Best Lincoln book I have read in a long time
345331
I thoroughly enjoyed reading Bill O'Reilly's Abraham Lincoln account, and believe it is worth your time and money.  The book sets up more like a movie plot verses a detailed historical analysis.  The book does go over the characters of Ulysses S. Grant and General Robert E. Lee very briefly in the beginning to establish the end of the U.S. Civil War, then the book focuses more on the primary character, which is not Lincoln but John Wilkes Booth.  O'Reilly portrays Booth accurately as a highly narcissistic, heinous, sinister, and deplorable socio-psychopath completely obsessed with harming President Lincoln out of some self-gratifying need to avenge the Union victory.  Later on in the book O'Reilly details what had happened to Marry Surratt, and the fates of Booth and his other conspirators.

There is some historical evidence that Booth may have indeed escaped Garrett's farm and died living in hiding around the Oklahoma territories with some help from influential but unknown sources in either the US or former Confederate government, and another man who was working with Booth could have been the one shot by Sergeant Boston Corbett (which would counter Bill O'Reilly's argument that Booth verbally confronted the American Captain whose Soldiers surrounded the barn and tried to burn Booth out.)  One major piece Bill O'Reilly doesn't discuss in length, which would have better backed his own work and bring to light some historical mysteries, was Booth's alleged involvement and financial support from Confederate sympathizers hiding in Canada at the time.  Booth received money, emotional support, and training from these fairly wealthy and influential men working on the behalf of Jefferson Davis's administration and who also like Booth despised or feared President Lincoln.  This is a fine modern book about the Lincoln murder, and brings to light the importance of his presidency and demonstraighs to the reader the greatness of the American nation.
2785172
Jim Bishop was a terrific newpaper columnist of the 50's and 60's who wrote the prize winning book, "The Day Christ Died" and followed it with this one during the Civil War Centennial. It is well worth this re-print edition. An absolutely relentless march of the men, women and events of the last 24 hours in the life of Lincoln. The detail here does not slow the history. Indeed it is the life blood of this enthralling book. Meticulous research brings the story to full color. You will feel the heartbeat of Booth as he approaches the President's box. You will suffer the shock of Mrs. Lincoln when she realizes her husband has been wounded. You will weep for Abraham Lincoln. Seldom is history as truely revealing as this. You do not read this book really. You breath it. Scott Brundage
2563027
As someone who has always been interested in U.S. presidential history, "Team of Rivals" seemed to be a must read. The book focuses on the relationships between the political rivals that exist in the 1860s, specifically focusing on the political rise of Abraham Lincoln. The book is not for everyone, its very heavy and well over 700 pages.

The book is broken into 3 main parts. The first third focuses on traditional "character development" Goodwin provides detailed histories of the 4 major candidates competing for the 1860 Republican party Presidential Nomination, William Seward, Salmon Chase, Edward Bates, and Abraham Lincoln, describing in painstaking detail the motivation and life experience of each man. The next third focuses on the period following the nomination of Abraham Lincoln, the 1860 election, and the formation of the Lincoln administration. It details the decision making process and provides great insights into President Lincoln's motivation and character. The last third details the inner workings of the Lincoln administration and the fragile relationships and rivalries that existed.

The book is incredibly detailed and really makes the reader feel like they are experiencing the events as they happen. By laying an extensive foundation for each major power player Goodwin provides the reader with tremendous insight into what makes each man tick and how that impacted the decisions of the Lincoln administration. The part I enjoyed most was how these rivals developed deep and lasting friendships that shaped the future of the United States. I would recommend this book to other history buffs looking for true insights into the great leaders of our past.
1713045
killing Lincoln amazing book culdnt put it down read it in two days I was on the edge of my chair my whole time literary master piece I will be getting more books I already have a couple need more but also need sleep Lincoln disrupted most of it  Bill O reilley is a miracle man of history
3839442
This is a tremendous book. Besides Henry Kyd Douglas's I Rode With Stonewall, I think this is the best book on the War I've read in a long time. Leech writes with a powerful prose style, all the better for its lack of modernistic moralizing and anachronistic finger-pointing. The Washington City of the War Years stands before one in all its dusty, dingy and corrupt brilliance. Lincoln emerges as an even greater figure, given the daily worries that plagued body and soul in the Washington of those years. I love the NYRB series and this addition to their offerings is a brilliant move.
719925
With 'Killing Lincoln', Bill O'Reilly has given excellent insight and understanding to the final days of the Civil War as well as to the final days of Abraham Lincoln.  The character studies help us to see the thought processes of John Wilkes Booth (determined by eye witness accounts) and several of the others involved in the conspiracy.

Other facts are brought out that I found interesting.  Did you know that Grant was suppose to be at Ford's Theater that night but wasn't because his wife Julia couldn't stand to be around Lincoln's wife?

