The Life of Lincoln is an outline of Lincoln's life, beginning with his birth in Kentucky
to Thomas and Nancy Hanks Lincoln, to his death. While still a boy, he suffered the loss of his
mother. Thomas Lincoln remarried, and Abraham’s stepmother taught him to read, to love learning,
to love people and to have a strong work ethic. This would stand him in good stead as he ran for
office. She also taught him honesty, and that was an unusual trait in a politician. It still is
an unusual trait.
As Lincoln grew up, he started a business partnership that went bankrupt. He also studied law,
and soon became a lawyer. Though he was quite eloquent, he was too honest to be a good defense
lawyer. If he found out a client had lied to him, he would leave the courtroom and send word to
the judge that he was washing his hands of the case.
Lincoln also traveled a lot. He went to various parts of the country, and it was one of those
trips that turned him against slavery. He went to a slave market, and saw how badly the slaves
were treated. He swore that if he became president, he would abolish slavery. However, when he
actually became president, he had to go back on his word.
The story is absorbing, and even though the author only touches on the highlights of Lincoln’s
life, there were still details that I had not known before. It also gives a little better insight
into the mind of a distinguished president.
The story is well written, and Lincoln truly becomes a 'living' human being. Even his faults
are brought out to let him be human. Listen to this CD, and learn about Abraham Lincoln.