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Biographies of US Presidents - Hourly History #16
Abraham Lincoln: A Life From Beginning to End
Abraham Lincoln
As president, Abraham Lincoln had one goal and that was to preserve the Union at all costs. His determination to hold the North and South together would ultimately lead to the bloodiest war in American history, the abolition of slavery, and his own untimely death from an assassin’s bullet. But to see Lincoln solely as a tragic figure consumed with the strife of mid-nineteenth century America is to miss meeting him as a man who never allowed himself to be defeated by adversity or grief or turmoil. From his earliest days on the frontier, he endured the loss of his beloved mother and the demanding physical challenges of a rough-and-ready land where death came easily and education was rare; where ambition was rewarded if a man proved himself willing to work hard; where love was attainable, even for a man whose physical appearance was most charitably described as homely.
Inside you will read about...
✓ Born on the Frontier
✓ Lincoln’s Life in New Salem
✓ The Election of 1860
✓ The House Divides
✓ The Tide Turns
✓ The End
✓ The Legacy of Lincoln
Lincoln arose from poverty and ignorance to become a man of influence and eloquence whose speeches continue to resonate with a nation that aspires to meet his ideals. Lincoln had his detractors and enemies but throughout his years, he had a remarkable ability to remain unpoisoned by his foes and to retain compassion for those who opposed him. Meet Abraham Lincoln, the frontier president whose death made him a martyr but whose life made him a hero.
As president, Abraham Lincoln had one goal and that was to preserve the Union at all costs. His determination to hold the North and South together would ultimately lead to the bloodiest war in American history, the abolition of slavery, and his own untimely death from an assassin’s bullet. But to see Lincoln solely as a tragic figure consumed with the strife of mid-nineteenth century America is to miss meeting him as a man who never allowed himself to be defeated by adversity or grief or turmoil. From his earliest days on the frontier, he endured the loss of his beloved mother and the demanding physical challenges of a rough-and-ready land where death came easily and education was rare; where ambition was rewarded if a man proved himself willing to work hard; where love was attainable, even for a man whose physical appearance was most charitably described as homely.
Inside you will read about...
✓ Born on the Frontier
✓ Lincoln’s Life in New Salem
✓ The Election of 1860
✓ The House Divides
✓ The Tide Turns
✓ The End
✓ The Legacy of Lincoln
Lincoln arose from poverty and ignorance to become a man of influence and eloquence whose speeches continue to resonate with a nation that aspires to meet his ideals. Lincoln had his detractors and enemies but throughout his years, he had a remarkable ability to remain unpoisoned by his foes and to retain compassion for those who opposed him. Meet Abraham Lincoln, the frontier president whose death made him a martyr but whose life made him a hero.
48 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 1, 2017
752 people are currently reading
709 people want to read
About the author
Henry Freeman
52 books88 followersHenry Freeman is an author and archaeologist. He has a passion for history and loves to travel the world exploring various historical sites.
Henry graduated from the University of Cambridge with a double major in History and Archaeology and shortly after that started his career as an archaeologist.
After traveling the world getting first-hand experience with history, Henry was determined to take up his dream of becoming a best-selling author.
He decided to partner up with the newly formed publishing company Hourly History writing short, concise and straightforward history books that never takes more than one hour to read.
Henry graduated from the University of Cambridge with a double major in History and Archaeology and shortly after that started his career as an archaeologist.
After traveling the world getting first-hand experience with history, Henry was determined to take up his dream of becoming a best-selling author.
He decided to partner up with the newly formed publishing company Hourly History writing short, concise and straightforward history books that never takes more than one hour to read.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
December 12, 2018
One star. I lost my first review. Trying to update it again.
Updated. 12-12-18 at 12:04 am Eastern Standard Time:
One star:
I understand it a short book. Regardless, no reasons for some incorrect parts:
- The author mention about the death of a child and a relative. Incorrect. The Lincolns lost 3 kids. No matter how old they were, they still had to bury 3 kids. Maybe Mary Todd Lincoln dealt with all of her grief with excessive shopping. Everyone handle grief differently. There no time expiration with grief.
-The author makes remarks about Mary Todd Lincoln rich lifestyle growing up. Yet, fails to mention Mary Todd Lincoln mother died when she was six years old. That destroy her. Then her stepmother was not nice. Then she went through more tragedies.
-Mary Todd Lincoln was sitting next to her husband when he was shot. Seeing that traumatic experience while dealing with losing 3 kids and other tragedies, where it is written that she is suppose to act in a certain way? Plus she was kicked out ( crying hysterically) while her husband lay on his deathbed. Some historians say she never got to say goodbye if I recall this part correctly. Can you imagine how you would feel?
- Some information about former President Lincoln I doubt. I need to verify that.
