Lincoln - Goodwin Doris Kearns

Lincoln: A Life of Purpose and Power

Doris Kearns Goodwin's Pulitzer Prize-winning biography of Abraham Lincoln is a magisterial work that offers a deeply intimate and nuanced portrait of one of America's greatest presidents. Goodwin draws on a wealth of primary sources, including Lincoln's personal letters and diaries, to create a vivid and compelling narrative that brings Lincoln to life.

A Man of Humble Origins

Abraham Lincoln was born in a log cabin in Kentucky in 1809. His father was a poor farmer, and Lincoln had little formal education. Despite these humble beginnings, Lincoln was a voracious reader and a gifted storyteller. He quickly rose to prominence in local politics, and in 1846 he was elected to the United States House of Representatives.

The Road to the White House

Lincoln's political career was marked by a series of setbacks and disappointments. He lost his first bid for the presidency in 1858, and he was deeply affected by the death of his wife, Mary, in 1862. But Lincoln never gave up, and in 1860 he was elected president of the United States.

The Civil War

Lincoln's presidency was dominated by the Civil War, a conflict that nearly tore the United States apart. Lincoln's leadership during the war was extraordinary. He held the Union together, emancipated the slaves, and preserved the United States as a single nation.

A Legacy of Greatness

Abraham Lincoln was assassinated in 1865, just days after the end of the Civil War. He was only 56 years old. But his legacy is immense. Lincoln is considered one of the greatest presidents in American history, and his words and deeds continue to inspire people around the world.

Why You Should Read This Book

Doris Kearns Goodwin's biography of Abraham Lincoln is a must-read for anyone interested in American history or in the life of one of the world's most influential leaders. Goodwin's writing is clear, concise, and engaging, and she brings Lincoln to life in a way that is both intimate and inspiring. This book is a masterpiece of historical biography, and it is sure to leave a lasting impression on you.

Praise for Lincoln

"A magisterial biography of one of America's greatest presidents." - The New York Times

"A brilliant and deeply moving portrait of a man who shaped the course of history." - The Washington Post

"A must-read for anyone interested in American history or in the life of one of the world's most influential leaders." - The Wall Street Journal