The Unknown Lincoln: Originally titled: Lincoln, the Unknown

by Dale Carnegie

First paperback edition of the classic biography of the beloved American President, penned by the still-popular author of 'How to Win Friends and Influence People.' First published by Pocket Books (catalog #891) in August of 1952.

Genres: Biography, History, Nonfiction, Presidents, Politics, Self Help, Classics

Paperback

First published January 1, 1932

About the author

Dale Carnegie was an American writer and teacher of courses in self-improvement, salesmanship, corporate training, public speaking, and interpersonal skills. Born into poverty on a farm in Missouri, he was the author of How to Win Friends and Influence People (1936), a bestseller that remains popular today. He also wrote How to Stop Worrying and Start Living (1948), Lincoln the Unknown (1932), and several other books.
One of the core ideas in his books is that it is possible to change other people's behavior by changing one's behavior towards them.

Reviews

[Tharindu Dissanayake · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was stated by Dale Carnegie about this book that this is a 'short biography' of Abraham Lincoln, which is aimed at the normal busy person. But after reading it, though this is my first autobiography of Lincoln, I have to say it is detailed and thorough as any book could be.

The book begins with giving a little bit of background about Lincoln's family tree, especially his mothers side, and beautifully describes his journey from childhood to White house. You will find his most famous speeches or parts of them, such as 'the Gettysburg Speech,' and his second inauguration speech.

Notwithstanding you are an amateur on Lincoln, or a connoisseur, I believe this book will be a most interesting reads on Abraham Lincoln, one of the most important people of all time in the recorded history.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book truly is a testament to old-style writing, hard work, exceptional research, and a smooth writing style. While some might find the book too short, lacking in detail, or difficult to read because of the 1930's writing, I found the book enrapturing, well-researched, interesting, and a quick, enthralling read. The author knew his facts nearly impeccably, and he wrote a very informative story. For anyone interested in the life of Abraham Lincoln, this will provide you with an excellent sketch of most of the main details of his life, in a easy-to-read manner.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book. It reminded me that even great men (or women) are simply that men (or women). They were once children, they have experienced heartbreak and failure.

What I loved most about this book was the story of Lincoln as a person. He was generous, kind, funny, patient, a man of common sense and a man that felt deep sorrow and unhappiness.


Some excerpts from the book:

(p22)For years, there in Indiana, Abraham Lincoln endured more terrible poverty that did thousands of the salves whom he would one day liliberate.

(p133)Failure and defeat were not new experiences to Lincoln. He had known them all his life; they did not crush him; his faith in the ultimate triumph of his cause remained firm, his confidence unshaken. He went among the disheartened soldiers, shacking hands with them, and saying over and over: "God bless you. God Bless you" He cheered them, sat down and ate beans with them, revived their drooping spirits, and talked of brighter to-morrows.

(p202) The great tragedy of Lincoln's life was not his assassination, but his marriage.

(p214) The next day little Tad [Lincoln's son] asked a caller at the White house if his fathernwas in heaven.
"I have no doubt of it," came the reply.
"Then I am glad he has gone." Said Tad, "for he was never happy after he came here. This was not a good place for him."

[Shauna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having read Doris Kearns Goodwin's excellently meticulous and scholarly "Team of Rivals," I was a little cautious approaching this more anecdotal, un-scholarly work by Carnegie. But this book delivers an intriguing look at the man behind the politics, and covers more about Lincoln's childhood (I had no idea how abysmally poor he was) and younger years. This book dates from 1932, and much of the writing style and personal expression of the author also come from this time period (and are thus a bit dated), but, at the same time, the book could not have happened much later, as Carnegie still had access to people who knew the man himself! These personal insights and stories are the strength of this book, and you can't help coming away from it admiring Lincoln's fortitude, patience, magnanimity, and indeed his greatness. This was a man who had everything against him, and yet overcame it all to serve his country and fellow man when we needed him most. The facts would prove this well enough, but there is something infectious about Carnegie's own passion for Lincoln that makes this book an even more enjoyable read.

