Customer Reviews

The Life of Abraham Lincoln

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In Isaac Arnold's book, The Life Of Abraham Lincoln, Mr. Arnold portyays Lincoln how he knew him. Isaac was aquainted with Abe Lincoln for over a quarter century, and that helped him in completing this wonderful biography. It does, however, lack several important facts that have now been discovered. Since Mr. Arnold wrote his book twenty years after Lincoln's death, the United States didnt have time to realize what an amazing and influential person Lincoln was. New data also shows that some of his facts in the book are proven to be wrong. Even with those minor details that are false, it doesnt take away from the intensity of the book. Being able to read his speeches and visualize Lincoln speaking is amazing and Mr. Arnold does a very good job of painting that picture.

As stated elsewhere, this biography has the asset of being written by a personal friend and colleague of Lincoln. The personal reminscences and portrayal of Lincoln and his characteristics are very good. By knowing and working wth Lincoln during his Presidency as well as in Illinois, the book is much stronger on the Civil War years than HERNDON'S LIFE OF LINCOLN (and thus more knowledgeable of Lincoln's evolution). The book discusses Lincoln's work with Congress to pass the 13th Amendment (outlawing slavery) far more than other bios and though such detail may disinterest the general reader, this accomplishment by Lincoln surpassed the Emancipation Proclamation in results. Surprisingly, though heavier on the politics, the book covers the Civil War's fighting pretty well. Of course, almost all 1 volume Lincoln biographies are noticeably flawed, and in this one, there is a big flop by the book virtually ignoring discussion of Lincoln's family during the White House years (Mary is discussed sympathetically as a widow). But if it is Lincoln the Politician, President, or friend, that interests you, this is pretty good.

If you like history and biographies and like to have them be real - such as, the person who wrote this actually knew the person he/she was writing about in real life and wasn't just presenting a biography that happened to fit with and promote their own worldview- then this is a great book for you. It's style, of course, is somewhat old-fashioned - but that, in itself, is entertaining. The content is great - full of amazing facts and anecdotes about President Lincoln's life, beliefs and worldview, etc. My husband and I both really enjoyed it!