Lincoln

By: David Herbert Donald

Narrated by: Dick Estell

In the best-selling tradition of Truman, two-time Pulitzer Prize-winning biographer David Herbert Donald offers a new classic in American history and biography - a masterly account of how one man's extraordinary political acumen steered the Union to victory in the Civil War, and of how his soaring rhetoric gave meaning to that agonizing struggle for nationhood and equality.

Donald spent 50 years studying Lincoln, tracing his rise from humble origins to the pinnacle of the presidency. He reveals the development of the future president's character and shows how Lincoln's enormous capacity for growth enabled one of the least experienced men ever elected to high office to become a giant in the annals of American politics. And he depicts a man who was basically passive by nature, yet ambitious enough to take enormous risks and overcome repeated defeats.

Much more than a political biography, Lincoln seats us behind the desk of a president who was both a master of ambiguity and expediency and a great moral leader, as he makes the decisions that preserved the Union and shaped modern America.

©2011 David Herbert Donald (P)2012 Simon & Schuster

Critic reviews

"A grand work - the Lincoln biography for this generation." (Arthur Schlesinger, Jr.)

" Lincoln immediately takes its place among the best of the genre, and it is unlikely that it will be surpassed in elegance, incisiveness and originality in this century.... A book of investigative tenacity, interpretive boldness and almost acrobatic balance." ( Chicago Tribune)

"Eagerly awaited, Lincoln fulfills expectations. Donald writes with lucidity and elegance." ( The Atlantic)

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.

The Super President

Enjoyed the in-depth look at honest Abe.

Enjoyed the historical points and the high and low points along the way.

Give us More!
Rick Tampa Florida

An astoundingly good biography of a fascinating ma

Gripping and well told. Narration is second to none. Lincoln is always interesting and inspiring.

Amazing book. Best presidential biography.

Detailed and engrossing. Audio editing is poor, but doesn't keep you from enjoying the story.

superb narrative of a great man's life

very nicely described...salute to Lincoln.. simply great ... simply majestic..simply extraordinary personality the president was

Lincoln

Definitely enjoyed hearing about President Lincoln. Gave me new insight and I learned much about him.