Abraham Lincoln: The Prairie Years and the War Years [1-volume edition]

At over 740 pages, one might set themselves up for a great summer read. This extensive book on Lincoln is not the only Sandburg Abe-related effort; this particular effort covers the six-volume set edited into one book. This tome covers the Lincoln Presidency with an in-depth accounting of the Civil War and the endless conflicts Lincoln faced, assault on this President from all sides on the political spectrum. If you want to understand just how raw and vitriolic the political environment surrounding the Lincoln presidency was, the read will keep you occupied.

I read these in high school before I realized there was any controversy about Lincoln and his administration. Perhaps I should go back ( )

Civil War and history buffs--as well as all lovers of fine writing--will delight in the detail and accuracy of Carl Sandburg's definitive, best-known biography of "Honest Abe". Representing a lifetime of study by the great American poet, Abraham Lincoln: The Prairie Years and The War Years distills Sandburg's monumental six volume set into a single one-book edition. By gleaning every possible reference from history, literature, and popular lore, Sandburg successfully captures not only the legendary president, but also Lincoln the man. He reveals exactly who Lincoln was, and what forces in his life shaped his personality. More than 100 black-and-white historical photographs and linecuts show Lincoln himself, the places he went, and the people who knew him.

Linclon became president during an extremely difficult time. This biography describes his strengths (vision, persistance) as well as his weaknesses (depression, emotionality). The book went through Lincoln's background (The Prairie Years) and detailed the Civil War (The War Years). Excellent book for the historian. ( )

Finally! I finished it. It was a very good book or I could not have stuck with it to the end. There were no cliff-hanger chapters, no suspense or mystery or adventure. Just a lot of good writing about a man whom I admire all the more now that I know some of his foibles. This told much more of his greatness, but as a man, not a legend. One can't help wondering why he had to die, what might have happened if he hadn't. Useless to ponder, but still one does. Biography ( )