The Death of Lincoln: A Picture History of the Assassination

Scholastic Biography

by Leroy Hayman

Here, illustrated with more than 50 photos, drawings, and paintings of the time, is the tragic true story of Lincoln's death--and what happened after.

Genres: History, Biography, Civil War, American History, Reference, Education, Childrens

128 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1968

About the author

Leroy Hayman is a published author of children's books. Some of the published credits of Leroy Hayman include 'The Death of Lincoln: A Picture History of the Assassination,' 'Up, Up, and Away!: All About Balloons, Blimps and Dirigibles.'

Reviews

[KOMET]

This is a FANTASTIC book, which I read 3 times as an elementary school and middle school student in the 1970s. It provides an utterly captivating, intriguing story of the conspirators who were involved in the assassination of President Lincoln, as well as the assassination attempts on a number of other high-ranking U.S. government officials in the immediate aftermath of the Civil War.

[Rod Brown]

A mediocre history of Abraham Lincoln's assassination by an author too willing to blur the line between fact and legend.

The pictures and illustrations are the best part, though they aren't particularly revelatory. I also find it of questionable taste to show before and after photographs of an actual execution in a juvenile history.

This is one of those odd books in our home library that has been hanging around unread since my wife or my 1970s childhood.


FOR REFERENCE:

Contents: Prologue. Appomattox -- Chapter 1. Dream Remembered -- Chapter 2. Last Day -- Chapter 3. Preparation for Murder -- Chapter 4. The Killer Strikes -- Chapter 5. Vigil over a Dying Hero -- Chapter 6. Home Forever -- Chapter 7. Flight into Darkness -- Chapter 8. Death for the Slayer -- Chapter 9. The Slate Wiped Clean -- Epilogue. The Lincoln Legend

[Nick Gennick]

I picked up this book at the school library where I teach. The book is small, and as the title suggests, it has several pictures which I appreciated a lot. I’m glad I had the opportunity to read this because I do not believe it is in print anymore. It’s a quick read and jammed full of interesting facts and stories having to do with the 16th President’s death. Even though the book is probably written for 5-7th graders, it’s quite informative no matter how old you are, and the writing is very engaging. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in Lincoln and his assassination.

[Jarred Hicks]

This story really clears up the whole assassination of Abraham Lincoln . The story walks you through all the steps that lead up to the shooting and the court trail that took place after. It is a good educational read that teaches you about a great event in history. It also teaches you about how the court law worked back in the day.

[JulieAnn]

Quick and important read. I was struck by the lack of consistent justice. Amazed by the cast of conspirators. What a mess of a time. Lincoln had many threats, Booth had a tumor removed from his neck prior to his attack on Lincoln. Paine was not right mentally. Lincoln’s security detail was less than par. There was a lot going on there to unpack and a lot we will never know. Looking back at tumultuous times like these helps us find more value in respect for all, mental health , understanding/compassion, humility, education, fairness, equal protection. Disturbing book but so important not to forget.

[tyRonE hArDing]

Interesting account of the death of Lincoln.

[Caitriona Riding]

Very interesting read.

Read it out loud to my husband.

[Steve]

Very good short book on the assassination of Lincoln.

[Judy]

Good, quick summary of what happened. Good pictorial account as well. Easy read.

[Janice]

This is a Scholastic Book Services book, part of a history series, I think. As a child, we had books from this series on George Washington, Thomas Edison, Johnny Appleseed and Daniel Boone. This book was an interesting account of the events leading up to Lincoln's assassination, then the shooting, and then events afterwords. I learned quite a lot! Would like to read those others again sometime too.

[Alicia]

A quick and interesting read, written for students. It has piqued my interest in Lincoln and the Civil War again. I appreciate the author's admission at the end of the book - disturbing questions that upset the "neat, logical story of crime and punishment told in most history books". Yes, there are many questions about Lincoln's assassination, as well as JFK's, with implications we may not want to entertain.

[Les Wolf]

I found this one while rummaging through an antique store in Indiana. What caught my eye were the unusual illustrations of the perpetrators of the Lincoln plot, drawn by Lew Wallace, the author of Ben Hur. There are also a number of other drawings and photographs that I had never seen before.
The text was reasonably well written and appeared to be carefully researched. A quick read.

[Sharon]

President Lincoln is a fascinating man. This book recounts the days leading up to his death, his choices, his beliefs,and his actions as well as those leading up to the death of his assassin and his conspirators. Good read.

[Chuck]

A detailed account of Lincoln's assasination which covers the few weeks at the end of the Civil War until the execution and/or sentencing of the conspirator's. A good reference for Civil War and President Lincoln folllowers. Many unusual and rare photos of the time and participants.

[Cws]

JRef3

[Michelle L.]

My 5th graders and I read this book together as a class. An excellent account of Lincoln's assasins and their conspiracies.

[Mr]

i recomend this book because of the thrills and excitment of who killed lincoln.

[Sharon]

An easy read giving facts surrounding president Lincoln's death.

[Brad Kotz]

When I was in the 4th grade, this is the book that hooked me on U.S. history.