Lincoln

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This comprehensive biography of America's sixteenth President stems from Donald's extensive study of Lincoln and his era over the past fifty years. He utilizes Lincoln's personal papers and those of his contemporaries more than any prior biographer, along with newly discovered records from Lincoln's legal career. Donald's literary skill and psychological insight, evident in his previous Pulitzer Prize-winning works, shine through in this narrative. Beyond politics, the biography explores the development of Lincoln's character, illustrating how his private life influenced his public career. Lincoln is portrayed as a youthful, vigorous leader, balancing the responsibilities of a young wife and lively children with his political ambitions, which often strained family life. The tumultuous nature of his marriage also impacted his political journey. Readers witness Lincoln's renowned storytelling and humor juxtaposed with his struggles with deep melancholy, particularly during the Civil War. Donald presents an original portrait of Lincoln as a fundamentally passive individual, acknowledging that he was often shaped by events rather than controlling them. However, this fatalism coexisted with a relentless ambition that drove him to take significant political risks and overcome numerous defeats. The biography highlights Lincoln's mastery of ambiguity and expediency while underscoring his steadfast moral leadership against slavery and