Abraham Lincoln looms large in the American imagination – a towering figure whose life and legacy continue to captivate us more than 150 years after his death. From his humble beginnings in a log cabin on the Kentucky frontier to his tragic assassination at the height of his presidency, Lincoln’s story is in many ways the quintessential American tale of self-made success. Yet Lincoln was far more than just a folksy everyman who rose from poverty to power. He was a complex, brilliant, and deeply principled leader who guided the nation through its darkest hour and fundamentally reshaped the course of American history.
This biography aims to paint a nuanced portrait of Lincoln the man, moving beyond mythology to explore the full depth and complexity of his character, ideas, and achievements. Drawing on a wealth of primary sources and the latest historical scholarship, we will trace Lincoln’s remarkable journey from hardscrabble farmer to prairie lawyer to President of the United States during the nation’s gravest crisis. Along the way, we will examine the experiences and influences that shaped Lincoln’s worldview, his evolving political philosophy, and his growth as a leader.
