ePub Lincoln by David Herbert Donald in History

Review

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful. A Sweeping Panoramic Biography of America's Most Beloved PresidentBy Susan J NeeThis book captures the essence of this beloved American and one of history's giants. How fortunate America was to be graced by his guidance and leadership. After reading Ronald C. White's "The Eloquent President" and Gabor Barritt's "The Gettysburg Gospel" and Shelby Foote's encyclopedic 3 volume history (The Civil War) I found this book to be a beautifully rendered view of Lincoln's life through a wide lens and would be a great read for anyone who is looking to read one work that encompasses the key elements of this great American's life.This Lincoln biography gives a masterful sweep of Lincoln's life; describing how early in his life he demonstrated an enormous capacity for work and an intellectual superiority.These character attributes were key to his life as he rose from a poor family who eked out a living clearing virgin forest to establish a homestead; to a man who established himself as a successful lawyer; married the daughter of a successful Kentucky businessman; went on to serve in the Illinois legislature and made a national name for himself as he debated Stephen Douglas while campaigning for the U.S. Senate. Donald describes how Lincoln's political prowess led him to guide the fledgling Republican party in Illinois and how this catapulted him to the Presidency - the first Western man and Republican elected to that office.As Donald describes Lincoln's career up to the point of achieving the Presidency; he paints of a picture of a man who is confident of his intellectual abilities; is a leading citizen in the state of Illinois and has built a strong political organization. When elected to the presidency; Donald describes how Lincoln; who held no previous government executive office; grew into the role of the Presidency. He managed his talented and more educated but contentious cabinet with skill. He wrestled with the continual failings of the Union military leadership in the early battles of the Civil War;desperately looking for competent generals who could win battles as the Confederate armies won victory after victory while citizens of the North grew impatient with what everyone thought would be a short war. Lincoln also tested the Constitutional limits of the Executive branch when he suspended the writ of habeas corpus and instituted a military draft when not enough volunteered for the army.Donald describes the tremendous burden and toll on Lincoln as he steered the country through uncharted waters of rebellion while dealing with the the loss of a son (Willie) and the subsequent unraveling of Mary Todd Lincoln in her grief over Wilie's death. Lincoln endured this and more to save the Union; but the toll it took show starkly in the last photo of him taken in April of 1865; shortly before his assassination.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. A very impressive book...By John Paul SassoneA great book about Lincoln the real man; not the myth we've created today. Donald goes to great lengths to show Lincoln's humanity and humanness; and how he overcame his lack of political experience to become the greatest president of the US. Donald doesn't worship his subject but approaches him with a detached eye so you see Lincoln for the man he was. A very impressive book.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Well-written and InterestingBy Loves BooksVery well-written and easy for a non-academic like me to read. The author makes Lincoln a real person not just the great emancipator. So much more went into his decisions than people generally realize. He was an interesting man who; I believe; made some questionable decisions and had some heretofore unknown to me opinions. I recommend this book to every American.