Herndon's Life Of Lincoln (Da Capo Paperback) [Paperback]

William Henry Herndon (Author), Jesse Weik (Author)

Book Description

Series: Da Capo Paperback | Publication Date: August 22, 1983

A biography of Abraham Lincoln.

--This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

William H. Herndon was Abraham Lincoln's law partner, close friend, and first great biographer. His Life of Lincoln, written to counteract the worshipful view of Lincoln held by the public, caused enormous controversy when first published in 1889. Unlike the hagiographies that celebrate the selflessness of the "Great Emancipator," Herndon's account emphasizes Lincoln's private life: his broodings, self-doubts, warring contradictions. Many have disputed Herndon's politcal and personal insights, in particular his famous conjecture of Lincoln's passion for Ann Rtuledge, but no one denies the amazing amount of information he collected on his subject, the compelling narrative he wove from it, and the living portrait that emerges of Lincoln in all his human grandeur.

Product Details

• Paperback: 566 pages
• Publisher: Da Capo Press (August 22, 1983)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0306801957
• ISBN-13: 978-0306801952
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.4 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,528,558 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Very Human Portrait of Lincoln, June 21, 2006

By 

Richard Salva "Host: 'LincolnReincarnation.co... (San Jose, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Herndon's Life Of Lincoln (Da Capo Paperback) (Paperback)

This book should be an essential part of anyone's study of America's sixteenth president. William Herndon was Lincoln's law partner for nearly two decades. He presents a very human portrait of his friend and colleague. Herndon spent many years gathering the information offered in this volume. The book itself has its place in history: it was here that the legend of the youthful Lincoln's romance and supposed engagement to the sweet and lovely Ann Rutledge was first published in book form. Fact or myth? Decide for yourself. Herndon had his prejudices. He was definitely anti-Mary Todd, for instance. Yet his efforts--to which he dedicated much of the latter part of his life and which nearly impoverished him--are worthy of praise, and his deep and abiding affection for his lost friend comes through the pages. Highly recommended.

Richard Salva--author of Soul Journey from Lincoln to Lindbergh [UNABRIDGED]

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars The real Lincoln?, January 30, 2007

By 

Ronald R. Gillispie - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Herndon's Life Of Lincoln (Da Capo Paperback) (Paperback)

This is a interesting book from the perspective of someone who knew Lincoln personally. The only area's of the book that I didn't like were the drawn out speeches and letters that Herndon places within the book. I also wish that Herndon would have written more about Lincoln's time as President, which Herndon ends the book just shortly after Lincoln takes Office. Other than that I found the book to be very enjoyable to read and I reccomend it to anyone that loves to read about Abraham Lincoln.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The granddaddy of Lincoln biographies, August 23, 2007

By 

Richard Lawrence Miller, Lincoln author (Kansas City MO USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Herndon's Life Of Lincoln (Da Capo Paperback) (Paperback)

This folksy treatment occasionally stumbles (often due to ghostwriter Jesse Weik rather than Lincoln's law partner Herndon), but is a rewarding read. It is a wonderful collection of stories and memories. Its strength resides in Herndon's account of Lincoln's life in Illinois. Herndon did extensive interviews with persons who knew the young Lincoln, supplemented by correspondence with them.