"In this single volume, Vorenberg presents the essential primary sources and supporting explanation necessary to tell the fascinating story of the development and impact of the Proclamation. Perhaps the greatest strength of the book, however, is that it cannot help but foster the high level of classroom discussion this topic deserves."
— Charles W. Sanders, Jr., Kansas State University
"Vorenberg has done a masterful job editing and contextualizing this collection of documents. The primary sources fascinate, the introduction and headnotes are informative and engaging, and Vorenberg guides students toward comprehension of the complexities of the emancipation question. This is a valuable collection."
— Robert E. May, Purdue University
"The best brief introduction to the Emancipation Proclamation."
— James Oakes, CUNY Graduate Center