Abraham Lincoln

The Prairie Years and The War Years

By: Carl Sandburg

Narrated by: Arthur Morey

Length: 44 hrs and 12 mins

Publisher's summary

Originally published in six volumes, which sold more than one million copies, Carl Sandburg’s Abraham Lincoln was praised as the most noteworthy historical biography of Sandburg’s generation. He later distilled this monumental work into one volume that critics and readers alike consider his greatest work of nonfiction, as well as the most distinguished, authoritative biography of Lincoln ever published.

Growing up in an Illinois prairie town, Sandburg listened to stories of old-timers who had known Lincoln. By the time this single-volume edition was competed, he had spent a lifetime studying, researching, and writing about our 16th president. His extraordinary portrait brings fully to life the country lawyer who would become one of the most influential and beloved presidents of the American republic. Additional information about the author can be found at: http://www.nps.gov/carl.

©2002 Carl Sandburg (P)2013 Brilliance Audio, Inc.

Critic reviews

"A Lincoln whom no other man than Carl Sandburg could have given us." (Mark Van Doren, New York Herald Tribune Book Review)

Masterful Work of Great American Literature

Would you listen to Abraham Lincoln again? Why?

Yes. Sandburg's prose transcends the genre of historical biography and rises to the level of poetic prose that ought to join Gibbons and others as examples of the best literature in the English language.

What did you like best about this story?

Sandburg's powerful prose that provides the framework for his majestic portrayal of Lincoln - a figure he holds in almost-mystic admiration. The work is impressive in its use of historic and biographic details that are the product of Sandburgs decades of research and study into the life of America's sixteenth president.

What does Arthur Morey bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

The narrative is pleasant and positive, although there are some occasional mispronunciations that are surprising. There are also the occasional recording "re-take" that was not entirely edited out of the final recorded (as in a phrase suddenly starting over and being read aloud a second time). These, however, are infrequent and do not distract from the flow and quality of Sandburg's prose.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Lincoln's immense capability for compassion and his strong (although not unconditional) commitment to honesty. The last chapters of the book are, as might be expected, the most moving.

Any additional comments?

Lincoln scholarship has progressed since Sandburg's work, and more recent Lincoln scholars are probably more accurate in portraying the complexities of Lincoln's conflicted relationship with his father, his driving ambition, his aversion to physical work, and his willingness to use political payoffs and seriously bend constitutional restraints to accomplish his goals. That said, Sandburg's work remains unequaled in the beauty and power of the writing. In the end, nations need heroes and I am willing to acknowledge Sandburg's portrait of Lincoln is somewhat filtered by both his admiration and the tendency of those who later wrote or reported on their impressions of Lincoln also being (at times) more complimentary than entirely candid.

A worthwhile investment of time

I've always had an interest in Lincoln and this book really provided a lot of detail. I had to cry at his loss, after listening to this book I felt like I lost a friend. I'm glad I took the time to get to know this great American hero.

Wow!

This is one of the top 10 books I have read in my life and the best biography I have ever read. Absolutely worth the time, it will be a book that I will use as a measuring stick for all other biographies. Wow! Reader was perfect, truly flawless.

Book review

I lived through the times of Abraham Lincoln with this book. Great work. Well narrated by Arthur Morey.

Captivating

Well read and a must read for this period in our American history. Brought a lot of things together for me.

Brilliantly informative

This story should be required reading for every citizen in the United States, starting with the children.

What an interesting life Lincoln had.

This is a long book that never bores you. I wish I could have met Lincoln!

I have a whole new appreciation for our republic.

I'm not big into politics, but I learned better just how difficult the presidency is and what a fine line Lincoln walked. There definitely is much to consider in these stories

A man for all ages

This is an epic story, told by one of the greatest authors of the 19th century. The story of Abraham Lincoln as told by Carl Sandburg should be read by any person with a caring soul for humanity. He gave all, as tens of thousands gave their all for the sake of a nation.

Great book, factual

I loved this book. it was difficult at times but it was well done and very factual! I was very pleased.