Something of Men I Have Known With Some Papers of a General Nature, Political, Historical, and Retrospective

"Something of Men I Have Known" by Adlai E. Stevenson is a compilation of the author's memories and historical thoughts from the late 1800s and early 1900s. Stevenson recounts notable people and major events he witnessed, including experiences from his political life that cover the Civil War era to the end of the 19th century. The book offers glimpses into the politics and important people during that period, with key topics on law, how the government was run, and personal stories. He starts the book by talking about his plan to share honest memories of important men and key moments that he saw over three decades. Stevenson shows how the U.S. changed after the Civil War, why leaders like Lincoln were important, and what the law profession was like back then. Stevenson reflects on the way lawyers socialized, the talent of speaking well, and the special political environment, recalling stories that showcase the connections between personal relationships and political events. Stevenson’s writing aims to capture a changing period in American history and the people who molded it.