Sketch of the life of Abraham Lincoln

A compact life sketch follows a frontier-born man from humble ancestry and hard-working boyhood through sparse formal schooling, self-education, and early legal practice into a political ascent culminating in national leadership during civil war. It describes electoral contests and notable debates, policy decisions including measures to abolish slavery and the issuing of a wartime emancipation, war administration and relationships with military leaders, public addresses and personal habits, and the dramatic assassination and nationwide mourning that followed. Interspersed are character studies, anecdotes of conversational powers and religious belief, and chronological chapters on family, legislative service, presidency, death, and funeral ceremonies.