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The Knox College Lincoln Studies Center Series
Herndon's Lincoln: The True Story of a Great Life - Vol. 1-3
This DSI edition contains all 3 Volumes in one binding. The type was reset for a clean look and appearance. The object of this work is to deal with Mr. Lincoln individually and as lawyer, as citizen, as statesman. Special attention is given to the history of his youth and early manhood, and while dwelling on this portion of his life the liberty is taken to insert many things that would be omitted or suppressed in other places. The endeavor is to keep Lincoln in sight all the time, to cling close to his side all the way through - leaving to others the more comprehensive task of writing a history of his times. I have no theory of his life to establish or destroy. Mr. Lincoln was my warm devoted friend. - William H. Herndon Springfield, Illinois, 1888 This Edition contains the following Appendix and A Full Index APPENDIX. Unpublished Family Letters 613 An Incident on the Circuit 619 Lincoln's Fellow Lawyers 620 The Truce with Douglas. - Testimony of Irwin 621 The Bloomington Convention. 621 An Office Discussion. - Lincoln's Idea of War 622 Lincoln and the Know-Nothings 623 Lincoln's Views on the Rights of Suffrage 625 The Burial of the Assassin Booth 625 A Tribute to Lincoln by a Colleague at the Bar 626 INDEX 629
660 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1888
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
January 9, 2026
A very well annotated republication of the very interesting (and controversial) 1889 biography of Lincoln by his friend and law partner William Herndon. Fascinating and a pleasure to read.
In a footnote in Chapter XIV, Herndon tells of Lincoln coming into the office one morning in 1856 and seeing Herndon reading a biography of Edmund Burke. Herndon's account of the episode reveals a lot about his attitude toward this book:
"One morning Lincoln came into the office and, seeing the book in my hands, enquired what I was reading. I told him, at the same time observing that it was an excellent work and handing the book over to him. Taking it in his hand he threw himself down on the office sofa and hastily ran over its pages, reading a little here and there. At last he closed and threw it on the table with the exclamation, 'No, I've read enough of it. It's like all the others. Biographies as generally written are not only misleading, but false. The author of this life of Burke makes a wonderful hero out of his subject. He magnifies his perfections--if he had any--and suppresses his imperfections. He is so faithful in his zeal and so lavish in his praise of his every act that one is almost driven to believe that Burke never made a mistake or a failure in his life. Billy, I've wondered why book-publishers and merchants don't have blank biographies on their shelves, always ready for an emergency; so that, if a man happens to die, his heirs or his friends, if they wish to perpetuate his memory, can purchase one already written, but with blanks. These blanks they can at their pleasure fill up with rosy sentences full of high-sounding praise. In most instances they commemorate a lie, and cheat posterity out of the truth. History is not history unless it is the truth.' This emphatic avowal of sentiment from Mr. Lincoln not only fixes his estimate of ordinary biography, but is my vindication in advance if assailed for telling the truth."
In a footnote in Chapter XIV, Herndon tells of Lincoln coming into the office one morning in 1856 and seeing Herndon reading a biography of Edmund Burke. Herndon's account of the episode reveals a lot about his attitude toward this book:
"One morning Lincoln came into the office and, seeing the book in my hands, enquired what I was reading. I told him, at the same time observing that it was an excellent work and handing the book over to him. Taking it in his hand he threw himself down on the office sofa and hastily ran over its pages, reading a little here and there. At last he closed and threw it on the table with the exclamation, 'No, I've read enough of it. It's like all the others. Biographies as generally written are not only misleading, but false. The author of this life of Burke makes a wonderful hero out of his subject. He magnifies his perfections--if he had any--and suppresses his imperfections. He is so faithful in his zeal and so lavish in his praise of his every act that one is almost driven to believe that Burke never made a mistake or a failure in his life. Billy, I've wondered why book-publishers and merchants don't have blank biographies on their shelves, always ready for an emergency; so that, if a man happens to die, his heirs or his friends, if they wish to perpetuate his memory, can purchase one already written, but with blanks. These blanks they can at their pleasure fill up with rosy sentences full of high-sounding praise. In most instances they commemorate a lie, and cheat posterity out of the truth. History is not history unless it is the truth.' This emphatic avowal of sentiment from Mr. Lincoln not only fixes his estimate of ordinary biography, but is my vindication in advance if assailed for telling the truth."