-However, I did learn some new things in this book. Again, I realized it is short.
References:
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-...
https://quod.lib.umich.edu/j/jala/262...
This does not include about her stepmother nor her being kicked out. I forget which articles I read that. More references are needed. I am done wasting time on this.
Updated. 12-12-18 at 12:04 am Eastern Standard Time:
One star:
I understand it a short book. Regardless, no reasons for some incorrect parts:
- The author mention about the death of a child and a relative. Incorrect. The Lincolns lost 3 kids. No matter how old they were, they still had to bury 3 kids. Maybe Mary Todd Lincoln dealt with all of her grief with excessive shopping. Everyone handle grief differently. There no time expiration with grief.
-The author makes remarks about Mary Todd Lincoln rich lifestyle growing up. Yet, fails to mention Mary Todd Lincoln mother died when she was six years old. That destroy her. Then her stepmother was not nice. Then she went through more tragedies.
-Mary Todd Lincoln was sitting next to her husband when he was shot. Seeing that traumatic experience while dealing with losing 3 kids and other tragedies, where it is written that she is suppose to act in a certain way? Plus she was kicked out ( crying hysterically) while her husband lay on his deathbed. Some historians say she never got to say goodbye if I recall this part correctly. Can you imagine how you would feel?
- Some information about former President Lincoln I doubt. I need to verify that.
-However, I did learn some new things in this book. Again, I realized it is short.
References:
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-...
https://quod.lib.umich.edu/j/jala/262...
This does not include about her stepmother nor her being kicked out. I forget which articles I read that. More references are needed. I am done wasting time on this.
November 30, 2021
Another brilliant offering by Hourly History that portrays the persona of this towering figure who changed the course of American history. The book also narrates some no so well known aspects of Abraham Lincolns life as also the idiosyncrasies of his wife.
April 4, 2023
Lincolns wife sounds annoying lol.
August 19, 2018
Many readers probably pass up a read such as Abraham Lincoln A Life From Beginning to End by the group Hourly History. Everyone knows the story of Abraham Lincoln, right? So why read more? I identified two reasons for me to read this work. First, there is always the possibility that I do not possess perfect memory and even worse, I may not have gotten it right in the first place. Second, Abraham Lincoln is only one in a huge collection that is known as Hourly History. I have read several of them and they vary in quality as is invariable with books written by groups or committees. Some are so good that I tried to find the author’s name so I could read more by the same author. I have been unsuccessful. I don’t know whether this is a policy of the group or not, so I won’t reveal the name on the email requesting a review of this work.
Abraham Lincoln: A Life From Beginning to End
The title above is from the title page of the Kindle edition. If you look up the title on Amazon, it will appear like this: Abraham Lincoln: A Concise History of the Man Who Transformed the World. It is part of a series known as {One Hour History US Presidents Book 1}. As I read through this work, the following are items I found that were not taught in the politically correct environment of my schools prior to university. Inaccuracies are present at universities as well but at least students are (or should be) taught to question as they seek further information.
The forgiving Lincoln many of us are familiar with was not so forgiving to his father. Lincoln neither visited his father when he was sick not attended the funeral. And he never talked about his father while President. Perhaps in reaction, he was a completely permissive father, allowing his children, literally, the run of the house.
Lincoln had a tempestuous relationship with Mary Todd Lincoln. She, from a rich family, who didn’t approve of their relationship, had a specific goal. She wanted to be married to a President of the US. They would have a stormy relationship before finally marrying.
When Lincoln ran for president prior to the Civil War, there were four candidates for President. Lincoln’s name was not on the ballot in the Southern States. I did not know that Lincoln faced such electoral disadvantages.
By the time of Lincoln’s inauguration in 1861, there was already the Confederate States of America. Seven states did not wait until after he was President before secession.
Britain and France leaned toward supporting the Confederacy. It was Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation that led the two nations to at least not support the Confederacy.
Mary Todd Lincoln’s spending on clothes and decorations for the white house became a campaign issue threatening Lincoln’s re-election. Sherman’s victory in Atlanta was able to bury the spending issue.
In my usual reviews, I cite page numbers or Kindle locations of where I found the information. I did not do so with this review because I want to encourage people to read the Hourly History work. It doesn’t take that long. I gave this five Amazon stars in its genre. This does not compare to five stars for fiction or for non-fiction great writers such as Doris Kearns Goodwin.
Abraham Lincoln: A Life From Beginning to End
The title above is from the title page of the Kindle edition. If you look up the title on Amazon, it will appear like this: Abraham Lincoln: A Concise History of the Man Who Transformed the World. It is part of a series known as {One Hour History US Presidents Book 1}. As I read through this work, the following are items I found that were not taught in the politically correct environment of my schools prior to university. Inaccuracies are present at universities as well but at least students are (or should be) taught to question as they seek further information.
