Lincoln: How Abraham Lincoln Ended Slavery in America: A Companion Book for Young Readers to the Steven Spielberg Film – A Riveting Political Biography of the Thirteenth Amendment

by Harold Holzer

A new book—and companion to the Steven Spielberg film—tracing how Abraham Lincoln came to view slavery...and came to end it.

Steven Spielberg focused his movie Lincoln on the sixteenth president's tumultuous final months in office, when he pursued a course of action to end the Civil War, reunite the country, and abolish slavery. Invited by the filmmakers to write a special Lincoln book as a companion to the film, Harold Holzer, the distinguished historian and a consultant on the movie, now gives us a fast-paced, exciting new book on Lincoln's life and times, his evolving beliefs about slavery, and how he maneuvered to end it.

The story starts on January 31, 1865—less than three months before Lincoln's assassination—as the president anxiously awaits word on whether Congress will finally vote to pass the Thirteenth Amendment to the Constitution. Although the Emancipation Proclamation two years earlier had authorized the army to liberate slaves in Confederate territory, only a Constitutional amendment passed by Congress and ratified by three-fourths of the states would end slavery legally everywhere in the country.

Drawing from letters, speeches, memoirs, and documents by Lincoln and others, Holzer goes on to cover Lincoln's boyhood, his moves from Kentucky to Indiana to Illinois, his work as a lawyer and congressman, his unsuccessful candidacies for the U.S. Senate and his victory in two presidential elections, his arduous duties in the Civil War as commander in chief, his actions as president, and his relationships with his family, political rivals, and associates. Holzer provides a fresh view of America in those turbulent times, as well as fascinating insights into the challenges Lincoln faced as he weighed his personal beliefs against his presidential duties in relation to the slavery issue.

The passage of the Thirteenth Amendment would become the crowning achievement of Abraham Lincoln's life and the undisputed testament to his political genius. By viewing his life through this prism, Holzer makes an important passage in American history come alive for readers of all ages.

The book also includes thirty historical photographs, a chronology, a historical cast of characters, texts of selected Lincoln writings, a bibliography, and notes.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Biography

240 pages, Hardcover

First published November 20, 2012

Reviews

[Rita Shaffer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great nonfiction book! I learned a lot about Lincoln and his life.

[Beth Honeycutt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yay! Just finished for the third year in a row:-)

[Book Shark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lincoln: How Abraham Lincoln Ended Slavery in America by Harold Holzer

“Lincoln: How Abraham Lincoln Ended Slavery in America” is the accessible companion piece to Steven Spielberg’s excellent movie, “Lincoln”. The book is intended for younger audiences but it was also enjoyed by this avid reader and reviewer. The book focuses on the evolution of Lincoln’s views on slavery and how he was able to politically end slavery while preserving the Union. This well written 240-page book is composed of the following fourteen chapters: 1. The Making of a Liberator, 2. Romance, Law, and Politics, 3. The Lincolns Go to Washington Chapter, 4. The Prairies Are on Fire, 5. Right Makes Might, 6. The Mystic Chords of Memory, 7. A People’s Conflict, 8. Fair Warning on Slavery, 9. The Day of Jubilee, 10. Fighting for Freedom, 11. Unfinished Work, 12. Year of Decision, 13. A Fitting and Necessary Conclusion, and 14. Death of a Liberator.

Positives:
1. Accessible and well written book about how President Lincoln ended slavery.
2. Interesting topic in the hands of an accomplished historian. Even handed and professionally written book.
3. The book is intended for young readers as a companion piece to Spielberg’s “Lincoln”. A great opportunity to teach our children an important chapter of our history while enjoying the book on its own merits. The distinct feature that makes this book appropriate for young readers is the author’s graceful handling of slavery.
4. The book shares many tidbits, personality traits and influences that had a lasting impression on Lincoln. “The horrific sight of human beings shackled together and sold as property may have changed Lincoln’s life—and eventually the nation’s life—forever”.
5. Lincoln’s background and his political philosophy. “He supported road and canal projects that would link the state more closely and make it easier to ship goods from town to town. He favored a strong banking system that made certain that good supply”.
6. Lincoln’s evolving views on slavery. “Slavery, Lincoln told one audience in a famous speech in Peoria that year, “is founded in the selfishness of man’s nature—opposition to it is his love for justice.”
7. Political dynamics at work. The interactions and tug-a-wars between the separate powers. Lincoln’s innate ability to handle conflicts in a pragmatic and focused manner.
8. The author does a wonderful job of capturing the essence of Lincoln. Lincoln had a way with words and most of his eloquence is here for all to enjoy. “If Kentucky left, the whole West might be lost to the Confederacy forever. “I would like to have God on my side,” Lincoln is said to have joked at the time. “But I must have Kentucky.”
9. Understanding the political divide. Slaveholders versus the antislavery movement. The quest to keep the Union. “Secession would not be tolerated. The Union must remain intact. Lincoln was willing to make some concessions after all. He promised to enforce the much-hated Fugitive Savage Act, infuriating abolitionists. And he repeated his vow that he would not interfere with slavery where it already existed. But above all, he pleaded with the South to reconsider its rush to leave the Union”.
10. A succinct account of the civil war. The most important victories and defeats. The reason behind it all, “Some people still insist to this day that the war was all about state’s rights. But this is hardly true. The war was caused by secession. And secession was caused by slavery. One issue alone ignited the rebellion: the question of whether the nation could indeed endure half slave and half free”.
11. The impact of slavery, the book’s focus revolves around Lincoln’s handling and resolution of it. “The proclamation unrolled before them made clear that the Southern states had failed to heed the president’s “fair warning.” Rebels would thus lose their slaves forever”.
12. The impact of the proclamation. “The Emancipation Proclamation effectively kept England out of the Civil War”.
13. The political process of achieving full freedom. The amendment. The cost of freedom “Freedom had already cost some six hundred thousand lives North and South”.
14. Lincoln’s legacy.
15. Linked worked great.
16. Excellent Appendix that includes: Cast of Characters, Chronology and the most famous Proclamations and Lincoln’s Second Inaugural Address.

Negatives:
1. The book lacks depth which is expected from a companion piece to a movie.

In summary, for a book intended for a younger audience I enjoyed this book. Author and historian Harold Holzer should be commended for achieving his goal of turning this book into the perfect reading companion to Spielberg’s excellent movie, “Lincoln”. It’s accessible and covers the history of how Lincoln ended slavery intelligibly. If you are looking for the perfect book to give to a young reader regarding President Lincoln and slavery, you’ve found it. I highly recommend it!

Further suggestions: Harold Holzer has written a number of great books on Lincoln, and of course “Team of Rivals” by Doris Kearns Goodwin from which the movie was based on.

[Christy Rosso · Rating 2 out of 5]

Christy Rosso
Genre: Biography
Holzer, H. (2012). Lincoln: How Abraham Lincoln ended slavery in America. New York, NY : HarperCollins.
Format: Print
Selection process: WorldCat
http://www.worldcat.org

Harold Holzer, noted Lincoln historian, authored this book to accompany the film Lincoln. It spanned Abraham Lincoln’s legal and political career from his 1832 unsuccessful run for election to the Illinois House of Representatives, through his terms in congress and the senate, and his presidency. Holzer (2012) used primary sources such as letters, speeches, documents, and period photography to authentically depict Lincoln’s life and times.
Lincoln’s election in November, 1860 was followed by the attack on Fort Sumter on April 12, 1861. Lincoln’s presidency was characterized by brilliant political leadership, although the author revealed little of Lincoln’s strategic plan in forming his cabinet of political rivals. Lincoln described their marriage to Mary as “miserable,” ascribing it to war and their lengthy period of mourning, and telling her as the war ended that they should learn to be more cheerful, as should the country (Holzer, 2012, p. 186).
Holzer chronicled important political events, as well as key battles and the steadily rising death toll from Manassas to Antietam. The loss of lives grew to more than 600,000 men ("The civil war," 2002). Personal loss for the first family occurred on February 20, 1862 when the Lincolns’ 11-year-old son Willie died of typhoid fever. Holzer (2012) described the family’s deep sorrow, including Lincoln’s weekly practice of locking himself in his room on the day of the week that Willie died. On January 1, 1863 Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation, giving freedom to slaves and allowing black men to enlist in the Union military (Holzer, 2012).
Excerpts of Lincoln’s most important speeches were included in this book. The Gettysburg Address, delivered on November 16, 1863 on the site of the Union victory in the largest battle of the Civil War was termed “the greatest speech this president—and probably any president—ever delivered” (Holzer, 2012, pp. 134-135). Nearly a year later, on September 2, 1864, General Sherman’s capture of Atlanta rallied Lincoln’s support in his second presidential bid, and in November 1864 Lincoln was re-elected to the presidency. Holzer furnished a fascinating explanation of Lincoln’s strategies to obtain the passage of the Thirteenth Amendment on January 31, 1865, a culminating moment in Abraham Lincoln’s presidency.
Holzer’s book provided much information about Abraham Lincoln, and as an adjunct to the movie it was an understandable, although abridged version of Lincoln’s story. The cover stated: “A Companion Book for Young Readers to the Steven Spielberg Film” (Holzer, 2012). The recommended reading level for the book on the publisher’s web site stated: “Ages: 18 and UP” ("Lincoln,” 2012). The book contained adult vocabulary and there was no glossary, although the type was large-sized. The political intrigue described seemed difficult for young readers to appreciate at times, as context was not always provided.
Recommend.
Holzer’s book was informative, and would be recommended for Young Adult and Adult readers, especially Lincoln or Civil War enthusiasts.
References
The civil war fact sheet. (2002). Retrieved from http://www.pbs.org/civilwar/war/
Holzer, H. (2012). Lincoln: How Abraham Lincoln ended slavery in America. New York, NY : HarperCollins.
Lincoln: How Abraham Lincoln ended slavery in America: A companion book for young readers to the Steven Spielberg film. (2012). Retrieved from http://www.harpercollins.com/books

[Brett · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the ‘companion’ book to the Steven Speilberg film LINCOLN. Author Harold Holzer’s writing is easily readable and concise, tracing development of Lincoln’s hatred of slavery from his youthful experiences and detailing “the road to freedom.. [which] ..proved long, bumpy, and uneven -rutted with detours, obstacles, and frustrating delays.”

Holzer’s book adds to the work of other Lincoln historians, notably Doris Kearns Goodwin, ‘Team of Rivals’, describing Lincoln’s political genius, mastery of men, understanding of public relations, indeed his knowing when to act and when to hide. Addressing passage of the Thirteenth Amendment: “How Lincoln proceeded to win those reluctant votes proved a testament to his almost ruthless determination to achieve the goal of freedom so he could pursue the goal of peace without slavery.”

In the movie LINCOLN, I was inspired by Tommy Lee Jones’ portrayal of House Speaker Thaddeus Stevens, the unrepentantly radical congressman from Pennsylvania, and the part he played in the Amendment’s passage. For further reading, I recommend Hans L. Trefousse’s biography “Thaddeu Steven: Nineteenth-Century Egalitarian”.

I found it fitting Holzer closes the book with a quote from Lincoln’s September 11, 1858 Speech at Edwardsville, Illinois: “Our reliance is in the love of liberty which God has planted in our bosoms.”

[Josh Gregory · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars
I give this book 4 stars because I now have a better understanding about Abraham Lincoln. This book was very short, but had tons of facts and details. After a while the book just got boring. But, I learned a lot of things about Abraham Lincoln that didn't know. I learned about his backstory and family, all the hardships he went through, being elected president, being assassinated, etc. It had random facts too, like how Lincoln read the whole bible, or Lincoln's first wife name was Ann. I learned about all the important things about him that I never knew. All in all, this is why I gave this book by Harold Holzer a 4 star review.

[Mir Shahzad · Rating 5 out of 5]

Abraham Lincoln was the great leader of America. Once upon a time "At the age of 20 years Abraham Lincoln borrowed a book 'The Washington' from one of his neighbors, and loved it so much he took it to bed with him in the small loft where he slept in the family cabin, right beneath the roof line. Once night it rained so hard that water leaked into the ceiling and soaked the old book. Its pages swelled with water. Lincoln apologized to its owner, who made him work in his fields until the ruined volume was paid for".

[Michael Jolls · Rating 4 out of 5]

For a shorter biography, it hits the main points but centers the narrative squarely on slavery. The Civil War is left out (although significant events like Fort Sumpter & Gettysburg are highlighted), which helps keep the subject matter of the story in place. A good entry level book to researching Abraham Lincoln, but definitely high school level; I don't think middle schoolers would retain it unless assisted with a teacher.

[Taylor Farsakh · Rating 3 out of 5]

Found this at my Airbnb for the weekend, so I wasn’t able to finish before I had to leave but it was an interesting & informative read for the weekend.

This book is for younger readers, so it’s definitely an easier read especially if you aren’t used to reading history like me!

[Sandra Oldfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a young readers book it is a great summary of Lincoln. I suggest, thought, that every American should read it as many know very little about this man. This version, although for young readers is a good one for adults as well.

[Vera Godley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lincoln by Harold Holzer
How did President Abraham Lincoln come to believe that slavery was "morally wrong," and that Congress needed to pass a law to abolish it once and for all? What did he do in January 1865—three months before he was assassinated—to ensure passage of the Thirteenth Amendment?

This fast-paced, riveting book answers these questions and more as it tells the story of Lincoln's life and times from his upbringing in Kentucky and Illinois, through his work as a lawyer and congressman, to his candidacies and victory in two Presidential elections. It also describes Lincoln's duties in the Civil War as Commander-in-Chief, his actions as President, and his relationships with his family, his political allies and rivals, and the public who voted for and against him. Harold Holzer makes an important era in American history come alive for readers of all ages.

An official companion to Steven Spielberg's Oscar® award-winning film Lincoln, the book also includes thirty historical photographs, a chronology, a cast of characters, texts of selected Lincoln writings and speeches, a bibliography, and a foreword by the author about his experience working as a consultant on the movie. (amazon.com description)

Review: An absolutely great book!!! Easily a companion to any history class studying the life of Abraham Lincoln. While most Americans know who Abraham Lincoln was, they can only tell you that he was President during the Civil War and he freed the slaves. There is so much more to Lincoln’s life. Based on facts in the book, apparently Lincoln was the first presidential candidate to suggest a presidential debate.

Do you know why Lincoln grew a beard or that he and his wife Mary went through every parent’s nightmare of losing more than one child?

This book would serve as a great resource for any student having to do a term paper on Lincoln. It is easy to read and is full of information. In fact, its one drawback may be that the author was trying to put too much information in the book. Regardless, I highly recommend this book for anyone remotely interested in the life of our 16th President Abraham Lincoln. (Rev. P.Howard)

DISCLOSURE: A copy was won on Goodreads.com.

[Holly Weiss · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was written to be a companion to the Steven Spielberg film, Lincoln, currently in theaters. It focuses on the sixteenth president’s tumultuous final months in office. Ending slavery was his primary focus. Even if you are not able to go see the movie, you have an abundance of historical detail right in this book.

Be advised this is not a comprehensive biography of President Lincoln. It puts a microscope on his struggle to weigh his personal beliefs against presidential duties concerning the slavery issue. The Emancipation Proclamation issued two years earlier only authorized Union soldiers to liberate slaves in the south. A Constitutional amendment was needed to legally end slavery forever in the United States. The book tells us about America during those tumultuous times, Congress, and the people who fought or helped Lincoln.

Although intended for young adult readers, the book is well suited for adults as well. Photographs spanning his life, speeches, a chronology and cast of characters are included. Another nice perk is the large type size.

Here is an interesting aside. When Steven Spielberg, director of the movie, interviewed historical scholars prior to writing the screenplay, he took notes using an inkwell and fountain pens in order to place himself into that historical period. One wonders if he wrote the entire script in the same manner, with ink staining his fingers.

Reviewed by Holly Weiss, author of
Crestmont

[K. D. Hanson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Purchased at only $5.00, my investment into this book has proved to be worth it. To create a book that is accurately informational is already fascinating, but to make it intriguing to any person - interested or not, is a huge challenge. Fortunately, I was not a person who wasn't interested into the great works of Abraham Lincoln. It should not be left in history books that Abraham Lincoln lived simply, made his mark, fought for a radical change, and sought for a great future for the United States of America. His work should not simply be left in the pages of books, but in the minds of future generations to come. Fortunately, through this book, the reader is able to experience a simple, short, easy to read book that is informational on the incomprehensible works of Abraham Lincoln.

Since his birth, he and his father always opposed of the idea of using another human being for labor. Obviously, what would result from this animosity would, in turn, influence his radical change as president of the United States. Lincoln's intense chauvinism is prominent throughout all his works as one of the greatest president's in the United States. Read the entire story of Lincoln's political life, to his personal life - to his assassination in this very book.