[Rawda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Carnegie does an excellent job portraying who Lincoln was from childhood to adult to Presidency. I was amazed, entertained, and captivated by this Carnegie masterpiece. Lincoln truly was "A man of sorrows". Great book.

[KOMET · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was one of the most revealing, and interesting books on Lincoln I've ever read. Considering the handicaps and setbacks he had to deal with, it is all the more remarkable that Lincoln was able to secure the Republican nomination for President in 1860, win the general election in November of that year, and shepherd the nation through a bloody civil war, and save the Union.

I enjoyed reading this book so much and recommend it to anyone who likes biographies.

[Sam Petro · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very enjoyable. A short read that shares lesser known anecdotes about Lincoln’s life. It has given me new perspective and piqued my interest in the life of this president. Super fun read.

[Derrick Isaacson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dale Carnegie illustrates Lincoln through stories and a thoughtful narration. It is an eye-opening tale of how Abraham Lincoln's experiences built the character he would later need to save the Union. Carnegie paints in the reader's mind a picture of a man whose strength comes from his unending meekness, humility, and integrity.

Lincoln the Unknown makes itself easily accessible to any reader. Its focus on the person over dates and details moves the reader quickly and easily though Lincoln's life.

The insights into the man lead the reader to understand the meaning of Edwin Stanton's statement at the dying Lincoln's bedside: "There lies the most perfect ruler of men the world has ever seen."

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really good history of Lincoln and who he was. This book was written in 1932, so the author was able to talk to people who knew people who knew Lincoln. More a study of how his character was formed and the person who he was. What a difference between who Lincoln was before his presidency and current politics. Even at the time he was not a person who was viewed favorably by the political elite. However, he was so steadfastly true to his beliefs that he became a man highly respected, even by his contemporaries. Definitely recommended.

[Joel Manuel · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great introductory volume on Lincoln.

[Kylie Knippling · Rating 4 out of 5]

Historical anything is not my cup of tea. But I did learn a lot from this book about Lincoln and those surrounding him.

[Alejandro Sanoja · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's fascinating how there are so many great historic leaders that we talk about, we even quote, yet we don't know much about their lives.

This is a great read for anyone that wants to learn more about the life of Abraham Lincoln through the great storytelling skills of Dale Carnegie.

Flow: 5/5
Actionability: 3/5
Mindset: 4/5

Some of My Highlights:

"Lincoln... had walked miles to borrow books and then read them at night..."

"For years, there in Indiana, Abraham Lincoln endured more terrible poverty than did thousands of the slaves whom he would one day liberate."

"Having no knives or forks, they ate with their fingers, and with fingers that were seldom clean, for water was hard to get and they had no soap."

"When Lincoln was fifteen he knew his alphabet and could read a little but with difficulty. He could not write at all."

"Lincoln and his sister walked four miles through the forests, night and morning, to study under the new teacher..."

"He memorized and recited his rhymes, and his essays attracted attention."

"The little advance I now have upon this store of education. I have picked up from time to time under the pressure of necessity."

"Yet, during these broken and irregular periods, he had developed one of the most valuable assets any man can have, even from a university education: a love of knowledge and a thirst for learning."

"This book gave him instruction in public speaking, and introduced him to the renowned speeches of Cicero and Demosthenes and those of Shakespeare's characters."

"He carried the scrap-book with him and studied it until he could repeat many long poems and speeches by heart."

"...he wanted a job where he could meet people and gather a crowd around him and keep them roaring at his stories."

"But to him the most astounding thing of all was this: neither Shakespeare nor Burns had gone to college. Neither of them had had much more schooling and education than he. At times he dared to think that perhaps he too, the unschooled son of illiterate Tom Lincoln, might be fitted for finer things."

"In fact, two years before Lincoln became President, about the only thing that the average American knew about him was that he had once debated with the brilliant and powerful Stephen A. Douglas."

"Lincoln did not belong to any church, and avoided religious discussions even wth his best friends."