The forgiving Lincoln many of us are familiar with was not so forgiving to his father. Lincoln neither visited his father when he was sick not attended the funeral. And he never talked about his father while President. Perhaps in reaction, he was a completely permissive father, allowing his children, literally, the run of the house.
Lincoln had a tempestuous relationship with Mary Todd Lincoln. She, from a rich family, who didn’t approve of their relationship, had a specific goal. She wanted to be married to a President of the US. They would have a stormy relationship before finally marrying.
When Lincoln ran for president prior to the Civil War, there were four candidates for President. Lincoln’s name was not on the ballot in the Southern States. I did not know that Lincoln faced such electoral disadvantages.
By the time of Lincoln’s inauguration in 1861, there was already the Confederate States of America. Seven states did not wait until after he was President before secession.
Britain and France leaned toward supporting the Confederacy. It was Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation that led the two nations to at least not support the Confederacy.
Mary Todd Lincoln’s spending on clothes and decorations for the white house became a campaign issue threatening Lincoln’s re-election. Sherman’s victory in Atlanta was able to bury the spending issue.
In my usual reviews, I cite page numbers or Kindle locations of where I found the information. I did not do so with this review because I want to encourage people to read the Hourly History work. It doesn’t take that long. I gave this five Amazon stars in its genre. This does not compare to five stars for fiction or for non-fiction great writers such as Doris Kearns Goodwin.
December 31, 2017
A good and concise biography of the man that most people regard as one of the, if not the greatest Presidents of the United States. My only quibble might be with the assessment of the causes of the Civil War as being state rights rather than slavery in the beginning, as this issue has been a contentious one in modern day America. On the whole, though, a good introduction.
November 29, 2021
Published in 2016.
This little biography is part of an extensive series of short histories produced by Hourly History. The idea is to be a history or a biography that you can read in an hour. Amazon says that his particular biography is the equivalent to 48 pages long.
Some historians have asserted that there are more biographies written about Lincoln than anyone else in history, with the exception of Jesus. This is the 73rd book that I've reviewed that with the #tag of "Abraham Lincoln." What does this book have to offer that literally thousands of biographies and histories haven't already covered?
To be honest - nothing.
But, it is exactly the sort of biography that someone who hates history might pick to read because it is not an indimidating length and it is not written in highfalutin language.
There is nothing in this biography that is inaccurate, just a matter of what the Hourly History people decided to highlight and emphasize.
I rate this kindle book 3 stars out of 5. Not bad, for what it is. Nowhere near a complete biography, but a solid place to start.
This little biography is part of an extensive series of short histories produced by Hourly History. The idea is to be a history or a biography that you can read in an hour. Amazon says that his particular biography is the equivalent to 48 pages long.
Some historians have asserted that there are more biographies written about Lincoln than anyone else in history, with the exception of Jesus. This is the 73rd book that I've reviewed that with the #tag of "Abraham Lincoln." What does this book have to offer that literally thousands of biographies and histories haven't already covered?
To be honest - nothing.
But, it is exactly the sort of biography that someone who hates history might pick to read because it is not an indimidating length and it is not written in highfalutin language.
There is nothing in this biography that is inaccurate, just a matter of what the Hourly History people decided to highlight and emphasize.
I rate this kindle book 3 stars out of 5. Not bad, for what it is. Nowhere near a complete biography, but a solid place to start.
May 3, 2023
History
I wish I had been intrigued by history when I was a student in school. This late life fascination with late life history has truly given me a different perspective and not necessarily a good one. It was a good read for me though. There were a few things I did not know so in that regard it was helpful.
I wish I had been intrigued by history when I was a student in school. This late life fascination with late life history has truly given me a different perspective and not necessarily a good one. It was a good read for me though. There were a few things I did not know so in that regard it was helpful.
December 19, 2018
It delivers what promises: one hour reading information. Nothing more or less.
As I am from Brazil, it has been useful to understand a little more about this famous and important American president.
Future reading is necessary, off course.
As I am from Brazil, it has been useful to understand a little more about this famous and important American president.
Future reading is necessary, off course.
May 21, 2018
Nice quick read. Learned things about Lincoln that I never even knew
Read
August 21, 2025What a man
February 12, 2019
Interesting brief on the man who held America together.
Lincoln's brief biography sheds just enough light on arguably America's finest leader. His accomplishments in one of the most trying times in America's history show the fortitude and character that's been an inspiration to millions.
Lincoln's brief biography sheds just enough light on arguably America's finest leader. His accomplishments in one of the most trying times in America's history show the fortitude and character that's been an inspiration to millions.
