AUDIOBOOK. Free on Librivox. Normally I give 5 stars to pretty much everything, but there is at least one inaccuracy; the book lists Jeffeson Davis as the 1860 Democratic Nominee whereas a quick Google search shows that the actual Democratic Nominee was John Breckinridge. Otherwise, I enjoy the audiobook. The reader was articulate and wasn't a lip smacker. Good little listen.
A bit idealized and with language of the time that makes one cringe when talking about slavery. I hadn't realized Lincoln was self-taught to such an extent; this made his later accomplishments seem that much more impressive.
Written to give young British students an impression of the 16th President of the United States, The Story of Abraham Lincoln by Mary A. Hamilton is both interesting and informative. Unfortunately it also isn’t completely accurate. I have no doubt that the views on slavery she attributes to Lincoln are correct but she gives her reader the impression that the Civil War was fought solely for that purpose. In her book she quotes Lincoln but edits out vital information. Not once did she say that the war was primarily for the preservation of the Union. Lincoln often stated that the preservation was his only goal. If he could save the Union and permit slavery, he would. The Emancipation Proclamation was issued as a last resort and was primarily a political decision. If the reader can overlook these discrepancies, the book is otherwise clear, precise and accurate. Although it affords little to more knowledgeable readers it is worth the time and effort for anyone with a limited knowledge of Abraham Lincoln.
A very idyllic view of Lincoln's life with facts used as juxtaposition bolstering up the pedestal she wants to put Lincoln on rather than the meat of the book. Most of the content is hyperbole idolizing Lincoln from a passive revisionist perspective. Many statements regarding Lincoln's feelings/actions or the author's feelings on Lincoln are presented as hard facts that cannot be disputed and are universally known, without any evidence to back them up. This is the same stating the perceived emotions of historical people and presenting the author's opinions of these perceived emotions or reactions as hard undisputed facts. It is less of a "history" and more of a fan expose on the life of Lincoln. There are also some historical inaccuracies. It was obviously written by someone not American as the senate and house are often referred to as "the parliament".
Overall, not worth the time to read. It is aimed at children, but I'm sure there are many other well written biographies of Lincoln out there that do not resort to such antiquated idealism or idolism.
In this biography for young adults, Mary Hamilton gives a British person’s perspective on the 16th President of the United States. A glowing tribute to “Honest Abe”, the author traces Lincoln’s ancestral roots and recounts his birth in Kentucky, his youth in Indiana, his adult life in Illinois and his years in the White House. She also provides a good background on the causes and course of the American Civil War.