Lincoln: A Photobiography
by Russell Freedman
Age: 9+
Interests: history, American history, biography, politics, war
Clarion Books: 1987
145 pages, 7 chapters, plus appendixes
Other biographies: Abraham Lincoln (picture book), Daniel Boone, The Radium Woman (Marie Curie), Invincible Louisa (Louisa May Alcott)
More about U.S. Presidents: So You Want to Be President?
“Abraham Lincoln stood out in a crowd as much for his wit and rollicking humor as for his height.”
Lincoln: a Photobiography is a very warm and accessible biography of Lincoln, packed with photos and stories that should liven up anyone’s study of history. At the same time it gives a detailed account of Lincoln’s political struggles and his changing anti-slavery strategies as the Civil War dragged on. There’s meat here for young political junkies, but not so much to put the average reader off. The real highlight is in the little details, the many photographs of all the principle characters, and numerous quotes and instances of Abe’s great wit. From the little girl who wrote and counselled him to grow a beard to win the presidency (which he did), to the accounts of how he and Mary let their children run amok in the White House, this book is an entertaining and human look at a great historical figure.
I’m always on the lookout for books that will win young readers to be interested in history, and this is a really good one. The appendices at the end include a sampling of quotes, a detailed list of historical sites relating to Lincoln, and suggestions for further reading. There is also a detailed index at the end.
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