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A Short Life of Abraham Lincoln
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388 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1919
40 people are currently reading
123 people want to read
About the author
John G. Nicolay
136 books7 followersJohn George Nicolay was born in Essingen, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany, on February 26, 1832. He moved to the United States with his family at age 5, and worked at a local Illinois newspaper growing up. Nicolay went on to serve as secretary to President Abraham Lincoln. Nearly 30 years after Lincoln’s death, Nicolay co-wrote a 10-volume biography on the president, Abraham Lincoln: A History, with friend and fellow Lincoln White House employee John Hay.
He was a member of the German branch of the Nicolay family.
Nicolay died on September 26, 1901, in Washington, D.C. He was buried in the nation's capital, at the Oak Hill Cemetery.
He was a member of the German branch of the Nicolay family.
Nicolay died on September 26, 1901, in Washington, D.C. He was buried in the nation's capital, at the Oak Hill Cemetery.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
March 22, 2012
John G. Nicolay, private secretary to Abraham Lincoln, wrote A Short Life of Abraham Lincoln which was published in 1902, the year following his death. I have always considered that observations of an eye witness better than conclusions of others not so blessed. As private secretary to the 16th President of the United States, Nicolay was in a position to relate actions and thoughts of Lincoln during the Civil War. This book is a condensed form of an original two volume publication. I find the title rather ambiguous as I don’t know if it refers to Lincoln’s early death by assassination or that his life isn’t recorded day by day. I expected that it would be a more personal history but it is more of a comprehensive history his political career and thoughts and actions during the Civil War. If not a tactical portrait of the conflict, it is still a clear and concise description of the war and the man that had to direct it. The book is filled with letters and dispatches between President Lincoln, his cabinet members and the generals appointed to fight the battles and ultimately the war. I wouldn’t object the proposal that this book should be made mandatory reading in all American high schools. It is more than just a book. It a cornerstone of our country as it is today.
July 21, 2025
Excellent. The book was published in 1903, and it is a classic!
July 27, 2020
One of the greatest leaders who has ever lived
Abraham Lincoln is a model leader, which every head of state would do well to emulate, but which few if any chose to. The book provided much context of the times in which Lincoln led, but perhaps lacked more information about him and his life, which the title may have suggested, hence the rating. The Kindle edition also has issues with page numbering, with duplicate page numbering at many points.
Abraham Lincoln is a model leader, which every head of state would do well to emulate, but which few if any chose to. The book provided much context of the times in which Lincoln led, but perhaps lacked more information about him and his life, which the title may have suggested, hence the rating. The Kindle edition also has issues with page numbering, with duplicate page numbering at many points.
July 10, 2023
Authors story
John George Nicolay held various roles during his association with President Abraham Lincoln from 1861 to 1865. Initially, Nicolay worked as a journalist and later became a clerk for the secretary of state in Springfield, Illinois, where he first came into contact with Lincoln. Impressed by Nicolay's skills and professionalism, Lincoln chose to retain him as his private secretary when he was nominated for the presidency. Nicolay played a vital role in Lincoln's personal and professional life during the Civil War and earned the President's trust as one of his closest aides. Together with John M. Hay, the president's assistant secretary, Nicolay handled numerous responsibilities on a daily basis. These included managing visitors, reviewing and editing correspondence, and facilitating the exchange of messages. Nicolay's involvement extended to Lincoln's most intimate affairs. Following Lincoln's tragic assassination in 1865, Nicolay pursued different career opportunities. He served as the American Consul in Paris before assuming the role of Marshal of the Supreme Court. Nicolay and Hay collaborated on a monumental project, publishing a ten-volume biography of Abraham Lincoln in 1890. This comprehensive biography remains a significant contribution to the understanding of Lincoln's life and legacy. Additionally, in 1894, Nicolay independently published a collection of Lincoln's writings. In summary, John George Nicolay's journey from journalist to clerk and private secretary to President Lincoln showcases his unwavering dedication and integral role in Lincoln's administration. His post-presidential career and literary contributions further solidify his legacy as a key figure in preserving and documenting the life and accomplishments of Abraham Lincoln.