[Ning Sun · Rating 5 out of 5]

How do you think an uneducated rural boy became an American. president and how he changed the United States. The book will introduce the legendary president to you. The book is a biography, and this book is written by Dale Carnegie. The book divides Lincoln's life into about four parts respectively: early experiences, elected president, American Civil War, and murdered.
In addition, the book also introduces people who affected Lincoln most, such as his stepmother, His vice president, and his wife. However, I most admire Lincoln's self-learning ability and calm mind. Lincoln liked reading, and he studied law and became a lawyer by himself. It is quite difficult. Lincoln never panicked, especially during the Civil War. Therefore, he became the one of the greatest presidents for the American history.
I think that Carnegie describes a lot of detail about the difference side about Lincoln rather that the part that we have already known. For example, he describes Lincoln’s wife to set off his calm.
I think that everyone should read this biography whether you are teenage or adult. The people who like history will like reading this much.
The one of the most legendary presidents should be learned by everyone.

[SUVENDU SUVASIS DASH · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lincoln the Unknown may not be be the only or most authentic book on the life and times of Abraham Lincoln but it certainly is a book worth giving your time. It’s a short and fast moving work by Dale Carnegie and, despite its biographical content it employs an exquisite writing style of the English language that serves as a guide book for learners of the language to know its proper usage. The flow of the book keeps the reader fixed upon its pages and before you realise you are finished reading with the entire book covering some of the most fascinating landmarks in the life and times of Abraham Lincoln. The book also throws a lot of light on the lives of many other people who were connected to Abraham Lincoln during his formative years, his years as a lawyer in Springfield, Illinois and in the later part of his life as a legislator culminating in his time as the President of the United States of America. The vast array of personalities referred to in the book offer a formidable glimpse into the lives and habits of those great personalities such as Stephen A.Douglas and U.S. Grant whom history has considered to be men of greatness if not equal to that of Abraham Lincoln.

[Bharani Deepak · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wanted to read this after having read "How to win friends and influence people". In the later, Dale Carnegie has given number of references to Lincoln's way of handling people. All the references plus whatever I had already read about Lincoln in my school had intrigued me to read more about him.

This book is intended to people like us and has been very much successful in fulfilling its intension. A short, crisp and vivid biography. It will transfer Lincoln's melancholy to us while reading, make us feel for him and every now and then let us to google the personalities mentioned.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reads like a novel. A great way to get to know Lincoln a bit better.

[A. Housewife]

Not a full 4 star for me but definitely very interesting. I like his premise that he just felt that Abe Lincoln is very interesting and that an easily digestible summary for the laymen was something that he felt wasn't out there and he was drawn to write. It was indeed very readable and enlightening about Lincoln's life and character. Lots I didn't know. His relationship with his wife really pulled at my guts and yet it is interesting that without her he probably would never have been president. I for some reason did not realize how short his political career was. The difficulties about running the army were fascinating. The part about Booth bored me but maybe because I previously read an entire book about that (it was before I started goodreads so apologies that a quick google did not reveal which book I read).

Definitely a worthwhile read and pretty easy reading.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book randomly came my way from my daughter’s coworker and I couldn’t be more thrilled. She is a Lincoln fan like me and asked my daughter if I had ever read this book. She sent it along when she found out I hadn’t. This book is fantastic! I’ve read more than a few books about Lincoln but they tended to focus on his political career. This one focuses more on his personal life. I learned several things I didn’t know. For instance, I didn’t know he left Mary Todd at the altar and didn’t marry her until two years later. This book is definitely worth a read.

[GIMHANA SANKALPA · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is a good book I had read.

[Jazmin Garcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Worth re-reading, an easy to enjoy biography on the reluctant American President who was unappreciated in his lifetime

[Aswin Ramadas · Rating 2 out of 5]

A bit draggy
But explains in detail of his sufferings

[Linnea Kroeger]

This was a good overview of who Lincoln was as a person, it helped me get a fuller picture of who he was. It didn't go into all the facts of what he accomplished in his whole life, if you want that go to the other biographies about Lincoln. I would recommend it if you are looking for a short biography on who Lincoln was, not just on what he did.

