Book Description

As Lincoln led the nation into the Civil War, managing the Union war effort, issuing the Emancipation Proclamation, winning reelection in 1864, and planning the Reconstruction of the South, he also led a private life, defined by his close relationship with his wife and his devotion to his children. Lincoln at Home offers a view into the life of the family through their written correspondence.

With a brief account of their years in the White House and the complete collection of all the known letters exchanged by Abraham and Mary Todd Lincoln, this elegant portrait defines the sixteenth president as a dedicated -- though often a desperately busy and distracted -- family man.

Lincoln at Home is an intimate and rare glimpse of the president as husband and father, a cheerful man pinned to the floor while playing with his children, and a desolate man struck down by grief at the death of his son. Beyond this, we are shown a personal side of the man who managed one of the most difficult periods in American history. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Find it cheap, or forget it
I'm not sure what T. Rogers who gave two reviews is talking about. Is he even reviewing THIS book?Anyway, I'll have to agree with one reviewer. No matter how you look at it, this book had $$$$$$ on it. David Donald wrote probably the greatest biography of LINCOLN in the last 40 years. Why something so shallow and pricey as this? As ABBA would say "money, money, money" - David Donald has not only sold the reader short, he has sold his own ability short.Anyone that can produce some of the prior works he has on Lincoln, and then this. Hey, this book isn't that bad as a gift (which it was for me), or something in the $1.00 bargain bin, not a bad deal at all. However, don't spend your hard earned money paying $30 (insane), $10 or even $5 on this book. Its ok, but not over $1 ok. Listen, for five dollars, I'd rather be looking over my five Dollar Lincoln instead of the five dollar Lincoln book. If your ever at a $1 book sale, I recommend! If you get it as a gift read it.

A Slim But Beautifully Written Volume
Noted Historian Donald, the author of the classic "Lincoln" biography, has adequately captured the kindness and inner beauty of our 16th President and his love of family in this slim, but well-written volume.

The book is divided into two parts, an essay written originally as a speech before former President Bush on Lincoln's domestic life in the White House - how he and the First Lady Mary Todd Lincoln coped with the agony of war and the tragic loss of their son Willie.

The second part of the book comprises all of the known letter correspondence between President Lincoln, and his wife and sons - and vice versa. Here we find that Robert Lincoln clearly was not too thrilled about his father becoming the Republican Presidential nominee in 1860, how Abraham Lincoln clearly fussed and agonized over son's Tad's missing (but eventually found) goat, all the more poignant because of Willie's death, and the tragic fire that claimed Willie's pony (not mentioned in this book). Or how Lincoln seemingly dispassionately mentioned in his correspondence to his wife the loss of Mary Todd Lincoln's Brother-In-Law, the Confederate General Ben Hardin Helm at the battle of Chickamauga.

Donald has given us a beautifully presented and written book, a worthy gift to the Lincoln and Civil War reader - the only reason why I gave it four stars instead of five was that it is too pricey for a non fleshed-out biography, but would definitely be worth the fifth star at a bargain-based price.

Infidel of Pigeon Creek
Lincoln idoloters will inevitably try to manufacture something to idolize in this tragic, dark, tormented figure whose desperation was so great that Alfted Taylor Bledsoe, who resided at Globe Tavern simultaneously with the Lincolns, whose law office was next to Lincoln, who joined with Lincoln in Whig politican, and who taught Lincoln the use of the broadsword when Lincoln's indiscretion caught him in the Shield's affair, could only bring forth the deepest empathy for his suffering. It was Mrs. Bledsoe who cared for Mrs. Lincoln and Robert Lincoln post-partum. And, it was Dr. Bledsoe whose monumental work Was Davis a Traitor (1968) reveals as well an any the shaky and erronous philosophical base of Mr. Lincoln's perversion of the constitutional compact. Lincoln, a despairing infidel, a spiritualist, a rabid story steller and ranconteur, a white supremist and segregationist, but masterful in argument before a jury and, in fact, honest in personal dealings, the type of person who, according to Dr. Bledsoe, did not so much as plant a tree at his dwelling.

