January 13, 2014

Abraham Lincoln: Civil War Stories

This was such a delightful book! Filled with heart-warming stories of the beloved American President, Abraham Lincoln.

Abraham Lincoln is one of my favorite people and I love reading about him and his kind and gentle character.

He was certainly one of a kind.

This book contains many stories from people who knew him, encountered him or had heard great stories about him.


So many wonderful stories...


-A boy who needed to sell his dog to buy food for his sick mother encounters a giving tall man. (The Tall Stranger)


-A young widow marries Abraham's father and becomes Abe's greatest supporter and friend. (He Loved Me Truly)


-A wounded confederate soldier, laying in a prison hospital, is comforted by a tall stranger who holds his hand until death comes. (The Heart of Lincoln)


This book contains almost 40 stories and I enjoyed reading every single one.

How did these stories survive?

The authors says here:

"First of all, they survived through oral transmission. Virtually all of them are based on true incidents in Lincoln's life. During the first couple of generations after his passing, these stories thrived in the American heartland, many being passed down from one elocutionist to another. However, not until the 1880's did very many get written down." 

And here of putting these stories together: 

"At the very pinnacle of my personal bucket list is this: Put together a definitive collection of the most memorable Lincoln stories ever written before I die. And this collection is the result. I know of no other person who has ever amassed a comparable collection."

What can we learn from these stories?

The author says here:

"What I can't help but notice in these stories is that we learn far more from what Lincoln was than what he said. In these days of imperial presidencies, how jarring it is to read about a president who, like Christ, felt that humble service to all, young or old, rich or poor, regardless of race or religion, was what life was all about."

Lincoln left an impression on all those who are within these stories, even those who only encountered him once. One man recalled Lincoln saying, "Always serve like a king." This he never forgot, as Lincoln that day not only advised this by demonstrated it. This particular story (When Lincoln Passed) is one that I will be thinking about for awhile to come.


Whether you love Lincoln or know nothing about him, I think you will enjoy reading through this book. I highly recommend it to everyone!

But it HERE on Amazon




8 comments:

  1. I'm happy to learn about this book, Cathy! President Lincoln is one of my favorite people. Not to mention this will make a great gift for several people I know! Thank you for sharing!

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  2. I love stories of Lincoln! I may have to get this! Thanks for the summary!

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  3. Sounds like a really great book!

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  4. Thanks for highlighting it Cathy, there is so much to be learned from old stories!!

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  5. Lovely review. This one certainly goes on my reading shelf. I like how you highlighted the author's views on Lincoln and his stories.
    Jumping over from Booknificient Linky.
    -Reshama @ Stackingbooks

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  6. This does sound like an enjoyable read.
    Blessings,
    Laura of Harvest Lane Cottage

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  7. Thank you for sharing this book with us!

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  8. Cathy, I have a good friend who would love this book. I am going to share your post with her.

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Feel free to leave your own thoughts in the comments. I try to respond to all of them by the end of the week. : )