December 28, 2018
This is a good overview of Lincoln, but it's not going to go as in depth as other biographies since it is meant to be read in about an hour. (This is something I knew when I purchased the book.)
I'm not sure that I learned anything new, but some timelines were better solidified in my mind, particularly with Lincoln's early political career.
I'm not sure that I learned anything new, but some timelines were better solidified in my mind, particularly with Lincoln's early political career.
December 10, 2019
Despite the author’s hard work and all the useful lessons, the book suffers from simple editing issues. Didn’t the author proof-read it to make sure his work was fine before the fin’al publication?
I’ve found many mistakes on page 7 and 13, and these were not the only formatting errors I found. The book definitely needs to be edited. It can't get more than three stars like this.
This book is not complete without the "Civil War" by the same author and publisher because Lincoln's life is not to be fully understood without the Civil War in detail. I recommend readers to read it before this one. This book alone, it should be rated a three-star one due to its incomplete quality in many ways.
However, with its fine conclusion, the book gets one more star. I just hope the author works on re-vis’ion soon, and it will be a perfect piece.
(Kindle Ed. p. 42)
The procession, which lasted over two hours, was led by African-American soldiers, the Twenty-Second United States Colored Infantry. Civilians, soldiers, government workers and elected officials paid their respects to the man whose perseverance and fortitude had brought the nation to victory...
(Kindle Ed. p. 44)
But he will always be remembered as the president who fought to save the Union, engaging his nation in a bitter and unpopular struggle to preserve what he regarded as his duty as the leader of the United States. He was resolute in his endurance, despite the fact that the battlefields of the war were soaked in blood. He took no pleasure in war, but from his point of view, the South left him no choice when the states began to tear asunder what Lincoln felt must remain whole. He was a pragmatic politician, not an idealist, but he believed in the ideals of the country’s founding. For most of his presidency, he was second-guessed and insulted, in speech and in print, by leaders who regarded him as ill-suited to occupy the office that Washington, Jefferson and Jackson had been elected to as well. However, in 1982 the Chicago Tribune charged forty-nine historians and political scientists to rate all the American presidents up to that time based on their qualities of leadership, their ability to manage crises, their political skills, appointments and character. Abraham Lincoln, the frontiersman who was born in poverty and had minimal formal education, was placed at the top of the list in every category. To his detractors, Abraham Lincoln transformed the presidency in ways that suborned the rights of the states, trampling on civil liberties in his zeal to preserve the Union. His advocates supported the strength of his dedication to the preservation of the Union, reverence for democracy, and the abolition of slavery. Had he failed in any of these ideals, the United States would have evolved into a very different entity from what history has seen.
As the President he had to live a life with countless tough decisions to make until his last moment since it was his work with the very authority in his hands that the people collected for him. The man got his job done, and this is the true legacy of President Abraham Lincoln we all should remember.
Read the full review here.
I’ve found many mistakes on page 7 and 13, and these were not the only formatting errors I found. The book definitely needs to be edited. It can't get more than three stars like this.
This book is not complete without the "Civil War" by the same author and publisher because Lincoln's life is not to be fully understood without the Civil War in detail. I recommend readers to read it before this one. This book alone, it should be rated a three-star one due to its incomplete quality in many ways.
However, with its fine conclusion, the book gets one more star. I just hope the author works on re-vis’ion soon, and it will be a perfect piece.
(Kindle Ed. p. 42)
The procession, which lasted over two hours, was led by African-American soldiers, the Twenty-Second United States Colored Infantry. Civilians, soldiers, government workers and elected officials paid their respects to the man whose perseverance and fortitude had brought the nation to victory...
(Kindle Ed. p. 44)
But he will always be remembered as the president who fought to save the Union, engaging his nation in a bitter and unpopular struggle to preserve what he regarded as his duty as the leader of the United States. He was resolute in his endurance, despite the fact that the battlefields of the war were soaked in blood. He took no pleasure in war, but from his point of view, the South left him no choice when the states began to tear asunder what Lincoln felt must remain whole. He was a pragmatic politician, not an idealist, but he believed in the ideals of the country’s founding. For most of his presidency, he was second-guessed and insulted, in speech and in print, by leaders who regarded him as ill-suited to occupy the office that Washington, Jefferson and Jackson had been elected to as well. However, in 1982 the Chicago Tribune charged forty-nine historians and political scientists to rate all the American presidents up to that time based on their qualities of leadership, their ability to manage crises, their political skills, appointments and character. Abraham Lincoln, the frontiersman who was born in poverty and had minimal formal education, was placed at the top of the list in every category. To his detractors, Abraham Lincoln transformed the presidency in ways that suborned the rights of the states, trampling on civil liberties in his zeal to preserve the Union. His advocates supported the strength of his dedication to the preservation of the Union, reverence for democracy, and the abolition of slavery. Had he failed in any of these ideals, the United States would have evolved into a very different entity from what history has seen.
As the President he had to live a life with countless tough decisions to make until his last moment since it was his work with the very authority in his hands that the people collected for him. The man got his job done, and this is the true legacy of President Abraham Lincoln we all should remember.
Read the full review here.
December 3, 2022
Well written - on a subject worthy of reverence.
***
"Lincoln’s defeat in the election for Senate had not placed him on the political sidelines. For the next 16 months he traveled across the North, campaigning for Republican candidates, endorsing the abolitionist cause with eloquent oratory rather than the bombastic rhetoric of most speakers during that time. He was also building up a network of support for his own future candidacy; a shrewd politician, Lincoln knew that as a new name in national politics, his loyalty to other party members would build him a foundation of experienced political veterans who would be useful in his ambitions. His stance on slavery was well known and was a rallying cry for abolitionists. At the 1856 Republican Party convention, when asked for his thoughts on the threat of secession by the Southern states, Lincoln had answered: “We say to the Southern disunionists, we won’t go out of the Union, and you shan’t.”"
***
"Lincoln’s Trip to His Inauguration
"Lincoln left Springfield, Illinois for Washington D.C. on February 11, 1861. He told the crowd that gathered at the train station that he owed everything to Springfield and its people, and that he was leaving with a task resting upon him which was greater than what George Washington had faced. To the crowd which met him when his train stopped in Lafayette, Indiana, he insisted that while Americans differed in their political opinions, they were all united in their feeling for the Union, and all believed in what he called “the maintenance of the Union, of every star and every stripe of the glorious flag.” Speaking at a reception hosted by the German Industrial Association in Cincinnati, Ohio, Lincoln declined to express what course he would follow regarding the “national difficulties” until the last moment. When he arrived in Pittsburgh, he was astonished by the size of the crowds who had come out to meet him. “I could not help thinking, my friends, as I traveled in the rain through your crowded streets, on my way here, that if all that people were in favor of the Union, it can certainly be in no great danger – it will be preserved.”"
In more than one way, victory of unionists and North in US Civil War was victory of people, as opposed to forces of not only slavery, but also a feudal caste system, despite US lacking a monarchy or aristocracy.
***
"“With malice toward none; with charity for all; with firmness in the right, as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in; to bind up the nation’s wounds; to care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow, and his orphan.”
"—Abraham Lincoln"
****
***
"Lincoln’s defeat in the election for Senate had not placed him on the political sidelines. For the next 16 months he traveled across the North, campaigning for Republican candidates, endorsing the abolitionist cause with eloquent oratory rather than the bombastic rhetoric of most speakers during that time. He was also building up a network of support for his own future candidacy; a shrewd politician, Lincoln knew that as a new name in national politics, his loyalty to other party members would build him a foundation of experienced political veterans who would be useful in his ambitions. His stance on slavery was well known and was a rallying cry for abolitionists. At the 1856 Republican Party convention, when asked for his thoughts on the threat of secession by the Southern states, Lincoln had answered: “We say to the Southern disunionists, we won’t go out of the Union, and you shan’t.”"
***
"Lincoln’s Trip to His Inauguration
"Lincoln left Springfield, Illinois for Washington D.C. on February 11, 1861. He told the crowd that gathered at the train station that he owed everything to Springfield and its people, and that he was leaving with a task resting upon him which was greater than what George Washington had faced. To the crowd which met him when his train stopped in Lafayette, Indiana, he insisted that while Americans differed in their political opinions, they were all united in their feeling for the Union, and all believed in what he called “the maintenance of the Union, of every star and every stripe of the glorious flag.” Speaking at a reception hosted by the German Industrial Association in Cincinnati, Ohio, Lincoln declined to express what course he would follow regarding the “national difficulties” until the last moment. When he arrived in Pittsburgh, he was astonished by the size of the crowds who had come out to meet him. “I could not help thinking, my friends, as I traveled in the rain through your crowded streets, on my way here, that if all that people were in favor of the Union, it can certainly be in no great danger – it will be preserved.”"
In more than one way, victory of unionists and North in US Civil War was victory of people, as opposed to forces of not only slavery, but also a feudal caste system, despite US lacking a monarchy or aristocracy.
***
"“With malice toward none; with charity for all; with firmness in the right, as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in; to bind up the nation’s wounds; to care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow, and his orphan.”
"—Abraham Lincoln"
****
January 19, 2018
So often people want to learn about famous historical figures but do not have the time or patience to read a long book. Here is an example of a short book full of facts, a book that is both informative and enjoyable to read. The publisher, Hourly History LTD, specializes in these short books that most people can read in about an hour’s time. There is definitely a place for concise history books like this one.
Abraham Lincoln was one of the most hated Presidents during his time in office. He grew up poor and was raised on the frontier, a rough, hard life. Lincoln only had 18 months of formal schooling. Yet, his personality, his sense of humor, his ability to tell a good story, his poetic sense of language, and his discipline in educating himself led him to the Presidency.
George Washington grew up with privilege, wealth, and a good formal education. He was a general and war hero during the Revolutionary War and an easy choice for President of the newly formed United States of America. He was loved and admired during his Presidency.
Yet, today, despite their vast differences, Abraham Lincoln and George Washington are highly revered as our two best Presidents. Both had the vision and the discipline to ensure that our Nation held together through a terrible crisis.
The book takes the reader through Abraham Lincoln’s birth on February 12, 1809, to his murder by John Wilkes Booth on April 14, 1865. I learned a few interesting facts, such as that, in the 1860 election, Lincoln had not even been on the ballot in the southern states since he was against slavery. Also, Lincoln did not write the Gettysburg Address on the back of an envelope. Additionally, I learned that, although slavery was allowed in our Constitution, Lincoln thought he could issue the Emancipation Proclamation after the war had started since the slaves were helping their masters by feeding them, digging trenches, and otherwise enabling them to fight the North. The Emancipation Proclamation also allowed African-Americans to serve in the military since they were free individuals.
Lincoln not only outlawed slavery with the Emancipation Proclamation, but he held the Union together. He insisted on the unconditional surrender of the Confederacy despite those who wanted to make peace and concede to the South’s demands. He deserves his place as one of our greatest Presidents for seeing us through a time when our Nation was falling apart.
The publisher requested a review. I was able to get a free digital copy for Kindle on Amazon.
Abraham Lincoln was one of the most hated Presidents during his time in office. He grew up poor and was raised on the frontier, a rough, hard life. Lincoln only had 18 months of formal schooling. Yet, his personality, his sense of humor, his ability to tell a good story, his poetic sense of language, and his discipline in educating himself led him to the Presidency.
George Washington grew up with privilege, wealth, and a good formal education. He was a general and war hero during the Revolutionary War and an easy choice for President of the newly formed United States of America. He was loved and admired during his Presidency.
Yet, today, despite their vast differences, Abraham Lincoln and George Washington are highly revered as our two best Presidents. Both had the vision and the discipline to ensure that our Nation held together through a terrible crisis.
The book takes the reader through Abraham Lincoln’s birth on February 12, 1809, to his murder by John Wilkes Booth on April 14, 1865. I learned a few interesting facts, such as that, in the 1860 election, Lincoln had not even been on the ballot in the southern states since he was against slavery. Also, Lincoln did not write the Gettysburg Address on the back of an envelope. Additionally, I learned that, although slavery was allowed in our Constitution, Lincoln thought he could issue the Emancipation Proclamation after the war had started since the slaves were helping their masters by feeding them, digging trenches, and otherwise enabling them to fight the North. The Emancipation Proclamation also allowed African-Americans to serve in the military since they were free individuals.
Lincoln not only outlawed slavery with the Emancipation Proclamation, but he held the Union together. He insisted on the unconditional surrender of the Confederacy despite those who wanted to make peace and concede to the South’s demands. He deserves his place as one of our greatest Presidents for seeing us through a time when our Nation was falling apart.
The publisher requested a review. I was able to get a free digital copy for Kindle on Amazon.
October 8, 2025
Για το μεγαλύτερο μέρος της προεδρίας του, δεχόταν αμφισβήτηση και προσβολές, τόσο στον προφορικό όσο και στον γραπτό λόγο, από ηγέτες που τον θεωρούσαν ακατάλληλο για να καταλάβει το αξίωμα στο οποίο είχαν εκλεγεί επίσης o Washington, ο Jefferson και ο Jackson. Ωστόσο, το 1982, η εφημερίδα Chicago Tribune ανέθεσε σε σαράντα εννέα ιστορικούς και πολιτικούς επιστήμονες να αξιολογήσουν όλους τους Αμερικανούς προέδρους μέχρι εκείνη την εποχή με βάση
τις ηγετικές τους ικανότητες, την ικανότητά τους να διαχειρίζονται κρίσεις, τις πολιτικές τους δεξιότητες, τους διορισμούς και τον χαρακτήρα τους. Ο Αβραάμ Λίνκολν, ο άνθρωπος που γεννήθηκε στη φτώχεια και είχε ελάχιστη επίσημη εκπαίδευση, τοποθετήθηκε στην κορυφή της λίστας σε κάθε κατηγορία.