Infidel of Pigeon Creek
Lincoln idoloters will inevitably try to manufacture something to idolize in this tragic, dark, tormented figure whose desperation was so great that Alfted Taylor Bledsoe, who resided at Globe Tavern simultaneously with the Lincolns, whose law office was next to Lincoln, who joined with Lincoln in Whig politican, and who taught Lincoln the use of the broadsword when Lincoln's indiscretion caught him in the Shield's affair, could only bring forth the deepest empathy for his suffering. It was Mrs. Bledsoe who carried for Mrs. Lincoln and Robert Lincoln post-partum. And, it was Dr. Bledsoe whose monumental Was Davis a Traitor (1968) reveals as well an any the shaky and erronous philosophical base of Mr. Lincoln's perversion of the constitutional compact. Lincoln, a despairing infidel, a spiritualist, a rabid story steller and ranconteur, a white supremist and segregationist, but masterful in argument before a jury and, in fact, honest in personal dealings, the type of person who, according to Dr. Bledsoe, did not so much as plant a tree at his dwelling.

Infidel of Pigeon Creek
Lincoln idoloters will inevitably try to manufacture something to idolize in this tragic, dark, tormented figure whose desperation was so great that Alfted Taylor Bledsoe, who resided at Globe Tavern simultaneously with the Lincolns, whose law office was next to Lincoln, who joined with Lincoln in Whig politican, and who taught Lincoln the use of the broadsword when Lincoln's indiscretion caught him in the Shield's affair, could only bring forth the deepest empathy for his suffering. It was Mrs. Bledsoe who carried for Mrs. Lincoln and Robert Lincoln post-partum. And, it was Dr. Bledsoe whose monumental Was Davis a Traitor (1968) reveals as well an any the shaky and erronous philosophical base of Mr. Lincoln's perversion of the constitutional compact. Lincoln, a despairing infidel, a spiritualist, a rabid story steller and ranconteur, a white supremist and segregationist, but masterful in argument before a jury and, in fact, honest in personal dealings, the type of person who, according to Dr. Bledsoe, did not so much as plant a tree at his dwelling. ... Read more

Book Description

An intimate look at what Abraham Lincoln’s second home in Washington reveals about his life, his presidency, and his family

Called the most important unknown presidential site by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, the Soldier’s Home was the retreat where Abraham Lincoln spent an astonishing quarter of his presidency. Documenting the time Lincoln spent there, this book offers readers the freshest, most intimate portrayal yet of Lincoln in all his guises: father, husband, commander-in-chief, and beloved president. Critically acclaimed author Elizabeth Smith Brownstein explores all the facets of Lincoln’s life in a book rich with anecdotes and incisive, often amusing eyewitness accounts that increase our understanding of Lincoln’s unusual temperament, the idiosyncratic character of his leadership, and the intensity of his relationships.

Elizabeth Smith Brownstein (Washington, DC) is a researcher, writer, and producer of cultural documentaries and public affairs programs. She is also the author of If This House Could Talk . . . : Historic Homes, Extraordinary Americans. ... Read more

Book Description

Abe Lincoln, "the gentle giant," was a man for his times, a man for alltime but most of all, a man of God ... Read more

Reviews (5)

LIncolns attitude key to his success
It's clear to the readers of this book that Lincolns difficult time in his early years provided him with his remarkable attitude to forge the ideas in this book. His thinking is clear and relevant and timely. It is helpful for the reader to keep in mind Lincoln probably refered to these pages many times throughout his life to remind himself of the correct choices to make. I think this book belongs in everyones library!

Moving compilation of quotes
Heard the taped version of Gene Griessman's THE WORDS
LINCOLN LIVED BY . . . this is a short but moving
compilation of quotations, followed by insightful commentary
that provides historical context.

In some respects, I wish I had read this . . . there was
much that I wish I could have revisited . . . as it was, I
kept pulling off the side of the road to jot down such
items as the following (so as to be able to share it):

[on diligence] "Half finished work generally proves to be
work lost." No other principle comes closer to accounting
for success than diligence.

[on tenacity] "I expect to maintain this contest until
successful or until I die or am conquered or until my term
expires or until Congress or the country removes me." Lincoln
believed that sticking to a decision once made would
strengthen the individual.

[on conviction] "The world shall know that I will keep my
word to friends and enemies come what will."

[on friendship] "The better part of one's life comes out of
friendships." Lincoln knew how to make and keep them.
He enjoyed companionship and knew how to attract
people.

A Year's Worth of Inspiration...
There have been a small number of books published which attempt to collect in dictionary form the more noted words and remarks of Abraham Lincoln. Archer H. Shaw did "The Lincoln Encyclopedia" in 1950; Caroline Thomas Harnsberger collected "The Lincoln Treasury" in 1950; Ralph B. Winn wrote "A Concise Lincoln Dictionary" in 1959; Fred A. Kerner assembled "A Treasury of Lincoln Quotations" in 1965, reprinted in 1996; and Gabor S. Boritt published "Of the People, By the People, For the People" in 1996.

