The Real Lincoln: A Portrait (Expanded, Annotated)

Weik's portrait of Abraham Lincoln is unique because of his friendship with and work with Lincoln's law partner (and biographer), William Herndon, his access to the enormous trove of primary Lincoln documents gathered by Herndon, and his access to the people who loved Lincoln in his lifetime.This is an admiring, affectionate look at America's 16th president but it is not a fawning puff-piece. It's a first-hand look at Lincoln as a lifelong student, a lawyer, a family man and husband, and as a candidate for office. It reveals Lincoln's brilliant power of deliberation and analysis.It is full of anecdotes and remembrances of Lincoln by family, friends, and political allies and rivals, many of which you will not have read before.The book is Lincoln BEFORE the White House. It covers his life in detail up to the first few months after he left Springfield for Washington. Weik's classic work is a delight for anyone who wants to know the real Lincoln.