November 22, 2018
Caste Lincoln in a new light.
Abraham Lincoln has long been one of my greatest heroes. I suppose that I, like so many others, had come to place him on a sort of pedestal. As I began to read this very candid review of Lincoln's life, written by his friend and partner, Herndon, I confess to being uncomfortable and wary. My hero seemed to teeter a little, on his lofty pedestal, and I feared he might fall. However, as I read on, I found that I loved the man even more with his warts and foibles than I had before. That one with faults and weaknesses like myself should rise above them to such great heights of valor, and strike such a blow for freedom was very inspiring to me.
Abraham Lincoln has long been one of my greatest heroes. I suppose that I, like so many others, had come to place him on a sort of pedestal. As I began to read this very candid review of Lincoln's life, written by his friend and partner, Herndon, I confess to being uncomfortable and wary. My hero seemed to teeter a little, on his lofty pedestal, and I feared he might fall. However, as I read on, I found that I loved the man even more with his warts and foibles than I had before. That one with faults and weaknesses like myself should rise above them to such great heights of valor, and strike such a blow for freedom was very inspiring to me.
July 12, 2020
I learned about who A. Lincoln was,in this book than.any other.
As doggedly determined to share the truth about A. Lincoln as his subject was in the pursuit of the truth of a matter, Herndon has done a great service for us, the nation, and the world. So many have undertaken to write about Lincoln, but none have revealed the man as well as his former law partner, Herndon. At a time when historical revisionists seek to destroy the greatness of Lincoln, all would do well to read this book and rediscover the man who at the pivot point of our national history put America first, as it was originally conceived by the founders, in order to make it better rather than tear it down. He succeeded marvelously only to be cut down at the dawning of the new age.of freedom he was ushering in... Wouldn't it be wonderful if our national leaders who will do anything to keep their power and expand it would live and work for principle, for justice, and exhibit a conscience surrendered to the good of We the People, like A. Lincoln did with such humility and firmness of purpose. Wouldn't it be wonderful if this history, recorded.immediately after the events.described, was the substance of what is taught in our schools, instead of the terrible lies and fiction used to indoctrinate rather than educate future generations of Americans. Perhaps then we could truly make America great again in ways that will ensure. Herndon does not exhalt Lincoln but reveals him warts and all. Isn't that what we want from biographers? It's clear from this account that.Lincoln was.not a saint to be venerated, but a man who did all he could to better himself, better the circumstances of his fellowman, and leave the world better for having done so. Read this and never forget what you learn. Find someone to share it with and stem the tide of Marxist strategies to destroy our history.
As doggedly determined to share the truth about A. Lincoln as his subject was in the pursuit of the truth of a matter, Herndon has done a great service for us, the nation, and the world. So many have undertaken to write about Lincoln, but none have revealed the man as well as his former law partner, Herndon. At a time when historical revisionists seek to destroy the greatness of Lincoln, all would do well to read this book and rediscover the man who at the pivot point of our national history put America first, as it was originally conceived by the founders, in order to make it better rather than tear it down. He succeeded marvelously only to be cut down at the dawning of the new age.of freedom he was ushering in... Wouldn't it be wonderful if our national leaders who will do anything to keep their power and expand it would live and work for principle, for justice, and exhibit a conscience surrendered to the good of We the People, like A. Lincoln did with such humility and firmness of purpose. Wouldn't it be wonderful if this history, recorded.immediately after the events.described, was the substance of what is taught in our schools, instead of the terrible lies and fiction used to indoctrinate rather than educate future generations of Americans. Perhaps then we could truly make America great again in ways that will ensure. Herndon does not exhalt Lincoln but reveals him warts and all. Isn't that what we want from biographers? It's clear from this account that.Lincoln was.not a saint to be venerated, but a man who did all he could to better himself, better the circumstances of his fellowman, and leave the world better for having done so. Read this and never forget what you learn. Find someone to share it with and stem the tide of Marxist strategies to destroy our history.
