Lincoln

By: David Herbert Donald

Narrated by: Dick Estell

Length: 30 hrs and 21 mins

Publisher's summary

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)

Amazingly detailed coverage

Personally, I like the narrator's classic 1950s radio voice. The detailed speeches and letters are highly relevant today on contemporary subjects not only on the subject of equal rights between races but also immigration, protective tariffs, and public education, to name a few. No movie could capture all the details described. I highly recommend this audiobook.

It's like you're there.

May never be topped. Loved the narrator and all the details. I actually cried 4 times throughout the book.

Very well written political biography

Any additional comments?

This is an excellent book. It is a political biography that takes you through Lincoln's political career. I thought the author had a very unique way of approaching the subject -- by putting the reader (for the most part) in the position of Lincoln as he was making decisions -- making it clear what Lincoln would have known at various points instead of incorporating a historical view onto events. The political aspect of this cannot be over-emphasized. This is not a book on military strategy.

Good book, bad production

The narration was good, but sound quality and editing were very poor, too the point of being distracting.

Good life story

I’ve finished this book twice on Audible. The books covers Lincoln’s lifespan with valuable insight to his study habits, periods of disappointment, political career from infancy and some of his biases.

The narrator is a little boring. There is a second narrator who occasionally takes over from the first. The second narrator is extremely boring. Overall the production is good though.

Authoritative, deeply engaging and beautiful read.

This book deepened my knowledge and understanding of President Lincoln. Donald’s writing is anything but dry. Highly recommended.

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.