Definitely a product of it's turn of the century (1901) publishing date but surprisingly insightful and charming despite it being dated. What the book loses in accuracy of more modern methods of 'objective reporting,' it gains in the feeling of immediacy. The historian has actually met his subject and is a participant in the subject's culture and world. I did not expect such an easy and charming read. So many humorous anecdotes-- especially of the early life of Lincoln. And the excerpts of his speeches remind us why he is one of the most excellent orators of all time. I'm ashamed that I did not know even 2/3 of some of the info in this book before reading it! I think this is an easier intro to the President and his life than something a little more profound like Team of Rivals. I might be biased about this book because I have so much respect and admiration for Abraham Lincoln. I enjoyed reading things I already knew and reading new information about his early life. I liked that this book was written in the early 1900s, to read the perspective of someone that lived and written a book about events that had happened in very recent history was fascinating. It's silly but it always saddens me that Lincoln chooses to go to the theater in every history book I read. I just keep thinking I wish he'd stay home this time. Sigh....
Excellent book. Makes him real as a person. High School history classes should all read this book.
—clillebakken90
Very informative. I enjoyed and learned a lot from this book.
—butterfly
It was great to read a book from a contemporary of Lincoln's.
—ReEeeeee
Decent introduction to Lincoln.
—oxymoronikal
my hero
—roopdhar