REVIEW
A Short Life of Abraham Lincoln" by John George Nicolay is a concise and captivating book about one of America's most influential figures. In just 234 pages, Nicolay tells the story of Lincoln's life and why he is so significant. This book is essential to read because it gives a clear and easy-to-understand account of Lincoln's journey from humble beginnings to becoming the 16th President of the United States. Nicolay's research and understanding of Lincoln bring his story to life, showing us a man who fought for justice, equality, and the unity of the nation. Whether you're new to learning about Lincoln or a dedicated fan, this book is a great starting point. It offers fresh insights and prompts us to think about the complexities of Lincoln's character and the challenges he faced. "A Short Life of Abraham Lincoln" is a reminder of the enduring legacy of a remarkable leader. It shows us the qualities that make great leaders—perseverance, integrity, and a commitment to justice. Whether you're interested in history, leadership, or seeking inspiration, this book is a must-read. Get ready to be captivated by the extraordinary life of Abraham Lincoln and his lasting impact on American history.
John George Nicolay held various roles during his association with President Abraham Lincoln from 1861 to 1865. Initially, Nicolay worked as a journalist and later became a clerk for the secretary of state in Springfield, Illinois, where he first came into contact with Lincoln. Impressed by Nicolay's skills and professionalism, Lincoln chose to retain him as his private secretary when he was nominated for the presidency. Nicolay played a vital role in Lincoln's personal and professional life during the Civil War and earned the President's trust as one of his closest aides. Together with John M. Hay, the president's assistant secretary, Nicolay handled numerous responsibilities on a daily basis. These included managing visitors, reviewing and editing correspondence, and facilitating the exchange of messages. Nicolay's involvement extended to Lincoln's most intimate affairs. Following Lincoln's tragic assassination in 1865, Nicolay pursued different career opportunities. He served as the American Consul in Paris before assuming the role of Marshal of the Supreme Court. Nicolay and Hay collaborated on a monumental project, publishing a ten-volume biography of Abraham Lincoln in 1890. This comprehensive biography remains a significant contribution to the understanding of Lincoln's life and legacy. Additionally, in 1894, Nicolay independently published a collection of Lincoln's writings. In summary, John George Nicolay's journey from journalist to clerk and private secretary to President Lincoln showcases his unwavering dedication and integral role in Lincoln's administration. His post-presidential career and literary contributions further solidify his legacy as a key figure in preserving and documenting the life and accomplishments of Abraham Lincoln.
REVIEW
A Short Life of Abraham Lincoln" by John George Nicolay is a concise and captivating book about one of America's most influential figures. In just 234 pages, Nicolay tells the story of Lincoln's life and why he is so significant. This book is essential to read because it gives a clear and easy-to-understand account of Lincoln's journey from humble beginnings to becoming the 16th President of the United States. Nicolay's research and understanding of Lincoln bring his story to life, showing us a man who fought for justice, equality, and the unity of the nation. Whether you're new to learning about Lincoln or a dedicated fan, this book is a great starting point. It offers fresh insights and prompts us to think about the complexities of Lincoln's character and the challenges he faced. "A Short Life of Abraham Lincoln" is a reminder of the enduring legacy of a remarkable leader. It shows us the qualities that make great leaders—perseverance, integrity, and a commitment to justice. Whether you're interested in history, leadership, or seeking inspiration, this book is a must-read. Get ready to be captivated by the extraordinary life of Abraham Lincoln and his lasting impact on American history.
December 11, 2017
E scrisa de unul din secretarii lui Lincoln, prin urmare o perspectiva la prima mana. Din pacate e la fel de seaca precum un manual de istorie din scoala cu evenimente enumerate si spre deloc personala.
Ce mi-a placut e ca mi-am dat seama din nou ca succesul se cladeste si chiar si pentru Lincoln a venit greu. Intotdeauna ma surprinde cat de dificil este sa reusesti si ca nu doar se intampla ci e un cumul de multi factori la care trebuie contribuit.
Abraham Lincoln s-a nascut sarac, a fost un autodidact si a devenit avocat si politician. Un politician ce a pierdut foarte multe alegeri, dar le-a castigat pe cele mai importante.
Carte trateaza in detaliu rezultatele sale, cele mai importante fiind castigarea razboiului de secesiune american dintre nord si sud si contributia la abolirea sclaviei. Se intrevede clar geniul lui Lincoln si faptul ca era deasupra vremurilor sale.
Mi-a trezit curiozitatea ca pe viitor sa descopar mai multe despre el, dintr-o perspectiva mai personala si mai in ansamblu.
Ce m-a impresionat: atitudinea toleranta si de infratire fara de inamici dupa ce a castigat razboiul, gandirea vizionara pentru egalitate in drepturi si libertate, speech-urile si scrisorile lui, inclusiv cele prin care isi schimba generalii si mai ales modestia. Extrordinar sa reusesti sa fii lider in asa vremuri grele.
