Everyone wants to define the man who signed his name “A. Lincoln.” In his lifetime and ever since, friend and foe have taken it upon th...
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Apr 15, 2009
Bookmarks Magazine
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Having already written two books on Abraham Lincoln, Ronald C. White, Jr., understands better than most the challenges in bringing a fresh perspective to the most scrutinized president in American history. With 16,000 books, and counting, on Lincoln (as well as several dozen more in the period before the bicentennial celebration of his birth), the ground that remains to be covered is disappearing before scholars' eyes. But White, who draws on his own thorough research of the recently available L
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Aug 03, 2011
In this full-scale biography of Abraham Lincoln, Ronald White does a great job of conveying both the brilliance and the humanity of this great president. As you would expect, White chronicles Lincoln's upbringing, his education (or lack thereof), and his entry into the law profession. It is clear that these years set the stage for what is to come, as you can see the character that will become so essential to his success being formed. White chronicles Lincoln's early forays into politics, his tim
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Jul 27, 2011
Michael
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A very comprehensive bio of Lincoln. Because it is intended to cover his entire life story (and give a glimpse of his motivations, weaknesses and personal literary and political genius) the book is comprehensive in scope. White goes to great lengths to review lesser known portions of Lincoln's life and spends less time covering the more widely documented moments (the Gettysburg Address, the assassination, etc.). While this makes sense in the context of providing a better understanding of the
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Mar 13, 2011
Jason
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Though I have long been an avid reader of history - I admit I have generally avoided anything related to the Civil War/Abraham Lincoln. This probably stems from my childhood when I somehow came to the conclusion that the Civil War was . . . boring. I simply couldn't work up any interest - I was much more likely to be interested in Greek or Roman history, 20th century American history, etc. etc.
I changed my mind last summer when I had the opportunity to visit the Lincoln Museum in Sprin More...
I changed my mind last summer when I had the opportunity to visit the Lincoln Museum in Sprin More...
Nov 29, 2010
Natasha
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What I love about this biography of Lincoln is the analysis of his speeches. The author has written two books about Lincoln's great speeches so you could call him a premier expert on the subject. He has studied both Lincoln's public and private writings and convincingly gets to the heart of our sixteenth president.
If you want to learn the art of persuasion, study this book as it expounds on Lincoln's powerful use of the podium. For example:
• Lincoln’s eloquence stemmed from lega More...
If you want to learn the art of persuasion, study this book as it expounds on Lincoln's powerful use of the podium. For example:
• Lincoln’s eloquence stemmed from lega More...
Feb 20, 2010
Adrienne
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There are a lot of Lincoln biographies out there, and some of them are probably pretty good. Since this is the only one I've read, I can't really compare it to all the others.
However, Ronald C. White's A. Lincoln was a fascinating read, that really brought Lincoln and his time to life for me. In his book, White focuses on Lincoln's words (of which there are many) to understand a complex man who dealt with a complex problem. White strikes an excellent balance; he lets Lincoln speak fo More...
However, Ronald C. White's A. Lincoln was a fascinating read, that really brought Lincoln and his time to life for me. In his book, White focuses on Lincoln's words (of which there are many) to understand a complex man who dealt with a complex problem. White strikes an excellent balance; he lets Lincoln speak fo More...
Nov 06, 2009
Dave
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An unqualified "five star" effort by Ronald White that I expect will become the definitive biography of our 16th President. But the value of this book is the in depth analysis of Lincoln's writings, letters, and speeches where he penetrates to the soul of the man and brings him to life as an innovater who changed the course of America and brought real meaning to the words in the Declaration of Independence, "that all men are created equal". One is forced to wonder how diffe
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Apr 12, 2009
Richard
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I do not know enough to weigh in on how this biography compares to some of the others (James M. McPherson says it’s “the best since David Donald’s 1995 Lincoln”). My friend Elliot Trummold, a Lincoln scholar, among other roles, attests that it is “solid and well done.” And various reviews say it’s one of the best one volume works on Lincoln. They know more than I.
But I was enthralled by it. Initially I thought I was taken in by the audio version (read by Bill Weideman) as I felt I w More...
But I was enthralled by it. Initially I thought I was taken in by the audio version (read by Bill Weideman) as I felt I w More...
Aug 09, 2011
Daniel
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For as much as I love American history, this was the first full birth to death biography of Lincoln that I have read.
White's writing is highly enjoyable and thorough. I especially liked the paragraph by paragraph analysis of Lincoln's most famous speeches and letters. He traces their origins back to the notes that Abe wrote to himself throughout his life. These notes provide a look into Abe's thoughts as he crafted his political and moral legacies. Lincoln's musings on God and religion we More...
