The Lincoln Story Book

Introduction

“The Lincoln Story Book” by Henry L. Williams is a collection of stories and anecdotes about Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States. The book was first published in 1902, and it has since become a classic in the genre of Lincoln literature. Williams, a lawyer and writer, was a lifelong admirer of Lincoln, and his love for the subject shines through in the pages of this book.

Chapters

The book is organize into chapters that cover different aspects of Lincoln’s life, from his childhood to his presidency. Each chapter includes several short stories or anecdotes that illustrate the theme of the chapter. For example, the chapter on Lincoln’s sense of humor includes stories about his witty retorts and practical jokes, while the chapter on his honesty includes stories about his refusal to compromise his principles.

Strengths

One of the strengths of the book is the breadth of material that it covers. Williams includes stories about Lincoln’s early life, his rise to political prominence, his presidency, and his death. He also covers a wide range of topics, from Lincoln’s love for animals to his relationship with his wife Mary Todd Lincoln. This makes the book an excellent introduction to Lincoln for readers who may be unfamiliar with his life and legacy.

Another strength of the book is Williams’ writing style. He has a clear and concise prose that is easy to read. He presents the stories in a way that is engaging and entertaining. His love for Lincoln is infectious, and he makes the reader feel as though they are sitting down with a friend who is sharing stories about their hero.

Stories

The stories themselves are also well-chosen. Many of them are familiar, such as the story of Lincoln’s response to a young girl who asked him to grow a beard. Or the story of how he learned to read by the light of the fireplace. However, Williams also includes lesser-known stories that shed light on different aspects of Lincoln’s character. For example, he includes a story about how Lincoln helped a young soldier. Who had been wrongly accused of desertion, showing Lincoln’s compassion and sense of justice.

“The Lincoln Story Book” is a delightful read for anyone interest in Lincoln or American history. Williams’ writing style and choice of stories make the book both informative and entertaining. It is a testament to Lincoln’s enduring legacy. The book is also a reminder of the importance of storytelling in preserving history. And passing down values from one generation to the next.

However, it is important to note that the book was written over a century ago. And some of the language and perspectives may be date. For example, Williams refers to Native Americans as “redskins,” a term that is now consider offensive. Additionally, the book presents a somewhat idealized version of Lincoln. It does not delve deeply into some of the more controversial aspects of his presidency, such as his suspension of habeas corpus during the Civil War.

Limitations

Despite these limitations, “The Lincoln Story Book” is a valuable addition to any Lincoln enthusiast’s library. It provides a window into the popular perception of Lincoln at the turn of the 20th century and showcases the enduring appeal of his character and legacy.

Conclusion

“The Lincoln Story Book” by Henry L. Williams is a charming and informative collection of stories and anecdotes about Abraham Lincoln. Williams’ writing style is clear and engaging, and his love for Lincoln shines through on every page. The book covers a wide range of topics and aspects of Lincoln’s life. It is an excellent introduction to his legacy. However, readers should be aware that the book was written over a century ago and may contain language. And perspectives that are consider date or offensive today. Overall, “The Lincoln Story Book” is a valuable addition to any Lincoln enthusiast’s library and a testament to the enduring appeal of one of America’s greatest presidents.