March 19, 2014
This is an extraordinary book, for several reasons. First, William H. Herndon was Abraham Lincoln’s law partner for sixteen years prior to Lincoln becoming President. Second, because Herndon spent several years after Lincoln’s assassination writing to and interviewing scores of people that knew Lincoln during his life and career up to the presidency. Third, because editors Douglas L. Wilson and Rodney O. Davis have done an extraordinary job digging into Herndon and Weik’s original letters and notes to discern between actual reporting and embellishment. There have been many versions of Herndon’s Lincoln produced in the years since its 1889 release, but Wilson and Davis’ voluminous and informative endnotes make this edition superior.
Herndon has been accused of being too biased in discussing Lincoln’s relationship with his father and with Mary Lincoln, and of seriously embellishing the story of Ann Rutledge. Nevertheless, he tirelessly undertook an effort to document Lincoln’s history through his interviews of those who knew him best. Herndon’s efforts at collecting this information, along with Weik’s effort to get the book written, have provided an invaluable service to everyone who wants to better understand our sixteenth President. Wilson and Davis complete the picture by helping us sift through what is supported, what is embellishment, and what is still a mystery. Herndon’s Informants, another volume edited by Wilson and Davis, is a must-have corollary to Herndon’s Lincoln as it contains the full text of each letter and interview conducted by Herndon. I highly recommend both.
Herndon has been accused of being too biased in discussing Lincoln’s relationship with his father and with Mary Lincoln, and of seriously embellishing the story of Ann Rutledge. Nevertheless, he tirelessly undertook an effort to document Lincoln’s history through his interviews of those who knew him best. Herndon’s efforts at collecting this information, along with Weik’s effort to get the book written, have provided an invaluable service to everyone who wants to better understand our sixteenth President. Wilson and Davis complete the picture by helping us sift through what is supported, what is embellishment, and what is still a mystery. Herndon’s Informants, another volume edited by Wilson and Davis, is a must-have corollary to Herndon’s Lincoln as it contains the full text of each letter and interview conducted by Herndon. I highly recommend both.
February 23, 2017
Herndon's biography of Lincoln is a personal tribute to his friend and law partner. Herndon creates a living person, someone we learn to know and deeply respect. Though I've read other biographies of our 16th president, I've never known Abraham Lincoln as I do now--as a man above men, a man larger than life and the society within which he lived. Herndon portrays Lincoln both as a legendary and human figure, but I now perceive him as one of greatest leaders in human history.
The author's intimate look into Lincoln's thoughts and actions is laudatory; however, at times, he too diligently pursues topics to the point of distraction--as in his day by day, almost hour by hour, account of Lincoln's would-be saber duel with an aggrieved state official. I got so lost in the minutia that I did a quick web search to learn the story. The the biography does bog down at times but never when the spotlight is on Lincoln--the man is simply mesmerizing.
The author's intimate look into Lincoln's thoughts and actions is laudatory; however, at times, he too diligently pursues topics to the point of distraction--as in his day by day, almost hour by hour, account of Lincoln's would-be saber duel with an aggrieved state official. I got so lost in the minutia that I did a quick web search to learn the story. The the biography does bog down at times but never when the spotlight is on Lincoln--the man is simply mesmerizing.
March 8, 2017
Every Abraham Lincoln admirer should read this. It tells the good and the bad, and he still comes out as a great man. Written by the person closest to him for most of his adult life aside from his wife.
