101 Things You Didn't Know About Lincoln

by Brian Thornton, Richard Donley

Discover the man behind the myth.

One hundred fifty years after his death, Abraham Lincoln remains one of America's most fascinating, brilliant, and visionary leaders. He's idolized as a hero, a legend, and even a secular saint. But what about the real man behind the stone monument?

In this engaging, intelligent book, you'll learn about more than just his savvy political skills and Civil War power plays. 101 Things You Didn't Know about Lincoln reveals other little known details of his personal and professional life,

Filled with these and other offbeat facts, 101 Things You Didn't Know about Lincoln is sure to fascinate, whether you're a newcomer to Lincoln legend and lore, or a hardcore history buff!

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Presidents

256 pages, Paperback

First published October 31, 2005

About the author

Brian Thornton is the author of twelve books and a whole bunch of short stories. He does all of his own stunts, loves the color blue as well as singing in the car with his wife and son, and lives with his family in Seattle, where he recently completed his third term as Northwest Chapter president for the Mystery Writers of America.

Reviews

[CrabbyPatty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Despite all the exclamation points in the title of this book! ..... I liked it! I liked the format! It was quick and easy to read!

The author breaks the book into a series of short answers about Lincoln - his personal life, Lincoln in Springfield, Lincoln and the Presidency, Lincoln and the Civil War, comparisons between Lincoln and other politicans such as Washington, Jefferson, etc. (the weakest section, IMHO), and Lincoln's legacy. I especially enjoyed the section about Lincoln's life and beginning political aspirations.

[Joseph · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent introduction to Lincoln lore, this was a delightful book to read, primarily because of its structure. Rather than chapters, it has bullet points dividing the narrative. While I can't say I learned all that much, this is not because of a failure on the author's part. Rather, it is because I have read so much material on our 16th president. Overall, a very satisfying read and well worth the time spent.

[Allison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Liked the format. Short chapters with interesting tidbits about Abraham Lincoln. No it's not an in depth biography, but it's not meant to be.
Now I can go research more about certain points that jumped out at me.

[Ginger France · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting

[Donna Burtch · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is amazing what one can still learn about President Lincoln. Enjoyed this book and am glad my brother shared it with me.

[Debbie Turner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting....easy read.

[Katherine Coble · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this at the same time I was reading another biography of Lincoln by David Herbert Donald. Thats how I know that the "author" of this book took whole pages from other books and just stuck them in his work without sources being noted.

The format in this shorter work is to have each entry preceded by a question that is then answered in the text. For example: "Was Lincoln really born in a log cabin?" is then followed by three or four pages of historical detail that answer the question and expand upon it. What I take issue with is that several of the "answers" were completely lifted from the other book, word for word, with no footnote.

There is a "sources consulted" section at the back of the work and the biography in question IS listed there. But proper sourcing should have each section footnoted and each attribution cited directly.

Otherwise this sails pretty close to the "p" word.

[Elizabeth Kennedy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good intro to learning about Lincoln. I was utterly amazed that the author could write a plausible summary of the Battle if Gettysburg in one short paragraph. I mean, entire books are written on each day, or each movement, like Picket's charge. That floored me. I did learn that Edwin Booth once saved Robert Todd Lincoln's life, so it was worth the read.

[Craig Patton · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an excellent book exploring many unknown facts about the 16th President of the United States.
Presented in a way so those who do not like or read books on history can enjoy.
Ultimately, this books does a good job in presenting to the reader Abraham Lincoln the man and not the myth.

[John · Rating 3 out of 5]

Don't let the title get ya, this is a goooood quick read.

[John · Rating 1 out of 5]

Got to about 25 of 101. Should be called 101 things nobody cares about Lincoln. No story here, just a collection of random facts.

[Patty · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very readable introduction to the life and times of Abraham Lincoln.

[Bladestryke · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good book for those just starting to learn about Lincoln. Does contain some tie bits lesser known but for the most part it's common knowledge.

[Liz · Rating 2 out of 5]

Quick snippets about Lincoln.