I'm tired and my words arern't flowing that well, but don't let that stop you from enjoying one of the best non-fiction books I've ever read.
713496
This was my first Kindle book. What a great choice it was! I've read some Lincoln biographies over the years. None came close to this. I learned so much. Many, many interesting facts. Mr. Lincoln was an amazing man. It was truly divine intervention that he served his country at that time. I can't imagine what would have happened if he wasn't elected. I'm eager to learn more about Mr. Seward. I think it was a blessing that he too served in his capacity. Awesome book!
537854
I loved this book.  Not surprising in that I read as much as possible about Lincoln.  But Trueblood answered so many questions I had about Lincoln's spiritual life.  Well documented.  Thought provoking.  I could not help but think that Lincoln's type of statesmanship (based on his strong faith in God and HIs Word) is needed today.  While many politicians study Lincoln, I doubt if many study the foundation of his decisions.
4770948
<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/Killing-Lincoln-The-Shocking-Assassination-that-Changed-America-Forever/dp/0805093079/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">Killing Lincoln: The Shocking Assassination that Changed America Forever</a>&nbsp;I was very impressed with the detail in the historical facts gathered in the writing of "Killing Lincoln". I imagine people in this era of our American History documented everything in writing for people of the future to collect, so an acturate account of how things were in years past would be viewed making this book very interesting. Once again, the "spin stops here" in this great book, and now I get a very clear concept of this part of our American History. I highly reccommend this book for anyone interested in our American History during the civil war period, and what led up to the assassination of one of our greatest presidents. I was glad to read about John Wilkes Booth going down in history as being the coward he really was, rather then the hero he thought he would be remembered as in the South. No evil deed such as this; should ever be viewed as being heroic in anyway. I have been passing this book onto my friends now, with all good comments regarding this book. Now, I am very interested in knowing more about the civil war era, and have bought (2) movies through Amazon, called; "Gods, and Generals" and "Gettysburg".
2371363
I just finished reading Team of Rivals this very minute. First, may I say that I am ever so sad to be finished reading this incredible piece of work. Over 750 pages, I cringed everytime I moved my bookmark closer to the back.

This excellent work of literary art covers the life of Lincoln, from his youth all the way to the heartbreaking assassination. Ms. Goodwin flawlessly fills 750 pages with Lincoln's life journey.

Along the way in Lincoln's life, we are introduced in absolute riveting detail to characters that President Lincoln meets and who help shape the cabinet when he enters the office.

I have always had a pedestrian view of Mr. Lincoln. I knew OF him, and that he was a good president.

But this book has made me a novice in the minute details of Mr. Lincoln's Presidency, the Civil War and the contributions made by President Lincoln and his Team of Rivals.

I usually give most of my books away after reading them. But this one I am keeping. I look forward to the day when I am ready to read it again and be just as riveted and impressed. Thank You Ms. Goodwin.
4701815
I would recommend this book to everyone and  iwill look forward to reading killing lincoln. school children in high school could benefit from reading this book
4187407
As a long time 'fan' of Lincoln, I think this book is amazing.  I knew the President was a Godly man, but had no idea of the depth of his faith.  I hope to be able to read more about the private life of the amazing man.
1786319
I enjoy history and expected a narrative of Americana about Lincoln; but this book is so much more.  In many ways, it is like being in that Springfield courtroom, especially since there is a transcript of witness testimony at a time when such were not procedurally required.  Great effort is made to describe what being a lawyer in Illinois was like in 1859.  All of these details paint a vivid and exciting picture that I appreciated.  This was not an easy case for Lincoln and his legal staff - professionally or personally.  The reader becomes well aware of the challenges from the beginning.  The explanations are direct and concise, adding to the building drama throughout.  It takes an accomplished legal reporter to make this as timely and vivid as if it were happening today.  It is a thoroughly enjoyable read up to the last page.  Lincoln's honesty, integrity, and respect for the rule of law shine through and provide a crystal clear contrast with what we experience today from our lawyers and those charged with carrying out our Constitutional mandates.  Dan Abrams has done a remarkable job!!
2577869
Besides Jesus, Abraham Lincoln is the next highest person written about today.  Each book I have read and I would say my collection is over 200 books you get different opinions and I respect that.  I didn't like Mary Todd Lincoln but now I do, perfect example.  This book gave me an enticing view of how Abraham Lincoln is seen as a 'leader' not whether he was melancholy or had a bad relationship with his father, but the kind of man he was while in office.  Excellent read.
4130682
Fantastic book.  Not my first Lincoln book and I can say this was the one that was the most exciting go the three I've read.  Couldn't put it down.  If you aren't going to read it because of politics and the name of the author - well, you're missing out on a nice history lesson written as a thriller.
1133693
I read this book because it was mentioned in Dale Carnegie's How to Win Friends & Influence People.  I had always admired Lincoln and I thought this would be an interesting read. I was unprepared for what Dale Carnegie had presented.
This book was a struggle. I had no idea that Lincoln was such an underdog. He overcame everything everyday. It is a wonder that that man ever slept. The character he must have had to remain so calm and so poetic in everthign he did.
Dale Carnegie did a wonderful job of collecting the facts and painting the picture of a great man.
This is a fantastic read and it now appears you can buy it again.  I had to search through several used book stores to find my copy.
3228642
This book was very, very interesting. I felt so bad for Lincoln as he struggled in life more than anyone would have believed.