Lincoln

By: David Herbert Donald

Narrated by: Dick Estell

A masterful work by Pulitzer Prize–winning author David Herbert Donald, Lincoln is a stunning portrait of Abraham Lincoln’s life and presidency.

Donald brilliantly depicts Lincoln’s gradual ascent from humble beginnings in rural Kentucky to the ever-expanding political circles in Illinois, and finally to the presidency of a country divided by civil war. Donald goes beyond biography, illuminating the gradual development of Lincoln’s character, chronicling his tremendous capacity for evolution and growth, thus illustrating what made it possible for a man so inexperienced and so unprepared for the presidency to become a great moral leader. In the most troubled of times, here was a man who led the country out of slavery and preserved a shattered Union—in short, one of the greatest presidents this country has ever seen.

Excellent listen!

I really liked that they devoted several chs to Lincoln’s childhood & how he was a self taught lawyer. It also tells of how he dealt with a divided country. Good coverage of Gettysburg & second inaugural address. Two favorites of mine. Disregard the other reviews of the reader. DE was fine. Several issues with the speed of the text but even that didnt ruin my enjoyment of the book/listen. If you want to know about AL, this is the one that will do. (I’ve read a few.)

Excellent content, some audio issues

I enjoyed this book immensely. It tries, and mostly succeeds, to follow along with what Lincoln knew at the time, rather than looking back with the benefits of hindsight.

The narrator was good, not great. There are several spots where sections sounded dramatically different. Like a section had to be re-recorded on completely different equipment in a completely different environment.

must read

one of the best books I've ever read in my entire life. couldn't recommend more

The story of a great leader

so much detail of the man I had never known. highly recommended, an important history

Very well written!

Thos book goes in depth into what made Lincoln who he was and the events that shaped his thoughts. It goes well beyond d the familiar biographical information that is so well documented.