"Lincoln's Last Days" is an edited version of "Killing Lincoln", the original book by Bill O'Reilly. I have read both versions of this book, and was reluctant to give "Killing Lincoln" to the local school library, which was my original intent in its purchase.
My thoughts were that "Killing Lincoln", although a good historical book, had too many references to sex, and far too much intense violence and descriptions of violence and gore, for children. I began whiting these references out of the book, to make it kid-friendly, but found far too many, and decided not to donate it to the school, at all.
I was surprised when Bill O'Reilly announced on "The O'Reilly Factor" he had edited the original book, to make it acceptable for children, and the children's version was called, "Lincoln's Last Days". I saw this as an opportunity for the students to read the book, without the things I found too adult.
I bought two copies of this book, and went through it, to make sure the objectionable parts had been edited back, if not altogether deleted. I must report that O'Reilly and his helpers, did indeed manage to remove the sexual language in the book, and pare back the violence to a tolerable level for younger readers. And this they did, without removing the essence of the writing or book's historical and human value. I would say, "Good job, Mr. O'Reilly!"
Also, I would add that the physical quality of the books was above what I had expected. The covers and the interior photos, and Lincoln's Gettysburg Address on the inside covers are impressive. Nothing was childlike about its presentation, at all, and it is fit and wonderful for adults, as well. I have no qualm, whatsoever, in giving the copies of "Lincoln's Last Days" to the school library. This book is impressive enough that I would consider it also for our home library.
