|
|
|
|
A Slice of Life
by Francine Brokaw
Looking for Lincoln: The Making of an American Icon by Philip B. Kunhardt III, Peter W. Kunhardt, and Peter W. Kunhardt, Jr.
2009 marks the 200th birthday of Abraham Lincoln and several books are coming out about the 16th President of the United States. Looking for Lincoln is not a biography of the man. Instead it is a cumulative report on the president, his family, his associates, the time in which he lived and the subsequent time after his death as well as his legacy.
This book examines how Lincoln’s legacy was born and how Americans put him on a pedestal after his death. By looking at stories from newspapers of the time, magazine articles, and other pieces of history this book is a complete story of the man who lived and died, and became one of this country’s most admired and beloved presidents.
Not only does this book reveal facts, thoughts, and emotions about Abraham Lincoln, it also delves into the lives and deaths of those who were close to him and who also played a role in the tumultuous time in the country. Incredible illustrations as well as photographs provide a complete history of the time, events, and people. Mary Lincoln, Edwin Stanton, Robert E. Lee, Andrew Johnson, Robert Lincoln, and others who played a role in the life of the president are all examined and their lives after his death are studied, helping to create a well-rounded view of the effect the president had on many people.
The Impeachment of Andrew Johnson, John Wilkes Booth’s hidden diary, Lincoln’s courtships and ultimate marriage to Mary Todd are all scrutinized.
Lincoln had written a short autobiography of his life and a portion of it in his original handwriting is displayed, as well as the text. Of course, this was written long before his final days, but it gives readers a unique understanding of the man and how he saw himself and his life.
After his death there were plenty of tributes to Abraham Lincoln in the form of paintings, statues, and of course, the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. Many of these are highlighted, especially the Memorial.
While this book is meant to be a continuation of the first book by these Lincoln historians – Lincoln: An Illustrated Biography, which was published in 1992 – it is not necessary to read the first book in order to get the full effect of this one. This deals mainly with the man and his effect on history, as well as the consequences his death had on the country and the people he knew. Personal memories from those who knew him are included, as well as a look at the tough years after his death when the country was struggling with the end of slavery. The first part of the 20th century was when Lincoln’s legacy really took hold as the black population began employing the ideals the president espoused and championed.
In 1922 the Lincoln Memorial was dedicated and in 1925 the faces on Mount Rushmore began taking shape. Lincoln’s legacy was now set in stone for future generations.
This is a fascinating look at the endurance and consequences this one man had on the country. The end of the book is filled with photographs of Abraham Lincoln through the years. It’s interesting to see the evolution of this American icon.
© 2008 Francine Brokaw
Let's Talk About It!
Issues newsgroup
Join us to talk about this article!
|
|
|
