Life of Abraham Lincoln

Mr. Barrett, the author, was both a contemporary and strong partisan of his subject. His book is a product of its time, 1865. Nonetheless, it contains many interesting passages about a number of subjects still argued over. As examples, General McCellan is reported on in detail (and excoriated) and the war powers of a president under the U.S. Constitution are discussed in length, given the pointed criticism President Lincoln received for suspending the writ of habeas corpus. I greatly enjoyed the full text that is often provided of President Lincoln's statements and addresses. While pages on the detail of certain battles will be wearying for the modern reader, this book should be owned and read by every serious student of Abraham Lincoln.