Abraham Lincoln

by James Daugherty

James Daugherty has turned his pen to the greatest American of them all: Abraham Lincoln, sixteenth president of the United States. His book is the people's Lincoln, Lincoln the man--seen through the clear eyes of an artist and poet, American to the bone.

"It is a story to set the blood tingling and fill the heart with sorrow and glory, to set the footsteps of the mind on leaf-fallen Kentucky ground, on Springfield's pavements, and down the hurried streets of Washington in the spring rain.

"It is a picture of a tumbling, surging young nation with the pioneer states knocking at the door, the era of the coonskin cap and the French brocade. Across its broad canvas pass the lynx-eyed backwoodsmen, the crinolined belles of the plantation South, the slick politicians of wartime Washington in the 1860s, the desperate fighters in blue and gray. It is the sound of battle, and the bands playing 'Dixie,' and the march of tired feet and the trumpets calling." -description from the original 1943 edition

It is Lincoln as his contemporaries saw him, as we might seem him now. He stalks through these pages with his gangling humorous ways like a well-beloved friend.

Originally published in 1943, Daugherty dedicated this beautiful work to his son, "Lieutenant Charles M. Daugherty, American soldier-artist and his comrades in arms throughout the world." In every case where tyranny raises its ugly head, Lincoln has and will continue to stand as America's shining symbol of freedom, justice, and equality.

Genres: Biography, History

Hardcover

First published January 1, 1943

About the author

aka http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/...

Reviews

[Dale · Rating 4 out of 5]

Originally Published in 1943.
The edition I read was a re-print published by Scholastic in 1966.

While not a terribly deep dive into Lincoln, Daugherty's (1889-1974) very readable small telling of his life has some of the most poetic prose I have ever read in a biography.

There are a couple of factual errors in the book. One example that I noted is the assertion that Robert E. Lee replaced a wounded James Longstreet at the head of what became known as the Army of Northern Virginia in 1862. It was Joseph E. Johnston. That bears very little bearing on the story of Lincoln, even though I am sure he would rather Johnston would have been in the fighting rather than Longstreet.

Here is an example of Daugherty's excellent prose (concerning Lincoln's early days as a lawyer):

For the long, bony, sad man who was Billy's partner, the law office became a sanctuary and a refuge and a workshop, where through the years he slowly grew and learned and thought out the dark meanings and drifts of a troubled time. (page 55)

I rate this book 4 stars out of 5.

[Dianne · Rating 4 out of 5]

An emotionally rich dive into the life of Abraham Lincoln. The authors “colourful” and descriptive writing style leads the reader on an emotionally-attaching journey that leaves you feeling like you’re there, in the 1800’s, experiencing the circumstances surrounding Abe’s life. Many quotations were used, which I believe to be authentic, and you can’t help but be impressed with the character and integrity of the man who became America’s 16th President.

This book covers his life from the beginning, and you really feel like you know Abraham Lincoln as you journey through the years and see him grow from a hardworking and loyal backwoods boy to a God-fearing, steadfast leader.

I believe this books does great justice to the well-lived life of Lincoln.

[Noel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book great insight on how Abraham Lincoln grew up and developed to be a leader of the nation. Laughed at some of the sarcasm almost comedic personality Abraham Lincoln had throughout his life.

[Tracey · Rating 2 out of 5]

Despite being a popular, often recommended book (and author) amongst Charlotte Mason homeschoolers, I found this book a cumbersome and frustrating read aloud. It was unnecessarily wordy, and, at times, disjointed and abrupt. I did not enjoy reading Lincoln's story from this book. This is not the first Daugherty book I've read; that first encounter was also disappointing.

[Saw Kaung · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good

[Dick · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mary Ann Moore gave me this book - she found it at a used book sale several months ago. I think may have read it in high school, but had read it in the past. Did not have a copy, though.

Good informative and easy read.

Enjoyed it a good deal, too.