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.

The life and times of Abraham Lincoln was among the most dynamic and influential periods in American history and the world. His life and his words continue to inspire readers and students all over the world. Abraham is one of the most written about people in history. This work touches on his life and times from the perspective of his contemporaries. The 16th President is firmly entrenched in American Mythology and sits atop the pantheon of the Greatest Americans. Written in the tall tale tradition of American literature, this book takes a look at the life and character of Abraham Lincoln through the eyes of those who lived in his time. A general US history of the period between the American Revolution through the post Civil War, each story concerns a different aspect of the rich history of Abraham Lincoln and the times in which he lived. From his family's trek westward, the period of his youth and young adulthood, through the antebellum and post Civil War period we explore the characteristics and life experiences that led Abraham Lincoln to make the momentous decisions that still affect the world today, A multi-faceted man who excelled at many things, much mystery still surrounds Lincoln, especially his youth. These stories examine the dynamics that made Lincoln the man he was and the events that propelled him on the path that eventually led him to the White House and the history books.Some of the storytellers were real historical figures embedded in US history, others are fictional characters set in contemporary situations that were known to have existed in this period of time. Drawing on a wealth of facts and analysis of the times and life of Abraham Lincoln, the stories paint a vivid picture of those times and how Lincoln overcame and was intimately affected by his experiences in them.This work consists of 26 different short stories averaging 9 pages each, that discuss life in the US from the American Revolutionary period and end in the early 20th century. These stories are derived from Abraham Lincoln himself, his family, friends, rivals, supporters, enemies and followers. Each are inspired by Abraham Lincoln and exhibit how his life and ideas touched Americans long after he himself passed in legend. They are meant to show how Lincoln was inspired and how he inspired others directly and indirectly.

Did Abraham Lincoln hate his father so much that he would not visit him on his deathbed or buy him a tombstone? Is it true that Ann Rutledge, who died tragically young, was the real love of his life? Did he order the murder of thirty-eight Dakota Sioux warriors because of his hatred of Native Americans? Noted historian and Lincoln expert Edward Steers Jr. sets the record straight in this engaging and authoritative book, analyzing the facts and clarifying some of the most prominent misconceptions about the sixteenth president's life. He investigates claims that have found a foothold in mainstream lore, ranging from the contention that Lincoln had a troubled and perhaps scandalous early adulthood in Springfield, to more serious attacks on his character, such as the accusation that he was reluctant to emancipate enslaved people and held racist beliefs. Drawing on his background in health science, Steers also examines allegations that Lincoln suffered numerous illnesses -- from endocrine disorders to syphilis. Much of the recent revisionist history about Abraham Lincoln relies on selective sources that provide a false image of the man. His law partner of twenty-one years, close friend, and early biographer William Herndon described Lincoln as "the most shut-mouthed man" he ever knew, and yet volumes have been written on Lincoln's musings, beliefs, and private thoughts in general. His life and deeds have been heavily researched, interpreted, and reinterpreted time and again until the interpretations themselves have become untrustworthy. In this book, Steers relies on primary textual evidence to address each legend at the source and maintains caution when reviewing the potentially biased reminiscences of historic figures close to the president. The result is a fascinating forensic exploration of some of the persistent hoaxes and myths related to America's most revered president.

Today the images of Robert Burns and Abraham Lincoln are recognized worldwide, yet few are aware of the connection between the two. In Abraham Lincoln and Robert Burns: Connected Lives and Legends, author Ferenc Morton Szasz reveals how famed Scots poet Robert Burns—and Scotland in general—influenced the life and thought of one of the most beloved and important U.S. presidents and how the legends of the two men became intertwined after their deaths. This is the first extensive work to link the influence, philosophy, and artistry of these two larger-than-life figures. Lacking a major national poet of their own in the early nineteenth century, Americans in the fledgling frontier country ardently adopted the poignant verses and songs of Scotland’s Robert Burns. Lincoln, too, was fascinated by Scotland’s favorite son and enthusiastically quoted the Scottish bard from his teenage years to the end of his life. Szasz explores the ways in which Burns’s portrayal of the foibles of human nature, his scorn for religious hypocrisy, his plea for nonjudgmental tolerance, and his commitment to social equality helped shape Lincoln’s own philosophy of life. The volume also traces how Burns’s lyrics helped Lincoln develop his own powerful sense of oratorical rhythm, from his casual anecdotal stories to his major state addresses. Abraham Lincoln and Robert Burns connects the poor-farm-boy upbringings, the quasi-deistic religious views, the shared senses of destiny, the extraordinary gifts for words, and the quests for social equality of two respected and beloved world figures. This book is enhanced by twelve illustrations and two appendixes, which include Burns poems Lincoln particularly admired and Lincoln writings especially admired in Scotland.

Abraham Lincoln gazes across the Washington Mall, his stone eyes all seeing. A grand memorial commemorating this much loved president is well known but do you know the history behind the monument? Historic, primary source photos and explorative infographics help kids learn even more about this famous memorial.