All of those volumes are most helpful in locating a Lincoln quotation, and Don E. and Virginia Fehrenbacher have compiled "The Recollected Words of Abraham Lincoln" (1996). Of course, this latter study selects the more important spoken words of Lincoln as recalled by listeners who heard them.

However, Gene Griessman has put together an entirely different publication. Although it often quotes Lincoln, the theme is actually to inspire and motivate its readers to make an attempt to imitate the immortal Sixteenth President. In this, Prof. Griessman has done a superb job. His book is outstanding. Furthermore, he has identified the sources for the quotes utilized in each small chapter. All fifty-two units are named after one of Lincoln's noteworthy traits, such as "Determination," "Courage," "Honesty," etc. Not only does Griessman give us Lincoln quotes, but he also weaves each one into a little jewel of an essay on that particular subject. If a reader peruses a chapter a week, he or she will have a year's worth of inspiration.

In addition, this small volume contains "Biographical Notes" on the main figures cited and also a Bibliography of the sources quoted. Dr. Griessman has utilized his background in speaking and teaching the fine art of motivation to write this particular book. He also impersonates Abraham Lincoln for large audiences and has authored numerous books and articles.

Wayne C. Temple, Illinois State Archives

A Year's Worth of Inspiration ...
Although it often quotes Lincoln, the theme is actually to inspire and motivate its readers to make an attempt to imitate the immortal Sixteenth President. In this, Prof. Griessman has done a superb job. His book is outstanding. Furthermore, he has identified the sources for the quotes utilized in each small chapter. All fifty-two units are named after one of Lincoln's noteworthy traits, such as "Determination," "Courage," "Honesty," etc. Not only does Griessman give us Lincoln quotes, but he also weaves each one into a little jewel of an essay on that particular subject. If a reader peruses a chapter a week, he or she will have a year's worth of inspiration.

In addition, this small volume contains "Biographical Notes" on the main figures cited and also a Bibliography of the sources quoted. Dr. Griessman has utilized his background in speaking and teaching the fine art of motivation to write this particular book. He also impersonates Abraham Lincoln for large audiences and has authored numerous books and articles.

In this entire treatise, this reviewer noted only one very minor error. On page 128, it is set down that Thomas Lincoln was born in either 1776 or 1778. There certainly is no doubt about the date of Thomas's natal day. Abraham Lincoln wrote down in his Father's own Bible the statement that Thomas was born January 6, 1778. (See Basler, Ed., "The Collected Works", II, 94. This fact is most difficult to discover since the index to "The Collected Works" does not carry this reference under the title "Bibles.")

Wayne C. Temple, Illinois State Archives

What people are saying about "The Words Lincoln Lived By":
"A clear and incisive study." --- John Sellers, TheLincoln Curator, U.S. Library of Congress.

"Marvelous. 'TheWords Lincoln Lived By' captures so many truths, which speak to us and to future generations." --- Terry Paulson, President, the National Speaker's Association.

"Lincoln's thoughts on just about anything are compelling, and here, they are artfully broken down into various categories, each brief and brisk. 'The Words Lincoln Lived By' makes the quality of his greatness accessible to a wide variety of readers." --- Steve Forbes, Editor- in-Chief, 'Forbes' magazine.

"Dr. Gene Griessman has written a work that beautifully captures the essence of our sixteenth president. Using Lincoln's own words, the author has skillfully crafted a memorial to Lincoln - not one of cold granite or marble, but rather a living, breathing testament. Readers will be inspired by the great wisdom that springs from the pages of this book." --- Kim Bauer, Co-editor, 'Journal of the Abraham Lincoln Association'.

"I love it. A must-read for any serious legal professional." --- John Patrick Dolan, author of 'Negotiate Like the Pros'.

"Griessman has captured the heart and mind of the man who changed America for 'good'. You, too, will be changed as you experience Lincoln up close and personal." --- Glenna Salsbury, author of 'The Art of the Fresh Start'.

"Griessman performs a valuable service in reminding us that Lincoln eloquently championed not only the causes of democracy, freedom, and Union, but also the virtues of self-reliance, industry, ambition, and self-improvement. These are powerful assets for anybody in the race of life." --- Michael Burlingame, author of 'The Inner World of Abraham Lincoln'.