White's writing is highly enjoyable and thorough. I especially liked the paragraph by paragraph analysis of Lincoln's most famous speeches and letters. He traces their origins back to the notes that Abe wrote to himself throughout his life. These notes provide a look into Abe's thoughts as he crafted his political and moral legacies. Lincoln's musings on God and religion we More...
Sep 26, 2009
Jenny
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Amazingly I am fascinated with our history lately. Traveling seems to awaken that in me. Driving through Springfield, IL and going to the Lincoln Museum had me go to my next President adventure and that was Abraham Lincoln. A gentleman at the store recommended this book. It was a good book. I only gave it three stars because he is not a writer like David Mccullough. Interesting but slow. A. Lincoln definitely came into his own as President. It was fascinating to read about. I was a lit
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May 24, 2009
Elaine
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I am a Lincoln buff and have read myriad biographies of the man, ranging fron his ardent admirers to his worst detractors. So, reading yet another one seemed redundant, but I did it anyway, and I'm glad I did. The first few pages start out with the usual retelling of his humble beginnings, but soon the revelations and insights begin. White searched through Lincoln's own notes to himself on every conceivable issue, and bases this new bio them. Lincoln had a lifelong habit of writing down his t
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Apr 17, 2011
A.J.
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As someone who loves history, it's painful to give a mixed review to someone's work, knowing they put so much effort into research and writing. But I can't bring myself to give this book any more than 3 stars. While his research is commendable, and his writing style is well enough, A. Lincoln was never quite as engaging as a biography of one of the most beloved presidents in American history should be. Were it not for the rich historical detail, I would be hard pressed to finish this book. T
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Aug 20, 2009
Wendy
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I really wanted to read a good bio about Abraham Lincoln. I know so little about one of America's most reverred presidents. However it seems that most biographies are either 700-1000 pages or 100 page bios for elementary school children. Why can't someone write a good 300-400 page bio? I don't need to know the text of every letter he ever wrote...
This bio on Lincoln assumed you knew the major historical points of the civil war, which I do not. It mentioned historical events with More...
This bio on Lincoln assumed you knew the major historical points of the civil war, which I do not. It mentioned historical events with More...
Apr 13, 2009
Jackie
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From humble beginnings to a respected and admired president, Abraham Lincoln was a master of the message with insightful, precise words. A. Lincoln: A Biography by Ronald C. White, Jr. is a well-researched biography of importance. Only by divine providence and shear determination did Lincoln guide and lead this country during its most tumultuous historical period. So many details are brought to the reader of this book that are beyond the cursory introductions of an American History class. He
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Oct 18, 2011
Benjamin
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This was my first Abraham Lincoln biography and I found it to be a highly readable introduction to his life. There are several elements of his career which I would like to expand upon but as an entry point I found it very helpful. I would agree with other reviewers that White stretches a little far in his suggestions regarding Lincoln's religious growth near the end of this 1st term as president. Still, White clearly has a good handle on Lincoln as a speech writer and orator. The last half of th
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Jul 31, 2011
Jeff
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A large book yet a relatively easy read. White finds a good balance between a scholarly work and one easily enjoyed by the average person with an interest in Lincoln. White just tells the story in chronological order without making value judgments or personal interpretations. The book is an overview. Despite the fact that the book is 650 pages, Lincoln's life is so interesting and deep that one is left wanting to know more about certain aspects. The only drawback is that there were times wh
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Feb 15, 2010
Malek
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This book, based on Lincoln's writings, is quite detailed and very revealing. It is not particularly controversial, but might seem that way if you have an extremely one-sided view of Lincoln. It paints him as a very human figure with particular strengths and weaknesses. The book moves quite slowly until the election of Lincoln and the start of the Civil War, when events pick up in terms of speed and intensity. The book does a good job of not foreshadowing events (with a couple of exceptions)
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Jul 31, 2009
John
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Ronald C White Jr's A.Lincoln is by far the best biography of President Abraham Lincoln I've read since David Donald's Lincoln, Doris Kearns Goodwin's A Team of Rivals, and James McPherson's Tried By War: Abraham Lincoln as Commander in Chief. Mr.White was able to me into the soul of our 16th President. This biography opened new ground on Lincoln, notably how he reacted to the secession of Confederate states before he was inaugurated. I urge everyone to read this new biography in particular Repu
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Mar 19, 2010
Dick
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You know when you start thinking that no one can tell you anything new about A. Lincoln . . . comes a book like this.
The book is just excellent. The author takes you through Lincoln's life, his evolution as a man, a politician, public servant and with special interest to me and my play . . . his evolution spiritually.
The author also covers Lincoln's use of the language, the words he used, the sources of those words (many from the Bible)and his intellectual honesty and More...
The book is just excellent. The author takes you through Lincoln's life, his evolution as a man, a politician, public servant and with special interest to me and my play . . . his evolution spiritually.
The author also covers Lincoln's use of the language, the words he used, the sources of those words (many from the Bible)and his intellectual honesty and More...
