Lincoln - by Harold Holzer (Paperback)

From the Back Cover

How did President Abraham Lincoln come to believe that slavery was "morally wrong," and that Congress needed to pass a law to abolish it once and for all? What did he do in January 1865--three months before he was assassinated--to ensure passage of the Thirteenth Amendment?

This fast-paced, riveting book answers these questions and more as it tells the story of Lincoln's life and times from his upbringing in Kentucky and Illinois, through his work as a lawyer and congressman, to his candidacies and victory in two Presidential elections. It also describes Lincoln's duties in the Civil War as Commander-in-Chief, his actions as President, and his relationships with his family, his political allies and rivals, and the public who voted for and against him. Harold Holzer makes an important era in American history come alive for readers of all ages.

An official companion to Steven Spielberg's Oscar(R) award-winning film Lincoln, the book also includes thirty historical photographs, a chronology, a cast of characters, texts of selected Lincoln writings and speeches, a bibliography, and a foreword by the author about his experience working as a consultant on the movie.

Review Quotes

Designed as a companion book to Steven Spielberg's latest release, "Lincoln" by Harold Holzer, uses letters, speeches and documents to put together a portrait of the 16th president. A combination of more than 30 photographs, excerpts from Lincoln's own writing, a bibliography and end notes result in a well-told biography for youngsters. - Florida Times-Union

Holzer makes it clear that Lincoln was indeed a hero as well as a shrewd political operator. The book brings home the fact that at that point in American history, only a man possessing both traits could have ended slavery...Holzer does an admirable job of explaining situations and events while not talking down to his young readers. - Baton Rouge Advocate

The book is a delight, written for young people who may be discovering Lincoln and the Civil War for the first time. . . This may be the book that brings along a whole new generation of Lincoln fans. - Washington Post

An engrossing, well-rounded portrait of Lincoln as a humble, humorous, and passionate politician and humanitarian. - Publishers Weekly

Holzer highlights the emotional turmoil and the rocky political landscape Lincoln astutely navigated to ensure the passage of the Thirteenth Amendment. - School Library Journal

LINCOLN invites young readers to explore Lincoln's life and times. The book engagingly captures the trials and tribulations of the 16th president, making Lincoln come alive for a new generation. It serves as a worthy companion to a popular film. - J. Michael Martinez, Blue & Gray Magazine