"Lincoln's words remind us of the values that made America great and that we need now more than ever. His wisdom shines through on every page. This is a book to cherish and share." --- Bill Marriott, CEO, Marriott International, Inc.

"An inventive and original compilation - skillfully relating Lincoln's words to the values that give meaning to our lives. Readers will rediscover Lincoln on these pages and appreciate anew his timeless wisdom." --- Harold Holzer, Co-editor, 'Lincoln on Democracy'.

"Griessman has done a masterful service in rendering Lincoln's colossal wisdom of leadership to contemporary leaders and managers. It's uncanny: everything written about leadership today - that is, anything that's significant - was spoken or written by Lincoln at least 130 years ago. And Griessman illuminates Lincoln's brilliance to all of us." --- Warren Bennis, Distinguished Professor of Business Administration, University of Southern California and author of 'Organizing Genius: The Secrets of Creative Collaboration'.

... Read more

Reviews (1)

Not a necessity, but a solid addition
This compilation of primary source materials is arranged inchronological chapters, with the table of contents acting as anoutline of what is to come. An excellent introduction creates a vivid context for the period. Many pieces are not in their entirety, but excerpted. Holzer's vibrant writing is a fascinating mix of biography and political history that provides setup and commentary for each selection to put the piece in context. A wide range of samples includes poems, letters, and speeches (both famous and lesser known). The editor's authority of and admiration for his subject is evident and the volume is well arranged; unfortunately, some poor editing choices detract from the text. Photos are abundant, well-selected, and well-placed; however, in two instances the same picture was obviously cropped and reused with a different caption. Photo credits are inconsistent. Sometimes they appear under the picture, sometimes they don't. A complete list of photo credits appears at the end. Including the original captions along with the page numbers would have been a nice touch. Because this is not the first book one would start with if one were to do a report on Lincoln, a list of recommended books would have been a welcome addition. According to the credits, Holzer only consulted one source for this book. While he is the author of 14 books (8 about Lincoln), one would think he would mention other sources - even his own. An incredibly detailed chronology will thrill teachers struggling with curriculum frameworks. Not a necessity, but a solid addition to collections where there is a demand for presidential biography, political/government history, or civil rights information. ... Read more

Book Description

This digital document is an article from Journal of Southern History, published by Southern Historical Association on November 1, 2001. The length of the article is 882 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Abrahm Lincoln: A Constitutional Biography. (Book Reviews).(Review)
Author: Lucas E. Morel
Publication: Journal of Southern History (Refereed)
Date: November 1, 2001
Publisher: Southern Historical Association
Volume: 67Issue: 4Page: 876(2)

Article Type: Book Review

Distributed by Thomson Gale ... Read more

Book Description

1928. This book had its inception in the discovery of what seemed to be an utterly unknown lecture on Abraham Lincoln by Walt Whitman. Mr. Barton set forth to discover how it happened that Whitman prepared this lecture and through what stages of development of its evolution could be traced. Mr. Barton had already written the life-story of Lincoln, and he restrained himself from writing a biography of Whitman. He undertook to relate so much of Whitman's life-story as is connected with his writings on Lincoln, and this involved some consideration of the aim and spirit of his writings as a whole, and particularly his interpretation of the spirit of America, as he found it incarnate in Abraham Lincoln. Illustrated. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Not a Biography of Lincoln- beware, cheap for a reason
Wordy editorial by Russell.He talks about many things other than Lincoln's life.Interesting to people that are VERY familar with the era (history professors), but not to the person looking for an historic account of Lincoln's life. Did not even want to finish this book it was so boring. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

anyone that says they can't should read this book
Over coming adversity after adversity until you're successful is what Lincoln is all about. ... Read more

Book Description

The author shows why the border states, and especially Kentucky, were so important in Lincoln's strategy for fighting the war, and why he was always ready to ignore the abolitionists, his cabinet, his party majority in Congress or any other group in the North if by so doing he could strengthen the Union cause in Missouri, Maryland, or Illinois. ... Read more

Download Description

Whatever the mental cause of this melancholy, there is no doubt that it had also a physical cause. This was his most violent attack, but by no means his only one. It recurred, with greater or less severity, all through his life. He had been born and had grown up in a climate noted for its malaria. Excepting for the facts that he spent much time in the open air, had abundant exercise, and ate plain food, the laws of sanitation were not thought of. It would be strange if his system were not full of malaria, or, what is only slightly less abominable, of the medicines used to counteract it. ... Read more