This is an excellent introduction to Lincoln's presidency and the difference that it made to the shaping of the United States. It's well-written, thoughtful, and concise. McGovern packs a remarkable amount of information into just over 150 pages. I'm coming away from this book with a better understanding of the political and military dynamics of the Civil War and of the personalities in and around the White House than I ever gained from a U.S. history course. Not surprisingly, McGovern doesn't cover everything about Lincoln or his presidency in this brief book. He says little about Lincoln's personal life, and he acknowledges Lincoln's controversial acts, such as the suspension of habeas corpus, without going into detail - something that will probably frustrate readers who already have a grounding in (and opinions on) this history. However, sidestepping this material allows McGovern to focus tightly on Lincoln as president and to explore and explain his decisions regarding emancipation, war strategy, and his bid for re-election during wartime. This book stands well on its own but also provides an excellent foundation for further reading.