Jun 03, 2010
Talleyfamily6
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This has been an excellent book. I've learned alot which is always a plus. I found interesting that in his "House Divided" speech he said that the union could not continue as it was - half free/half slave. Either it would be all free or allowed slavery everywhere but it would not stay divided. That was something that had escaped me. Also, I think it interesting that though the topics of discussion have changed (i.e. we no longer are divided by slavery), his wisdom in how to govern
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Nov 17, 2010
Ben
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I have always wanted to read a Lincoln biography that related his life from birth to death and I'm glad I picked this one. It has been written recently with some new insights, so they say. At times it focused on dates and names of people a bit much. This author has a love for Lincoln's writing and speeches and so will you after you finish. I got the chills multiple times as certain passages were emphasized and dissected. Abraham Lincoln deserves all the recognition, loyalty, and homage he h
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Feb 10, 2010
Riki
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You have the opportunity to reach the core of the internal argument when it comes to politics (or life)... compromise seems like a worthy endeavor, but without declaring what is right and what is wrong, you cannot progress forward, nor achieve freedom. Freedom is not giving everyone what they want. Freedom is determining what is right and wrong and living within that framework. Very interesting behind the scenes with this man, all the mistakes, the progress, the failures, the victories, the hear
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Jul 13, 2011
Claudia
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Although I'm a Democrat, I couldn't wait to read this book. Throughout my growing up and school years, we always heard about the great things Abraham Lincoln did, and we had to memorize his Gettysburg speech, but I never knew much about him. This book provides a wonderful insight to who he was, what he believed in, and what life was like for him. I was must struck by how much he dearly loved his children, and how devastated he was upon the passing of two of his children. He was truly a gifted an
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Jun 29, 2011
Mike
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One of the best books I have read! Abraham Lincoln is easily my favorite person in history, and this biography does a fantastic job covering his life and the major events of the Civil War. I cannot praise this book enough as being incredibly readable - it is not too much to say that this book truly reads like a novel. Lincoln's emotions come through in the reading and the author's use of the letters and speeches of Lincoln, both public and private, do a tremendous job of putting the reader in
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Feb 23, 2011
Jennifer
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I’ve heard that many people see Abraham Lincoln as an enigmatic person: he was quiet, private, and never quite predictable, not a person you can pigeonhole. In this biography, Ronald White, with his meticulous research and in his detailed, poignant writing, sheds an amazing amount of light on just who this Abraham Lincoln was. In writing the story of Lincoln’s life, Mr. White carefully balances the inner man with the outer, the historic background with the everyday details, the overall political
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Jul 31, 2010
Gina
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I thought this was an excellent biography of Lincoln. I loved that it didn't seem in any way salacious. It didn't dwell on his marriage or depression or relationships with his parents. It did dwell on his writings and speeches and spent time discussing his rhetoric, poetry, and influences, and this was so much more appealing. I thought White handled the civil war amazingly well; I am no history buff and although I needed reminding of many of the important battles and their significance, I felt r
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May 22, 2010
Steve
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I've read a few Civil War history books, but this is the first book I read that was a biography specifically about Abraham Lincoln. Looking back, I should have probably read this book first, because it is a great entry point to learn about the basics of that time for a person who might not known much about that period.
One of the tough things about reading Civil War history is keeping track of all the different places, dates, people, etc. This book patiently explains a lot of that and More...
One of the tough things about reading Civil War history is keeping track of all the different places, dates, people, etc. This book patiently explains a lot of that and More...
Oct 12, 2009
Joe
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With this year being the 200th Anniversary of Abraham Lincoln's birth, numerous scholars have come out with new material focusing on our most revered President. Ronald White's contribution to this anniversary is a one volume biography, and in my mind, it has to be the best this year. Lincoln is without question a fascinating study, and White's biography of him is one of my personal favorites.
With White's background, a combination of historical and theological study, he emerges to me More...
With White's background, a combination of historical and theological study, he emerges to me More...
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Jan 18, 2011
Linda
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This is an excellent biography of Lincoln. Especially interesting is the author's in-depth analyses of Lincoln's speeches - how he composed them usually over time on notes he was always jotting down as well as what the speeches said. The speeches became an important component in Lincoln's leadership plus his connecting with the populace. Other aspects of the book that are fascinating are the author's tracing of Lincoln's evolving religious convictions and attitudes toward slavery and race.
Aug 11, 2009
Rick
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Don't get me wrong. This is a good book ... a VERY good book, but I feel something's lacking ... I can't quite put my finger on it, but for all its insight and research, I still think "Honest Abe" is a bit elusive in this book ... Maybe it's because he was so complex in life NO book could ever capture him entirely. Although I enjoyed the read (very smooth) and I knocked the book off in about a week, I feel like I had appetizers, not a full meal.
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