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Lincoln

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In the best-selling tradition of Truman, two-time Pulitzer Prize-winning biographer David Herbert Donald offers a new classic in American history and biography - a masterly account of how one man's extraordinary political acumen steered the Union to victory in the Civil War, and of how his soaring rhetoric gave meaning to that agonizing struggle for nationhood and equality.

Donald spent 50 years studying Lincoln, tracing his rise from humble origins to the pinnacle of the presidency. He reveals the development of the future president's character and shows how Lincoln's enormous capacity for growth enabled one of the least experienced men ever elected to high office to become a giant in the annals of American politics. And he depicts a man who was basically passive by nature, yet ambitious enough to take enormous risks and overcome repeated defeats.

Much more than a political biography, Lincoln seats us behind the desk of a president who was both a master of ambiguity and expediency and a great moral leader, as he makes the decisions that preserved the Union and shaped modern America.

©2011 David Herbert Donald (P)2012 Simon & Schuster Americas Art & Literature Authors Elections & Political Process Historical Politics & Activism Politics & Government Presidents & Heads of State Civil War War Military Biography Abraham Lincoln American History Suspenseful

Critic reviews

"A grand work - the Lincoln biography for this generation." (Arthur Schlesinger, Jr.)
" Lincoln immediately takes its place among the best of the genre, and it is unlikely that it will be surpassed in elegance, incisiveness and originality in this century.... A book of investigative tenacity, interpretive boldness and almost acrobatic balance." ( Chicago Tribune)
"Eagerly awaited, Lincoln fulfills expectations. Donald writes with lucidity and elegance." ( The Atlantic)
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Truly brilliant way to spend 30 hours! Incredible story of one one of the greatest leaders ever.

Sensational story of a great man

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It is obvious that a lot of serious research has gone into writing this biography, and I have enjoyed getting innumerable little unexpected insights into the person behind the statesman.



The thoroughness, however, also means that the biography contains rather long stretches of information that I did not find interesting or to be contributing much to my understanding of the character of Lincoln.



The parts that I found most interesting concerned his upright moral character, insisting on reimbursing other people's loss without any legal obligation to do so - and then fulfilling his pledge at considerable personal and financial cost. Also, the way he learned from numerous mistakes when trying to conduct the war, often being rather too patient with generals of questionable will or ability to act, is compelling "reading".



Finally, his sense of loyalty to subordinates who tried to carry out his instructions (rather than orders) impressed me - even when they failed dismally. All paint the picture of a man of unusual integrity, of unsurpassed desire to learn from his mistakes, and of a selfless gentleness that should be challenge to every one of us.



The narrator's voice changes considerably (is it the same narrator or were parts recorded in a different studio later on?) in a few places, which I have not noticed in any other audio books. Not a problem, just different!



I do recommend this book, but intricate details of party organisation and hordes of less-than-central politicians could have been omitted, in my opinion.

A very thorough biography

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The definitive work on Lincoln, from birth to assassination, truly inspiring and moving account of the man who much surely be the best president america has ever had. The only downside to the book is the narration is a little dull, and it is a bit obvious where the breaks and edits where. Well worth a listen if you have the time (very long!).

Long but very extensive and amazingly inspiring

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The day after seeing 'Lincoln' in the cinema, I bought this audio book. It is superb. An extremely thorough biography from Abraham Lincoln's early life through to his assassination... in a very enjoyable and easy 30 hours. The author spent decades researching his subject and it shows in the detail. It's also clear that he left out a lot of extraneous information, so it is never boring. I thoroughly recommend this insight into one of the great men of the modern world.

The world of Abraham Lincoln opens up beautifully

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I really enjoyed this. It is a detailled and well researched book. the narrators vouce took a bit of getting used to. but is was a compelling read.

an excellent book about an amazing man.

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