[Cindy Mitchell *Kiss the Book* · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holzer, Harold Lincoln, 293 pgs. NON-FICTION. Newmarket Press, 2012. $14.99. Language: PG (3 swears); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG. ISBN-13: 978-0-06-226509-8

Abraham Lincoln was just your average teenager in Springfield, Kentucky, but his life is suddenly changed when he goes to New Orleans, Louisiana. There he witnesses, for the first time, the public whipping of a black slave. Follow Abraham Lincoln and his political career from soldier to politician to president of the United States of America.

Harold Holzer has an amazing writing style that really immerses the reader into the book and into the time period. He makes the reader feel like they are actually there in the book. I constantly would just wanted to continue reading the book. I rarely felt like the book was dragging it’s feet to prolong the story. The book’s pacing is very good. Harold Holzer's characters were really strong and there was never a time where I thought the characters got boring. The plot never of the book never felt weak it always felt really well paced and never slowed itself down.

MS, HS - ESSENTIAL. Student Reviewer: JO, 7th grade
http://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2016/...

[Stephen]

The book places the reader back in the 19th century when Lincoln was getting ready to abolish slavery in the U.S. for good.
But the book talks about that it not only took Lincoln winning the war to finally abolish slavery, but it took Lincoln a lot of time talking it over with congress and house of representatives to vote for the 13th amendment.
This is a well done book and it is not afraid to point out that Lincoln was not always as anti-slavery as he was near the end of his life. Politics played into his position on the topic. He waited until the time was just right to make his political moves on ending slavery. For, if he didn't plan his moves just right, then he might not have ended slavery and he might not have finished abolishing slavery before his assassination 3 months after the 13th amendment was added to the constitution. The book also does well with the way the chapters are ordered, i never felt like the book skipped over anything important that happened during the time period. I would recommend this book to anybody who is looking for a deeper understanding on how the 13th amendment got passed

[Dave · Rating 3 out of 5]

As advertised, I found myself making page notes relevant to potential discussions I could have with my middle school classes. The book speaks honestly about Lincoln, outlining not only his triumphs but his pitfalls and perceived flaws as well, without overstating and getting bogged down in syntax moving beyond its intended audience. Great topics for students: Lincoln's relationship with Frederick Douglass, his desire to colonize African-Americans post-war, the fallout of the Emancipation Proclamation, brief summaries of his familial struggles, and so on. Tempted to buy a class set for next year's studies. Quick and to the point for adults looking for a decent overview of Lincoln.

[Alicia · Rating 3 out of 5]

A snapshot of how Lincoln ended slavery with enough of a mix of familial and political issues as well as a profile of who Lincoln was as a man (highlighting his unique sense of humor and oratorical skills) in ending slavery in the US. A great story that drags a little toward the end with the entrenched politics and maneuvering, but well done in a comprehensive teen look at him from a guy who knows a thing or two about Lincoln.

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

A new fact I learned from this book: As Lincoln came into office, the Congress passed a Thirteenth Amendment that permanently established slavery in the South. It was never sent to the states for ratification though.

[Meaghan · Rating 3 out of 5]

The historical information was interesting and precise. I like the fact this book covered the major accomplishments and struggles of Lincoln's life. The images included within the book were helpful.

[Mitzi Moshiri · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book because I appreciated the organization of the material. The information was interesting, easy to digest, and really encouraged me to learn more about the Civil War. I am anxious to see the movie now that I've read this book.

[Sophia Danchine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wow. Before I read this book, I did not look at Lincoln the same as now after I read this. I learned amazing information from this book, Lincoln's personal experiences and how other people thought of him during his era.

[Clay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed the book - it would be an excellent book for middle grades to appreciate the civil was era using a book club format where students were grouped by book and multiple groups were reading multiple books.

[Amber · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed learning more about Lincoln and the 13th amendment. I drew several parallels between mid-19th century politics and current events, which was interesting. However, most of my students found the book to be dry and unengaging.

[lauren · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good YA book on Lincoln and his quest to end slavery in America. Informative, but not too erudite or academic.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great refresher of Civil War History; I had forgotten so much and it really helped with questions I had about that great movie.

[Pat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent overview of Lincoln's political and early life. Easy to read.

[Elizabeth Wyatt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read - easy reading for new Lincoln scholars like myself.

[Neek Hadjarpour · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was a decent book

[Drew Coleman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Non-fiction book about Lincoln and his amazing life!

[Amrita · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a good book but there were a lot of boring parts.