Synopses & Reviews
In the more than 140 years since his death, Abraham Lincoln has become America’s most revered president. The mythmaking about this self-made man began early, some of it starting during his campaign for the presidency in 1860. As an American icon, Lincoln has been the subject of speculation and inquiry as authors and researchers have examined every aspect— personal and professional —of the president’s life. In Lincoln Legends, noted historian and Lincoln expert Edward Steers Jr. carefully scrutinizes some of the most notorious tall tales and distorted ideas about America’s sixteenth president.
These inaccuracies and speculations about Lincoln’s personal and professional life abound. Did he write his greatest speech on the back of an envelope on the way to Gettysburg? Did Lincoln appear before a congressional committee to defend his wife against charges of treason? Was he an illegitimate child? Did Lincoln have romantic encounters with women other than his wife? Did he have love affairs with men? What really happened in the weeks leading up to April 14, 1865, and in the aftermath of Lincoln’s tragic assassination?
Lincoln Legends evaluates the evidence on all sides of the many heated debates about the Great Emancipator. Not only does Steers weigh the merits of all relevant arguments and interpretations, but he also traces the often fascinating evolution of flawed theories about Lincoln and uncovers the motivations of the individuals—occasionally sincere but more often cynical, self-serving, and nefarious—who are responsible for their dispersal.
Based on extensive primary research, the conclusions in Lincoln Legends will settle many of the enduring questions and persistent myths about Lincoln’s life once and for all. Steers leaves us with a clearer image of Abraham Lincoln as a man, as an exceptionally effective president, and as a deserving recipient of the nation’s admiration.
Review
Steers carefully pays attention to the tales and distorted ideas about our 16th president, evaluating all the evidence and correcting many of the myths about Lincoln.
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"The Steers book is an invaluable contribution to Lincoln literature. It debunks the false histories written about Lincoln even in our own times. Anyone interested in Lincoln will surely enjoy this new volume on Honest Abe."
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[The book] serves as a very useful corrective to many other Lincoln myths that have got into circulation. And best of all, it is a good read.
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"Steers tries, once and for all, to separate Lincoln fact from fiction. It is not an easy task."--Chris Collins, Lexington Herald-Leader
Review
Noted Lincoln scholar Steers succinctly and eloquently debunks 14 popular myths about the Great Emancipators life and death. -- Publishers Weekly
Review
"Lincoln Legends is a well-researched and documented analysis of the stories that have become a part of the image that Americans have chosen to believe about their most beloved and respected leader.... This book reflects favorably on the journey of a wonderful history detective and will be enjoyed and referenced by all who are interested in the story of Abraham Lincoln."
Review
"Lincoln Legends is a worthy addition to the library of anyone interested in learning the truth about Lincoln and his heritage."
Review
An entertaining look at the fascinating nonsense (both accidental and intentional) that surrounds Honest Abe.
Review
Steers' telling of these legends is entertaining and informative.
Review
Steers evaluates the evidence on all sides of the many heated debates about Lincoln, weighing all of the relevant arguments and interpretations in addition to tracing the fascinating evolution of many of the more flawed theories about the president. The result is as close to the truth as we are likely to get. This is fascinating reading that brims with insight and debunking.--Tuscon Citizen
Review
"For those wanting answers about Lincoln, this is a fine volume. Leaving humor to the fun front cover, the contents are at once deferential to those seeking basic information and probing about deeper layers of the presidents life. A solid offering displaying expert research." -- Margaret Heilbrun, Library Journal
Synopsis
In the more than 140 years since his death, Abraham Lincoln has become Americas most revered president. The mythmaking about this self-made man began early, some of it starting during his campaign for the presidency in 1860. As an American icon, Lincoln has been the subject of speculation and inquiry as authors and researchers have examined every aspect personal and professional of the presidents life. In Lincoln Legends, noted historian and Lincoln expert Edward Steers Jr. carefully scrutinizes some of the most notorious tall tales and distorted ideas about Americas sixteenth president.
These inaccuracies and speculations about Lincolns personal and professional life abound. Did he write his greatest speech on the back of an envelope on the way to Gettysburg? Did Lincoln appear before a congressional committee to defend his wife against charges of treason? Was he an illegitimate child? Did Lincoln have romantic encounters with women other than his wife? Did he have love affairs with men? What really happened in the weeks leading up to April 14, 1865, and in the aftermath of Lincolns tragic assassination?
Lincoln Legends evaluates the evidence on all sides of the many heated debates about the Great Emancipator. Not only does Steers weigh the merits of all relevant arguments and interpretations, but he also traces the often fascinating evolution of flawed theories about Lincoln and uncovers the motivations of the individualsoccasionally sincere but more often cynical, self-serving, and nefariouswho are responsible for their dispersal.
Based on extensive primary research, the conclusions in Lincoln Legends will settle many of the enduring questions and persistent myths about Lincolns life once and for all. Steers leaves us with a clearer image of Abraham Lincoln as a man, as an exceptionally effective president, and as a deserving recipient of the nations admiration.