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)

Future Unsure, Truly Human Lincoln Made Many Errs

It's odd that when I look back, it seems the end of slavery was inevitable and that Lincoln was always a solid, steady embodiment of leadership.

Reading this book, struggling step by step with Lincoln as he makes mistakes, feels regret and anxiety, as he watches failure after failure on the battlefield, history seems very different.

Lincoln has also always felt too far from me in time and space, but this book makes me feel like I'm walking with him, talking with him, seeing him as an ordinary person, and feeling the pains of his failures and frustrations.

This book is so vivid and clear, so detailed and expressive. I forget I'm listening to a "educational" audiobook, because the storytelling nature of the narration is so fluid.

This is just a wonderful book - great literary quality as well as bringing history to the listener/reader. Great work.

This book was well-read and well-produced. The ideas flowed seamless into my mind.

Thorough biography

Very well written and narrated story of A. Lincoln's life from birth to assassination.

Great, balanced Biography

Appreciated the depth of character research and transparent presentation of the greatness and flaws of A. Lincoln. Great balance to" Team of Rivals". The depth of Lincoln's character development in this book that would have helped my understanding in the other had I read this book first. But, the two are a very effective complement of each other none the less.

Not for the Bill O'Reilly crowd

What made the experience of listening to A. Lincoln the most enjoyable?

This is serious history by an accomplished historian written in an enjoyable and accessible manner without sensationalizing or trivializing an American icon with whom we are already familiar.

Who was your favorite character and why?

A. Lincoln

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

He reads the book in a style compatible with a cinematic documentary which I thought to be appropriate and engaging.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Not possible for me to do

Any additional comments?

If you do not have the time or energy for Burlingame's magisterial work, this is the book to read and Weldeman does an excellent job.

Great man and a great book

Good from beginning to the end. Really felt like I was there during all those tense situations that tested this giant of a man. He really rose above and proved greater than the challenges he faced.

Too Much Context

Would of liked to hear more of Lincoln's personal manuscripts and notes. The Bio focused heavily from a historical context and not the emotions and thoughts.

Equally as Good as

“A. Lincoln” is equally as good as “Team of Rivals”.  They are both excellent biographies on Abraham Lincoln.  I prefer Doris Kearns Goodwin’s better because the book is almost twice as thick as Ronald C. White Jr's version, but I’m glad that I conquered both.  Unless they find a personal diary from our 16th president, I probably won’t be reading anymore on him.  

Some books could be better if they were abridged

What I expected: a glimpse into the man we call Abraham Lincoln.

What I got: a blow by blow descripton of the politics and battles of the day during Lincoln's political career. There were rare glimpses into the human side of Lincoln - and they were frustratingly short and far between.

The narrator, however did a supurb job of creating changes in voices and in keeping an otherwise l-o-n-g story engaging. Overall, I'm glad I read it to the end. And it was a very l-o-n-g book.

Great Biography on a great man.

Would you consider the audio edition of A. Lincoln to be better than the print version?

Only listened to the audio version.

What was one of the most memorable moments of A. Lincoln?

I enjoyed the background given between Lincoln and his generals during the civil war. Also Mr. White does a great job giving you insight into the Presidents reasoning and thought process and how he came to decisions.

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

Yes, the different voices used when quoting a subject in the book was done very well.

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

Lincoln's letter to the parents of a young soldier who was killed early in the Civil War.

Any additional comments?

Well worth the long amount of time to listen to the book.

An interesting perspective & review of A Lincoln, one of our greatest presidents.

A very interesting & informative story. Learned a lot about such an influential & important person in our nations history. You realize how truly horrible war is & the stress our young nation went through, and the great responsibility that was thrust on Lincoln’s shoulders. A truly remarkable story and man.