s life and written and spoken words to make us all better speakers, better persuaders, and better citizens. I recommend Lincoln’s Counsel to anyone who thinks they know how good Lincoln really was.