Abe: Abraham Lincoln in His Times by David S. Reynolds

From the 16th President of the United States to the “Great Emancipator,” Abraham Lincoln has been featured in myriad sources throughout his life. In the book Abe: Abraham Lincoln in His Times, historian David S. Reynolds astutesly tells “the story of Lincoln’s life,” and how his character evolved over time and was shaped under the specific conditions of 19th-century America. Published in 2006 and part of the Penguin Lives series, Abe: Abraham Lincoln in His Times is praised by 19th-century biographers and modern-day commentators alike.

The book begins with a section discussing Lincoln’s background. Born in rural Kentucky in 1809, Lincoln’s family moved to the Indiana Territory when he was seven and then to the new state of Illinois when he was twenty-one. Reynolds examines the decisive impact his childhood had on Lincoln’s personality: he grew up isolated and self-reliant, but also eager to learn, create, and think for himself. To aspire for wisdom—which Lincoln felt entitled to—became a life-long passion for him.

Reynolds then covers fifteen formative years of Lincoln’s career: from his first foray into electoral politics as an Illinois State Legislature candidate to his loss in the 1858 U.S. Senate election race to Stephen Douglas. In between, the book covers Lincoln’s work as a lawyer, his growing mastery of public speaking, his vehement opposition against the spread of slavery, and the impact that some of his essential writings—such as the 1858 "House Divided" speech—had on his contemporaries.

At the same time, Reynolds presents a unique perspective of the many forces shaping Lincoln’s character as well as 19th-century America. He devotes a chapter to the Civil War, Lincoln’s difficult decision to issue the Emancipation Proclamation, and the impact of this document on the lives of African Americans. Reynolds also brings to life the political atmosphere of that era, of its passionate debates and times of crisis, and of the fierce divisions among the American people.

Reynolds incorporates a variety of primary and secondary sources to tell the life story of Lincoln. Recurrently, he uses Lincoln’s own words, usually from his well-known writings including his letter to Horace Greeley and his Gettysburg Address. This makes for a compelling read that provides an intimate look into Lincoln’s mind as well as a clear insight into 19th-century politics and its complex circumstances.

Abe: Abraham Lincoln in His Times is a thorough read that strikes a perfect balance between the personal narrative of one of America’s most iconic figures and the intricate details of the nation’s tumultuous history. It is the perfect book to get acquainted with one of the most remarkable political figures of all time and to gain perspective of the unique and varied historical circumstances that inspired his decisions.