Για τους επικριτές του, ο Αβραάμ Λίνκολν μετέτρεψε την προεδρία με τρόπους που υπονόμευαν τα δικαιώματα των πολιτειών, καταπατώντας τις πολιτικές ελευθερίες στον ζήλο του να διατηρήσει την Ένωση. Οι υποστηρικτές του υποστήριζαν τη δύναμη της αφοσίωσής του στη διατήρηση της Ένωσης, τον σεβασμό για τη δημοκρατία και την κατάργηση της δουλείας. Αν είχε αποτύχει σε οποιοδήποτε από αυτά τα ιδανικά, οι Ηνωμένες Πολιτείες θα είχαν εξελιχθεί σε μια πολύ διαφορετική οντότητα από ό,τι έχει γράψει η ιστορία.
τις ηγετικές τους ικανότητες, την ικανότητά τους να διαχειρίζονται κρίσεις, τις πολιτικές τους δεξιότητες, τους διορισμούς και τον χαρακτήρα τους. Ο Αβραάμ Λίνκολν, ο άνθρωπος που γεννήθηκε στη φτώχεια και είχε ελάχιστη επίσημη εκπαίδευση, τοποθετήθηκε στην κορυφή της λίστας σε κάθε κατηγορία.
Για τους επικριτές του, ο Αβραάμ Λίνκολν μετέτρεψε την προεδρία με τρόπους που υπονόμευαν τα δικαιώματα των πολιτειών, καταπατώντας τις πολιτικές ελευθερίες στον ζήλο του να διατηρήσει την Ένωση. Οι υποστηρικτές του υποστήριζαν τη δύναμη της αφοσίωσής του στη διατήρηση της Ένωσης, τον σεβασμό για τη δημοκρατία και την κατάργηση της δουλείας. Αν είχε αποτύχει σε οποιοδήποτε από αυτά τα ιδανικά, οι Ηνωμένες Πολιτείες θα είχαν εξελιχθεί σε μια πολύ διαφορετική οντότητα από ό,τι έχει γράψει η ιστορία.
April 1, 2019
This short biography contains some fascinating tidbits that I never knew before. Example: Lincoln's mother, Nancy, died in 1818 when she ate contaminated milk from cows that had eaten poisonous white snakeroot. With young children to raise, Lincoln's father, Tom, needed to find a wife so he left eleven year old Sally and nine year old Abraham to manage for themselves while he went to Kentucky to find a wife. He was gone six months, leaving the children with very little to eat. A neighbor who checked in on them noted the children were thing and filthy and the cabin was dirty. Lincoln never got along with his father for the rest of his life and he did not attend his funeral. Lincoln's total time of formal schooling lasted less than 18 months, yet he became a lawyer. Lincoln regarded slavery as morally wrong and considered the Emancipation Proclamation the cornerstone of his presidential legacy.
February 21, 2019
Truly a Concise History
I love history. Sometimes, though, I feel the authors of historical books get paid by the word. What can be said in a few words, sometimes takes several sentences to read.
Anyway, this short biography of Abraham Lincoln covered a lot of information from start to finish of this great man's life. It didn't idolize him nor did it vilify him or his actions. Everything was straightforward and everything I enjoy in history books!
There were a couple of things I would have liked to see in relation to his family (sons and wife). I had heard at one point Lincoln suspended habeas corpus during an important time and, sadly, I didn't see that in this book.
Still, I recommend it for any history fan and/or Lincoln fan!
I love history. Sometimes, though, I feel the authors of historical books get paid by the word. What can be said in a few words, sometimes takes several sentences to read.
Anyway, this short biography of Abraham Lincoln covered a lot of information from start to finish of this great man's life. It didn't idolize him nor did it vilify him or his actions. Everything was straightforward and everything I enjoy in history books!
There were a couple of things I would have liked to see in relation to his family (sons and wife). I had heard at one point Lincoln suspended habeas corpus during an important time and, sadly, I didn't see that in this book.
Still, I recommend it for any history fan and/or Lincoln fan!
July 29, 2020
I Hard Life With A Pure Heart!
I have always admired President Lincoln for his loyalty to his people of the North and his empathy for the slaves to be freed. His grand story telling languishes warmed people weather they were wearing blue pot gray on the ground! His decency verbally as well as mentally portrayed the man he was! I definitely believe our society could prosper and learn many tactics of we living with love and prosperity! If only the security agent hadn't gone to get a drink while Booth implemented his execution of assassination. We will never know how history of our newly formed nation! I never realized what a difficult childhood he has.
I have always admired President Lincoln for his loyalty to his people of the North and his empathy for the slaves to be freed. His grand story telling languishes warmed people weather they were wearing blue pot gray on the ground! His decency verbally as well as mentally portrayed the man he was! I definitely believe our society could prosper and learn many tactics of we living with love and prosperity! If only the security agent hadn't gone to get a drink while Booth implemented his execution of assassination. We will never know how history of our newly formed nation! I never realized what a difficult childhood he has.