August 8, 2025
Definitely wouldn't recommend this as an intro to Lincoln, but it is a good biography for those already familiar with life story. Herndon felt it was his duty to depict his friend as he was, a real person, not a demigod, and he succeeded in this. In fact, it still feels somewhat iconoclastic today. He collected many stories from dozens of Lincoln acquaintances from his youth, teens, and early adulthood. And it contains Herndon's own recollections and reminisces of Lincoln, culled from the sixteen years or so as his law partner. The earlier years get a thorough treatment, while the presidency feels like a collection of anecdotes by Springfield friends who travelled to Washington to call on Lincoln during the Civil War. Herndon paints very negative portraits of Abraham's father, Thomas, and wife, Mary Todd. There are lots of long quotes, like extracts from letters that go on for pages, which can bog down the text. The account of the Shields "near duel" in 1842 is particularly rambling and confusing. The best thing about this book, honestly, is the work of the editors. Both their introduction and notes are excellent.
July 1, 2025
This book has been in my list for a long time. Mr. Herndon knew Lincoln long before he was a candidate for either the Senate or President, probably better than anyone else knew him during those years when he was just an excellent lawyer. His recollections and information he assembled from others describes Lincoln differently than the impersonal biographies I have read in the past. And he usually does so with more words than necessary.
September 1, 2019
Provides insight into the real person who was Abraham Lincoln, the good and the bad. Very illuminating. I feel that I know him more now, not just as a martyred president. Highly recommended.
March 16, 2023
Excellent personal biography
It had all the personal pieces of Abe's life that only his close friends could tell about him! He was like any other ordinary man, with just as many faults ! He went beyond ordinary to become immortal ! I highly recommend this book !
It had all the personal pieces of Abe's life that only his close friends could tell about him! He was like any other ordinary man, with just as many faults ! He went beyond ordinary to become immortal ! I highly recommend this book !
February 5, 2013
The most impressive biography I've read! Of course most of the is due to the qualities of old Honest Abe. Written and compiled by Lincoln's law partner of many years, Wm. H. Herndon it includes many great stories, letters by various people, humor. Most amazing ...the description of Lincoln the man. I've never heard or concieved of such a character. John Hay his personal secretary in the White House say he was the greastest man after Jesus Christ and now after reading this book I don't doubt it.
September 26, 2013
I alternated between really enjoying this book to feeling bogged down in some of the minute detail....especially that which related to court cases. fun to read some of the behind the scenes scoop on Abe and Mary though. overall I'd say if you are a Lincoln buff it's a must read to help you fill in the gaps.
October 23, 2013
Herndon's general tone is suspect. Either he or a ghost writer added some controversy to boost sales. But at heart, the book is has more than its share of personal anecdotes that only Herndon could share. He spent as much time with Abe as anybody except Mary, and his admiration and respect can't be obscured.
August 7, 2010
A very interesting book about Abraham Lincoln written by his law partner. I enjoyed hearing directly from one of Lincoln's contemporaries, and further enjoyed reading the letters written to and by Lincoln.
February 27, 2011
One of the best history books I have ever read. Biography of Abraham Lincoln written by his law partner. I couldn't put it down; I feel it paints the most realistic picture of the man that could be written.
Read
February 22, 2011good
May 31, 2012
This bio influenced many that came later and is worth it just for that. But it' s also good for its first hand accounts of Lincoln and the obvious warm regard Herndon held for him. No complaints.
September 24, 2013
I can't stop thinkin' about Lincoln.
The old-timey high falutin language and style is alternately hilarious and annoying, but any aspring Lincoln buff should read this sucker.
The old-timey high falutin language and style is alternately hilarious and annoying, but any aspring Lincoln buff should read this sucker.
Read
October 3, 2015This book took me a long time to get through it. It gave a personal opinion by Herndon, who was Lincoln's friend and law partner, of who the real Lincoln was.
Read
April 28, 2016The best Lincoln I've read to date.
September 6, 2016
Facts not seen in other Lincoln biographies.
June 8, 2020
Just a great read.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews