He Knew Lincoln

by Ida Tarbell

1907. Tarbell is best noted as being one of the original muckrakers because of her book, The History of the Standard Oil Company, which played a role in helping to shut down the Standard Oil monopoly. She is also recognized for her book, Life of Abraham Lincoln. He Knew Lincoln is a historical fictionalized account of Lincoln in Springfield as recalled for the reader by one Billy Brown. See other titles by this author available from Kessinger Publishing.

Genres: Historical Fiction

64 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1907

About the author

Ida Minerva Tarbell was an American teacher, author and journalist. She was known as one of the leading "muckrakers" of the progressive era, work known in modern times as "investigative journalism". She wrote many notable magazine series and biographies. She is best-known for her 1904 book The History of the Standard Oil Company, which was listed as No. 5 in a 1999 list by the New York Times of the top 100 works of 20th-century American journalism.[1] She became the first person to take on Standard Oil. She began her work on The Standard after her editors at McClure's Magazine called for a story on one of the trusts.

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Reviews

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a charming series of stories. I came across a much damaged first edition when cleaning out my aunt’s house and knowing Ida Tarbell and being curious about her - kept it. I think she does a great job bringing the personality of Lincoln alive and conveying to kids (and adults) that historical figures really are people. Highly enjoyable, moving and revealing about history in many ways.
One interesting aside is I never knew that Lincoln and his family lived at the soldiers home during the warmer months in Washington and that is where the Emancipation Proclamation was written. The house has recently been renovated and opened for tours.

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely, albeit short, “first hand” account of Lincoln (fictionalized but very believable). His charisma and easy likability were beyond compare. A heartfelt friend’s account of his dealings with Lincoln, the down to earth greatest man ever made—“leastwise, I don’t want to know a better one.”

[David A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hilarious anecdotes about Abraham Lincoln, 2nd hand, written in the 2nd person.

Fantastic.

[Leslie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting insight into why Abe Lincoln was so loved and hated.

[Kathi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I truly loved this book. It is written with Billy Brown's dialect and makes you feel you are actually there listening to the stories he tells. It's a short read and well worth the time.