Ce mi-a placut e ca mi-am dat seama din nou ca succesul se cladeste si chiar si pentru Lincoln a venit greu. Intotdeauna ma surprinde cat de dificil este sa reusesti si ca nu doar se intampla ci e un cumul de multi factori la care trebuie contribuit.
Abraham Lincoln s-a nascut sarac, a fost un autodidact si a devenit avocat si politician. Un politician ce a pierdut foarte multe alegeri, dar le-a castigat pe cele mai importante.
Carte trateaza in detaliu rezultatele sale, cele mai importante fiind castigarea razboiului de secesiune american dintre nord si sud si contributia la abolirea sclaviei. Se intrevede clar geniul lui Lincoln si faptul ca era deasupra vremurilor sale.
Mi-a trezit curiozitatea ca pe viitor sa descopar mai multe despre el, dintr-o perspectiva mai personala si mai in ansamblu.
Ce m-a impresionat: atitudinea toleranta si de infratire fara de inamici dupa ce a castigat razboiul, gandirea vizionara pentru egalitate in drepturi si libertate, speech-urile si scrisorile lui, inclusiv cele prin care isi schimba generalii si mai ales modestia. Extrordinar sa reusesti sa fii lider in asa vremuri grele.
August 28, 2024
2 thumbs way up for Abraham Lincoln!! 1.5 thumbs up for this book, or 3 stars in my opinion. Parts of this book lost my attention, but I didn't give up on it... And I'm glad I didn't! Overall I did enjoy this read. Thankfully I own a copy in my library so I can go back and re-read this one in the future. And yes I do see myself re-reading this one again in the future. Check it out.
March 9, 2021
A solid read from Lincoln's secretary Nicolay.
June 19, 2023
Great book, I listened to the audiobook version on youtube. I will leave the link below so that everyone can enjoy it! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6n7oX...
June 21, 2013
John Nicolay was a private secretary for Abraham Lincoln during his time as president and was intimate to virtually every key event in the president’s administration. Nicolay
could be viewed as the proverbial “fly on the wall,” yet in fact, he was closer than that because Lincoln used him and Nicolay’s deputy, Jacob Hay——who co-wrote another biography of Lincoln with Nicolay——as sounding boards on many key decisions which Lincoln did not always share even with his cabinet members. Furthermore, the president often revealed information and secrets to Hay and Nicolay that he discussed with no one else, and as a consequence, Nicolay’s account is one of the most important documents to emerge after the Civil War. Much that is known about the conduct of the war, as well Lincoln’s opinions, and of course his actions and decisions, can be traced to this work and it serves as a powerful source of information for anyone researching or writing about the war, yet it is surprisingly little heralded by those who write of the war.
could be viewed as the proverbial “fly on the wall,” yet in fact, he was closer than that because Lincoln used him and Nicolay’s deputy, Jacob Hay——who co-wrote another biography of Lincoln with Nicolay——as sounding boards on many key decisions which Lincoln did not always share even with his cabinet members. Furthermore, the president often revealed information and secrets to Hay and Nicolay that he discussed with no one else, and as a consequence, Nicolay’s account is one of the most important documents to emerge after the Civil War. Much that is known about the conduct of the war, as well Lincoln’s opinions, and of course his actions and decisions, can be traced to this work and it serves as a powerful source of information for anyone researching or writing about the war, yet it is surprisingly little heralded by those who write of the war.
August 10, 2014
Great to read reflections from the two young secretaries who attended Lincoln throughout his administration. Though the book occasionally wanders into the "subject-verb-date" scenario of historical writing, it remains powerful to consider insights from those who were on the scene and privy to the thoughts of key players during the nation's most tumultuous era.
August 1, 2015
Born into poverty, lost eight elections, twice failed in business and suffered a nervous breakdown. But he didn't quit, he became one of the greatest presidents in the history of USA.
it's fascinating to read story of this wonderful man. The origin of the "american dream". A true history of america and perhaps AMERICA'S finest leader #AbrahamLincoln.
September 30, 2013
I liked it. It gave the story from one of Lincoln's closest aides during the presidency and with the perspective of those times.
September 29, 2013
Great insight into Abraham Lincolns life. It took me a long time to finish but glad to have read it. :)
Want to read
January 13, 2013A single-volume abridgement of Nicolay & Hay's Abraham Lincoln: A History.
April 1, 2015
Quite a bit of Civil War history for a biography...
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews