A. Lincoln

A Biography

By: Ronald C. White Jr.

Narrated by: Bill Weideman

Length: 27 hrs and 41 mins

Publisher's summary

In this important new biography, Ronald C. White, Jr. offers a fresh and fascinating definition of Lincoln as a man of integrity - what today's commentators are calling "authenticity" - whose internal moral compass is the key to understanding his life. Through meticulous research, utilizing recently discovered Lincoln letters, legal papers, and photographs, White depicts Lincoln as a person of intellectual curiosity, comfortable with ambiguity, and capable of changing his mind.

The reader is treated to an exploration of Lincoln's compelling words, his changing ideas on slavery, the shaping of the modern role of Commander-in-Chief, and his surprising religious odyssey.

A. Lincoln, so titled for the way Lincoln signed his name, sheds an innovative and profound light on our nation's most beloved leader for a new generation of Americans.

©2009 Ronald C. White, Jr. (P)2009 Brilliance Audio, Inc.

Critic reviews

"Ronald C. White's A. Lincoln is the best biography of Lincoln since David Donald's Lincoln (1995)... Amid all the books on Lincoln that will be published during the coming year, this one will stand out as one of the best." (James M. McPherson, author of Battle Cry of Freedom, and winner of the Pulitzer Prize)

Love this book!

I know there are thousands of books written on Lincoln, some focus on this political life as President, others the war, still others his assassination. I like this because it’s a good general overview; his life, skill set as a politician & military leader, his faith, character, vision and the unbelievable sacrifice he made for this nation. What an amazing human being that came to us at the precise moment in our history in which we needed A. Lincoln. Great book!

Excellent comprehensive bio

This book covers the life of Lincoln in great detail. It's long and packed with personal, political, philosophical and military details. But it's truly worthwhile. Learning about the life of Abraham Lincoln is a valuable way to spend time.

Loving Lincoln!

It was interesting and enjoyable to understand more about Lincoln's relationships and interaction with the people around him and this book does a great job exploring those relationships. Once again I feel this would be a better read than listen, right now there is a part I would like to 're-read' but on the Kindle I cannot imagine how long locating it would take.

The book underscores Lincoln's careful attention to details and prefection. His constant soul searching is impressive. I suppose most of all is his ability to change and reconsider. We, as Americans, are lucky he was in the right place at a time that lead him to become one of our heros. I am glad I listened but this is not a book I could recommend.

Very good

I am in the midst of reading a book of each President. I currently hold this as the best recorded and performed. I quite enjoyed this book as a full life general biography. Lincoln was quite the human being.

Outstanding

5 stars all around! This is the best thing I have ever read about our sixteenth president. History is presented in a fresh and exciting way. The depth of research is so noticeable and the work so revealing. I will read this book a second time. This is a must read.

With Malice Toward None

How many of us can even pretend to live by this sentiment? How many politicians? In this day of virulent political bashing--even from the pulpit, how many clergy, even, can say this? So the story of this man, this ordinary, honest, rail-splitting, Father Abraham, alone rates five stars.

I down rate the narration simply because I feel the narrator attempted, but did not carry-off, the Hoosier twang or the Illionois accent: Lincoln must have had some combination of these (even Kentucky). But other than that, I thought the narrator, Bill Weideman, did a good job. I did not hear him breathe, nor did he swallow excessively...two of my real complaints too often.

Overall, I suppose, biographies have a need for repetition of the same or similar material in various sections due to the nature of the uses that students will put the volume through. If I could, I would deduct half a star here, but that is an Amazon feature.

Thorough and interesting, never boring

Would you listen to A. Lincoln again? Why?

Yes, except for the fact that it is so long. The book explains all of the factors which lead Lincoln towards his career as a lawyer, and through all of his failings, struggles, and depression. As he becomes a politician, Lincoln's speeches are analyzed and his presidency is recounted with great detail. It was hard to listen to the end because I knew how it ended. After he dies (spoiler) the book kind of just ends.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Abraham Lincoln, of course!

Any additional comments?

Everybody should know Lincoln's story, because he rose from a poor family to being a successful lawyer and the most successful president, accomplishing more in four years than others accomplish in eight. It also gave me a good understanding of the political situation at the time.

A Great Listen!

I have read many, and perhaps most of the biographies about A. Lincoln and I would place this one among the best. Ronald White covers the broad spectrum of Lincoln's life in a detailed, but extremely readable manner. The reader may want to expand upon certain aspects, such as the assasination of Lincoln with other books which go into greater detail. Yet, if one wants to achieve an understanding of why all subsequent presidents measure themselves against Lincoln, they cannot go wrong by starting with this biography.

The performance of the narrator is excellent, never placing himself over the material the author has provided.

This audible selection should be one of your top choices if you want to learn more about one of our greatest presidents and enjoy a terrific listening experience.

Great Biography and Analysis of Lincoln

There are a number of good biographies about Abraham Lincoln. This one does an excellent job of weaving Lincoln's story with a personal analysis of his actions and thinking behind them. What a remarkable human being divinely appointed for his time and place!

Insight into Lincoln

This was an interesting study of a great man as seen through the eyes of those who knew him best, as well as through his personal writings and letters. The book was fact based, informative and surprisingly humorous at times, as Lincoln did indeed, have quite a sense of humor. Lincoln was able to find the light side and humor, even among harsh circumstances. Interestingly, as President, he had an open door policy and hardly anyone was ever turned away. He was a common man, self-taught who learned by doing, for he was not formally schooled. He was a self made made man that carried with him-a sense of humor, genuine common sense and a vision for our country.
A wonderful book for someone who desires a greater understanding of Lincoln's life, which begins with him as a child. Although slow moving and dry at times, the insight into Lincoln as a man and as The President was well worth my listening time.