Customer Reviews

Herndons Life of Lincoln: The History and Personal Recollections of Abraham Lincoln

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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]

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.

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.