The Lincoln-Douglas debates redefined American's democracy. Delve into one of the most precarious political events in United States history. Georgiann Baldino's book shows why the campaign has such enduring importance. In 1858 Lincoln began his campaign for the Illinois Senate seat by following Douglas around to take advantage of the crowds Douglas drew. The candidates wrangled for 21 hours on seven stages to gain support for differing views of America's future. The book is "a must for the amateur historian struggling to understand the significance of the 1858 Lincoln-Douglas debates. Baldino draws the reader into the narrative while giving an excellent accounting of why the debates were important and still are pertinent today." Vickie Cleverley Speek, historian and author of ÒGod Has Made Us a KingdomÓ James Strang and the Midwest Mormons (Signature Books, 2006)