[Priyanka · Rating 4 out of 5]

There was so much to know about Abraham Lincoln's personal life from this book. His childhood days, adult days as well as the highlights of his career to his assassination..all piled up beautifully in this compact edition. Thoroughly enjoyed reading this book!
Moreover I share his birthday too✌️☺️

[Daniel · Rating 4 out of 5]

With malice towards none, with charity for all.

Lincoln's childhood was destitute. He live in a shack in Indiana that only had 3 walls. They lived through the Winter like that. His grandma was self-educated, and his mother was uneducated. He was self-educated, collected books and loved to read. He was an avid reader of Shakespeare.

He came of age in now-defunct New Salem, IL. He tried running a grocery store there with a friend, and it failed. There was a group of rough-housers there that grew to love him. He could beat them at their challenges, and he told funny stories. He became their de facto leader. He fell in love with a girl named Ann Rutledge. It was all to brief, because she got typhoid fever and died. This had a profound impact on Lincoln the rest of his life. He was a very melancholy person from then on, and would quote famous sad Shakespeare lines. He decided to become a lawyer, and did it by studying law books, totally on his own. He'd ride a horse on a circuit in Central Illinois to serve a wide area as a lawyer.

Mary Todd was a half-crazy person from a family that told everyone they were important. She told people she was going to marry the next president of the US. She was courting both Stephen Douglas and Abe Lincoln at the same time. She may have been inbred. She was insanely jealous of Lincoln being around other women. She made really no friends, only enemies. She basically had 1 good friend her whole life. Somehow Abe was able to tolerate her. He must have been a saint. He did not want to marry her, originally standing her up on her wedding day, but he later relented.

He took on Stephen Douglas in debates about slavery when Douglas was Secretary of State, and Lincoln had been defeated and was only a 1-term Congressman. He was out of politics for 6 years before running for president. He only got the Republican nomination because a colleague of William Seward (the frontrunner) had a vendetta and badmouthed him. Lincoln's people touted him since he had already debated the Democratic nominee Douglas at length.

So what did I learn from reading about Lincoln? He had immense patience. He never critisized anyone. His "team of rivals" cabinet all thought they were better than him (Seward was his Secretary of State), and more deserving of being president. He tolerated their poor attitudes in order to keep their many talents. His reading of Shakespeare really colored his famous speeches, such as the Gettysburg Address. He definitely hated slavery, but his goal in the Civil War was not to abolish slavery. His goal was to save the union. He made a political calculation, and made his Emancipation Proclamation at the right time in the war when he thought it would have the most impact. He definitely had the "How to Win Friends and Influence People" part down, but could have learned some more about "How to Stop Worrying and Start Living".

[Manoj Kumar · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is difficult to understand why would someone embrace such pain and when the time arrives to celebrate the only victory, the selfless soul departs for a final rest.

[John Bullard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written. As a man who fights battles, both on the inside and out. I found this book to be quite inspiring. So many times defeated, many times by the darkest shadows of human existence and cut down by his political foes, his cabinet, his own wife. He endured such pain. He delivered such light, grace, humor, and peace. This isn't the story of a political giant. But a lesson in how a man shall suffer well, so as to lift others. I'm a better man after reading this book.

[Nick Mattar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Despite Lincoln being one of the most well-known presidents with dozens of volumes of literature cataloguing his life, this biography is brief and hits on all major points. It is one of the most thoroughly-researched yet succinct works of non-fiction I have ever read and strongly recommend it for anybody wanting to learn more about Lincoln and his life.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

GREAT, interesting biography on Lincoln. Reads like a novel but is so very informative about the life and struggles of our 16th president. Obviously the author takes some liberties, but overall I felt it was an honest portrayal. It's hard to get your hands on a copy of this--but well worth it!

[Judith Hall Simon · Rating 5 out of 5]

If there were ever a man whose entire life was besieged on all sides by tragedy, it is Abraham Lincoln. This book reinforces that through its revelation of little-known (or forgotten) facts in Lincoln's life. Hardly able to put the book down, I marveled at his endurance.

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first reaction: this book makes history interesting. In truth, it is story telling like this that does history justice. I want to read more biographies of great people written like this.