BLOOMINGTON, Ill. – Illinois Wesleyan University faculty member and R. Forrest Colwell Professor of American Literature Bob Bray recently received the 2010-11 Russell P. Strange Memorial Book Award for his book Reading with Lincoln.
The award, which was for the best book on a subject related to Illinois history and culture, was presented by Lieutenant Governor Sheila Simon on behalf of the Illinois State Historical Society (ISHS) at the ISHS annual Symposium in Carbondale, Ill.
Reading with Lincoln examines the books Lincoln read, and how those books reflect his thoughts and influences. Bray spent over a year compiling and reviewing materials for the book, which was intended for both the general public and Lincoln scholars. He reviewed everything from letters Lincoln composed for illiterate friends, to books, pamphlets, poetry, plays and essays to which Lincoln was exposed.