Lincoln: An Illustrated Biography [Hardcover]

Philip B. Kunhardt Jr. (Author), Philip B. Kunhardt III (Author), Peter W. Kunhardt (Author), David Herbert Donald (Foreword), Daniel Terris (Contributor)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 20, 1992

A biography of Abraham Lincoln chronicles his life and depicts him as president, military leader, politician, and family man, discussing his shortcomings and accomplishments. Tour.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

This pictorial biography, a companion volume to a forthcoming TV miniseries, also stands well on its own. Most of the 900 illustrations are drawn from the Frederick Hill Meserve private family collection, a 19th-century photo archive that specializes in Lincoln material. Presented chronologically, the illustrations provide both a definitive visual record of Lincoln's life and a compelling view of the Civil War from the president's perspective. The text, by Meserve's grandson, former Life managing editor Philip B. Kunhardt Jr., and his two sons, relies heavily and effectively on quotations from Lincoln and his contemporaries. The book presents not an icon, but a man who "wrote like a poet, laughed like a hyena, and cried real tears." His consuming struggle to preserve the Union eventually led him to redefine its promises and extend its freedoms in ways that determined America's future. This work convincingly sustains and enhances Lincoln's position as a dominant moral figure of our history. 125,000 first printing; BOMC alternate.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

YA-- The companion volume to an ABC television documentary, this splendid pictorial biography is filled with photographs, portraits, and illustrations of Lincoln, his family, and his contemporaries. Many of them, including original works by Mathew Brady and Alexander Gardner, are from the famous Meserve Collection, a major repository of Civil War and Lincoln memorabilia. The textual accompaniment features many of the subject's own words as well as eyewitness accounts, which are set off in shaded areas. Each month of Lincoln's presidency is given a double-page spread devoted to pictures of the significant and ordinary people he encountered during that time period. A detailed bibliography gives references to primary sources and literature that would be helpful to serious and interested researchers.
- Nancy Bard, Thomas Jefferson Sci-Tech, Fairfax County, VA
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 415 pages
• Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf; 1st edition (October 20, 1992)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0679408622
• ISBN-13: 978-0679408628
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 9.4 x 1.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #853,693 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

23 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Sumptuous Photography, August 5, 2000

By 

Candace Scott (Lake Arrowhead, CA, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Lincoln: An Illustrated Biography (Hardcover)

The quality of this book is what first grabs you. The paper is thick, glossy and has weight, it reproduces 19th century photographs beautifully. The text is ancillary and never intrudes upon the primary focus here, which are the photographs of Lincoln, his family and the people who shaped his extraordinary life. The text illuminates and expands upon the photographs, giving dates and other pertinent information.

If you're looking for a full-scale biography of Lincoln, look elsewhere, this is primarily a visual treat and one of the better photographic compilations on any President.

20 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant narrative and photography of Abraham Lincoln, December 13, 2000

By 

historyone (Republic of Texas, USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Lincoln: An Illustrated Biography (Hardcover)

Philip B. Kunhardt is to be highly commended for this outstanding photographic history of Abraham Lincoln. Not only are the photographs captivating, but the narrative of Lincolns life and the important events during his lifetime are interesting and enhance this book. Many interesting stories go along with the photographs of Lincoln from his 40's to his last days, however the most interesting part in my opinion is the month by month account of his presidency and the important events that occured. So much about the man has been written, but until this book was published not as many photos of President Lincoln were circulated or published. Just as important, are the events and stories which swirled around Lincoln. From his habits and humor to his history changing decisions are written in clarity and interesting form. His life and his loves are given with compassion, and his impossible losses of his sons and his mentally unballanced wife Mary Todd Lincoln is given unflinchingly. The last chapter of the book is about the assassination and the controversy surrounding Lincoln's remains, a very interesting and informative chapter to close with. I highly recommend this book to anyone with an interest in U.S. History or 19th Century U.S. History.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Breathtaking views of one admired, December 1, 1999

By 

Brooke Cale - See all my reviews

This review is from: Lincoln: An Illustrated Biography (Hardcover)

This gorgeous book is now the crowning centerpiece of my new coffee table. I am the proud owner of several Lincoln books, but none seem to capture the words unsaid in pictures quite like this. We are privy to not only Lincoln himself, but Mary Todd in her old days (adorned by a pseudo-ghost behind her), along with Robert and Tad after the White House years. Each page is filled with stories and anecdotes about our 16th president. Well worth the money listed. Indulge and enjoy your backstep into history.