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hnrsvsc's review against another edition
5.0
First time I cried over a biography... :')
Then again... it IS my first time reading one, but who knew I'd cry over it?
Then again... it IS my first time reading one, but who knew I'd cry over it?
statman's review against another edition
3.0
There is so much that can be said about Lincoln and many good biographies about him. This is a good one volume biography that stays true to the man and the times he lived.
nonsensetwice's review against another edition
5.0
Absolutely phenomenal. This is the single best biography on anyone I have read thus far, and on one of the greatest Presidents who ever served the United States of America. While incredibly informative, it reads less like a biography and more like story, in that it isn't as cut and dry as many biographies tend to be. It does get a little confusing when Lincoln's Cabinet members are discussed in terms of keeping track of who is who, but otherwise it is fairly straightforward and rarely diverts from the main path of Lincoln's life. I highly recommend this book and encourage everyone to read it who is interested in our Nation's history.
cmbohn's review against another edition
3.0
The first half, while it seemed to drag on forever, had more new information in it than the second half. Also the ending was much too abrupt. I would have liked some reflection on Lincoln's legacy, or the transition after his death. I don't think I'll read more by this author, and I would recommend A Team of Rivals by Doris Kearns Goodwin instead.
bowienerd_82's review against another edition
4.0
A concise, well-written biography that's informative and easy to read. I think the fact that I just finished [b:Battle Cry of Freedom|35100|Battle Cry of Freedom|James M. McPherson|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1388185755s/35100.jpg|35039] really enhanced my understanding of what was going on during the Civil War; otherwise I might have found that this book touched a little too lightly on some of the important events.
I think my only real critique is that I wish that there was a bit more of an epilogue; the book ends rather abruptly on Lincoln's death and funeral, without any real reflection on aftermath or legacy. His death was fairly painful to read about; I feel like an afterwards might have kept me from feeling quite so depressed by the ending.
Regardless, on the whole it was well done, and worth the read.
I think my only real critique is that I wish that there was a bit more of an epilogue; the book ends rather abruptly on Lincoln's death and funeral, without any real reflection on aftermath or legacy. His death was fairly painful to read about; I feel like an afterwards might have kept me from feeling quite so depressed by the ending.
Regardless, on the whole it was well done, and worth the read.
librarianonparade's review against another edition
5.0
This is one of the best historical biographies I've ever read. Lincoln has always been a favourite historical figure of mine, ever since I did a module on him at university - I only wish we'd used this book instead some of the texts we did! Oates really brings him to life, through his own words and the words of others, and this is so well-written and engaging that it almost reads as easily as a novel. And he doesn't stint on Lincoln's early life either, as so many tend to - rushing through the mundane stuff to get to the important Civil War years. Lincoln really comes to life in these pages as a real man, not the stuff of legend - a real tired weary man struggling to hold his country together. A wonderful wonderful book.
eandrews80's review against another edition
3.0
I read very little historical biography, and I have never read a book on Lincoln, so I have very little to judge this against. That said, I generally enjoyed it. While occasionally a bit slow, the writing is concise and engaging, and Oates shows affectio for his subject without ever resorting to sentimentality.
roses8's review against another edition
5.0
Very engaging and detailed biography of Abraham Lincoln.
gliebherr's review against another edition
5.0
Extremely well done biography on Abraham Lincoln!
Would recommend to everyone.
Recommended to me by David
I learned a lot from this book.
A blessing from God that this was the man in leadership during one of the most tragic times in America's history.
Would recommend to everyone.
Recommended to me by David
I learned a lot from this book.
A blessing from God that this was the man in leadership during one of the most tragic times in America's history.