Abraham Lincoln

Although Kenneally calls himself a lay writer, one has only to peruse the bibliography of this very good little book to discover an author who's up to his elbows in research. I most enjoyed the many curious (dubious?) surprises in this work, some intentionally overlooked by scholars--like questions about Abe's biological father, his rough-and-tumble mother, his $3 trist with a buddy's concubine and his (other) wrestling--with the possibility of having contracted STDs. It's a serious work notwithstanding, seamlessly written, which, at times, made me laugh out loud. The overall lesson for me, though, is the absolutely remarkable man Lincoln became--resolute in his convictions, faithful to his commitments, merciful to his enemies North, South and Media--gentle with his wife, tender with his sons. We'd have a hard time finding a more total man than Father Abraham.

This is one of several volumes in the Penguin Lives Series, each of which written by a distinguished author in her or his own right. Each provides a concise but remarkably comprehensive biography of its subject in combination with a penetrating analysis of the significance of that subject's life and career. I think this is a brilliant concept. Those who wish to learn more about the given subject are directed to other sources. While preparing to comment on various volumes in this series, I have struggled with determining what would be of greatest interest and assistance to those who read my reviews. Finally I decided that a few brief excerpts and then some concluding remarks of my own would be appropriate. Keneally's approach to his subject is somewhat unorthodox. Other than explaining at the outset that he retains "the erratic spelling of some of the good-faith witnesses to Lincoln's life," he offers no introduction to the narrative. Rather, he proceeds immediately into a chronology which begins with Lincoln's birth "on a mattress of corn husks in a nest of bear rugs on the morning of February 12, a Sabbath, 1809, and until Lincoln's death on April 15, 1865, which prompted Edwin M. Stanton to observe, "Now he belongs to the ages." Keneally concludes, "He had become the bloodied nation incarnate." Keneally organizes his material within sixteen chapters. His gifts as a novelist are soon obvious, especially his use of figurative language and compelling details, but he seems wholly faithful to primary sources rather than taking certain liberties to achieve dramatic effect. For example, he does not invent conversations (however plausible) nor does he indulge in speculations which subsequent scholarship has not verified. Lincoln's response to the Kansas-Nebraska Act which voided the Missouri Compromise: "[Senator Stephen A.] Douglas's initiative brought Lincoln back to passionate participation in politics, since [the Act] violated a number of his profoundly held principles. Her wanted the West to a home for free white people. It would not be so if it became slave states. `Slave states are places for poor white people to remove from; not to remove to.'" On preserving the Union, Lincoln observed: "Physically speaking, we cannot separate. We cannot remove our respective sections from each other, nor build an impassable wall between them. A husband and wife may divorce, and go out of the presence, and beyond the reach of each other; but the different parts of our country cannot do this. They cannot but remain face to face; and intercourse, either amicable or hostile, must continue between them." After Union forces had struck a "stunning blow" at Gettysburg, Lee and his forces were allowed to "slip" away. Meade had not seized the military advantage. Lincoln's reaction? "Again, my dear general, I do not believe you appreciate the magnitude of the misfortune involved in Lee's escape. He was within your easy grasp...as it is, the war will [now] be pro

Having not been educated in the US where veneration of Lincoln is widespread, Thomas Keneally's biography of the famed president is a breath of fresh air.There seems little doubt that Lincoln was a man of enormous vision and courage. He took on the vested interests of slavery and ultimately prevented the dissolution of the Union. Furthermore, his untimely death lifted his status to that of a martyr. In this case, however, his martyrdom is well warranted.Keneally's work is an excellent starting point for any reader seeking an introduction to Lincoln. This book is part of a larger series covering a host of international luminaries. Lincoln's place in this pantheon is well deserved. The book itself is wonderful read for those wishing to understand Lincoln's place in history.

I think Thomas Keneally could make a shopping list an interesting read; he is that good a writer. Certainly there are many biographies out there about Lincoln and many studies of various aspects of his life, but for a brief introduction that could entice further investigation you could not do better than this. Keneally has the ability to make historical figures come alive which is evident in this book. His depiction of Lincoln first arriving at Springfield is wonderful. If he sometimes chooses the colorful detail over the most probable detail, there is at least some historical evidence to support what he chooses to present. I recommend this highly.

This can serve as a primer in Lincoln and Civil War history. In a concise, easy to read and suspenseful tale one learns how Lincoln, coming from the most common of backgrounds, lifted himself up in the best of entrepreneurial spirit, and by a fluke of events was catapulted from country lawyer and orator, a one-term Congressman who just a year earlier had lost an attempt to become Senator from Illinois, to become President of the United States of America. His inauguration took place as the Southern States had already formed a Confederacy, the Union was falling apart, and Washington,D.C. was at threat to be overrun by Rebel forces.The course of the great Civil War is retold with Lincoln's input to his field generals well documented and retold. One learns of the great turning point battles of this bloody and painful contest. Lincoln's relationships to his family and colleagues are insightful to the character and make-up of this both humble and brave leader. The modern economy of greenbacks and taxes was born, too, and documented herein. In such a small book the scope of its tale is quite surprising.Of course the end is abrupt. On the heels of his winning a 2nd term and of Lee's surrender of the Army of Virginia, Lincoln is gunned down at the Ford Theater. The book aptly ends with a quote from his Cabinet member Stanton: "Now he belongs to the ages". And the author Keneally adds:" he had become the bloodied nation incarnate".

Lincoln and the Civil War are complex subjects and Mr. Keneally did a superb job of describing both in a concise manner. Although the book was primarily factual it was a pleasant read and it increased my sense of awe for Lincoln.