September 14, 2021
I am NOT a history buff. When I was in school, I considered staying awake through the entire history class would be a success. My grades reflected my lack of success. After completing school I spent 3 years in the Air Force on bomber crew. My co-pilot WAS a history buff, his focus on the Civil War. We spent a lot of hours flying between Guam and Thailand discussing Civil War history. I made a couple of visits to his home which was about 60 miles north of Gettysburg.
Today, I can't call myself a "history buff", but I do have an interest in history.
Thanks for an interesting read.
Today, I can't call myself a "history buff", but I do have an interest in history.
Thanks for an interesting read.
January 9, 2017
This book is quick and to the point. You get a factual view of lincolns life, highlighting the major key events. There is very little insight into his private life, but you can't expect too much detail considering the book was designed to be read in an hour. This is basically a summary of his life in one hours time. A good, solid, quick read.
December 29, 2017
Concise but comprehensive
The book gives a good overview of Lincoln's life but includes a sprinkling of detail that leaves the reader with a great deal of insight into the man as well as the president. It would have been nice if some of his more important speeches had been included in their entirety...even in an appendix for referral in more depth.
The book gives a good overview of Lincoln's life but includes a sprinkling of detail that leaves the reader with a great deal of insight into the man as well as the president. It would have been nice if some of his more important speeches had been included in their entirety...even in an appendix for referral in more depth.
December 28, 2019
Lincoln
A great summary of the life and Presidency of Abraham Lincoln. I found it interesting that it seems he was as disliked as our current leader, yet years later he is actually respected as the best President ever. Can't help but wonder what future Americans will think r out current leader.
A great summary of the life and Presidency of Abraham Lincoln. I found it interesting that it seems he was as disliked as our current leader, yet years later he is actually respected as the best President ever. Can't help but wonder what future Americans will think r out current leader.
May 8, 2020
Introducing a Great Man
What was most interesting in this introduction to Mr. Lincoln was learning that his Republican Party roughly translated into today’s Democratic Party. He was interested in preserving the constitution and found slavery a moral issue.
There were interesting insights into his wife, Mary Todd Lincoln, as well.
What was most interesting in this introduction to Mr. Lincoln was learning that his Republican Party roughly translated into today’s Democratic Party. He was interested in preserving the constitution and found slavery a moral issue.
There were interesting insights into his wife, Mary Todd Lincoln, as well.
July 14, 2020
So little we remember
If it weren’t for historians who have do their research. We’d really know little about our predecessors especially our presidents. Lincoln’s presidency certainly centered around the Civil zest but he was
Instrumental in establishing/implementing so much more.
This hourly history brings so much more to light. I do enjoy reading these books.
If it weren’t for historians who have do their research. We’d really know little about our predecessors especially our presidents. Lincoln’s presidency certainly centered around the Civil zest but he was
Instrumental in establishing/implementing so much more.
This hourly history brings so much more to light. I do enjoy reading these books.
March 7, 2023
Concise and to the point
Concise and to the point. This book gives straightforward facts and does not get muddled with any theoretical back stories or author opinions. This book will give you enough information to decide whether or not to dive deeper into President Lincoln's life.
A very easy read as well!
Concise and to the point. This book gives straightforward facts and does not get muddled with any theoretical back stories or author opinions. This book will give you enough information to decide whether or not to dive deeper into President Lincoln's life.
A very easy read as well!
July 24, 2023
A Biography of a behemoth of politics and Extraordinary human being
An excellent biography of one of the most inspiring human beings to exist on earth. The lessons of endurance and perseverance through various tragedies and challenges is an inspiration for all mankind. His Gettysburg address is the best definition of democracy possible.
An excellent biography of one of the most inspiring human beings to exist on earth. The lessons of endurance and perseverance through various tragedies and challenges is an inspiration for all mankind. His Gettysburg address is the best definition of democracy possible.
April 19, 2025
Abraham Lincoln is well known for his Emancipation proclamation which played an important part in ending slavery in the United States.
I found his life story very inspiring- his rise from very humble beginnings to practicing law to finally becoming the President. The book gave me insight into who he was and his relationship with others.
I found his life story very inspiring- his rise from very humble beginnings to practicing law to finally becoming the President. The book gave me insight into who he was and his relationship with others.
October 13, 2017
Basically a high school report
Expected more from this brief look at Lincoln. It was a shirt report not unlike text book. Did not learn anything new and it us best suited for a young reader wishing to know something about this great man.
Expected more from this brief look at Lincoln. It was a shirt report not unlike text book. Did not learn anything new and it us best suited for a young reader wishing to know something about this great man.
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