Boss Lincoln: The Partisan Life of Abraham Lincoln

by Matthew Pinsker

A revealing, behind–the–scenes history of Lincoln as a lifelong party politician whose brilliant coalition–building carried the Union to victory.

We know Lincoln for his hymn to democracy in the Gettysburg Address and as the president who had to steady his hand when signing the Emancipation Proclamation. But there was another dimension to Lincoln, less visible but no less central to his character and leadership: Lincoln was a master of party politics. Schooled in the rough–and–tumble of Illinois elections, he rose to state party boss of the Whigs. Through personal cajoling, newspaper connections, and letters headed “Private and Confidential,” he offered and demanded party loyalty. He helped to build the antislavery Republican party, and during the Civil War assembled a new coalition of conservatives and radicals who supported emancipation, won him reelection under the Unionist party banner, and achieved victory in the war.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Biography, American History

576 pages, Hardcover

First published February 10, 2026

About the author

Matthew Pinsker holds the Pohanka Chair in American Civil War History and is director of the House Divided Project at Dickinson College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania.

Reviews

[Deepak Dhapade · Rating 4 out of 5]

I recently read a book. The cover of this book attracted me. This Book is biography of Abraham Lincoln. It has huge information about the life of him. This book is written by Matthew Pinsker . It has detailed description about the struggle of Abraham Lincoln from many devil customs, racism, skin color discrimination or colorism and slavery e t c. It also says that his life was not easy , He was very patriot person but he also pardoned we should not try to be a master and don`t think that other people are your slaves. He gave the formula of equality, fraternity and unity e t c. He was truly the boss because he managed many things before and after becoming the President of the United States of America. Initially he won the heart of the public through his election campaign. He thought about the prosperity of the country. He thought that Taxpayer`s money should be spent on good projects like education and infrastructure e t c. He really made united the United States after the Civil War. He did 13th Amendment in 1865 which abolished slavery system. This was the reason of 14th Amendment which gives liberty and equality without show your color. I also like that wife of Abraham Lincoln was the biggest helper in the life of him. She showed her determination for her husband. The book would have been much more impactful if it had depicted Abraham Lincoln`s life struggles with more aggression.

[meghin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve been an Abraham Lincoln enthusiast for years and I found this book to be different from other Lincoln books I’ve read and enjoyed the attention to detail in Lincoln as a person and president. The way Lincoln corresponded has to be respected. From private conversations with a few to top secret one on one conversations to speeches in front of many, he definitely had a way with words. I’ll always respect Lincoln’s ability to bring groups of people together. Reading of how he navigated advancing and earning a second term was fascinating. He was definitely a master of party politics and would no doubt still be encouraging us today to choose between democratic or republican. I loved Pinsker’s use of the word “Lincolnian” to describe Lincoln’s tone. It’s hard to picture how assertive Lincoln was but it makes sense considering all that he was able to accomplish and even more impressive, all why keeping his personal life and business/work separate.

Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the ALC!