Lincoln: A Photobiography

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Lincoln: A Photobiography
Lincoln Photobiography.jpg
Cover of Lincoln: A Photobiography
Author Russell Freedman
LanguageEnglish
GenreBiography
Publisher Clarion Books/Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Publication date
1987
Publication placeUnited States
Pages150
ISBN 0-395-51848-2
OCLC 15053078
LC Class E457.905 F73 1987

Lincoln: A Photobiography is an illustrated biography of Abraham Lincoln written by Russell Freedman, and published in 1987. [1] The book won the Newbery Medal in 1988, [2] the first nonfiction book to do so in 30 years. [3] Freedman selected the photographs that fill the book from the National Archives, National Portrait Gallery, Library of Congress, and museums in Indiana, Illinois, Massachusetts, and New York. [4]

The photobiography covers Lincoln's entire life: his childhood, his stint as a lawyer, his courtship and marriage to Mary Todd Lincoln, as well as his ascent from Congressman to President, and his assassination and death. [5] [6]

Abraham Lincoln O-36 by Butler, 1860-crop. Freedman uses many portraits of Lincoln throughout his book. Abraham Lincoln O-36 by Butler, 1860-crop.jpg
Abraham Lincoln O-36 by Butler, 1860-crop. Freedman uses many portraits of Lincoln throughout his book.

Critical reception

The book was positively received, winning a Cardinal Cup Award [7] and a Golden Kite Award honor, [8] in addition to the Newbery Medal.

According to Kirkus Reviews , "While the photographs contribute much, it is Freedman's talent for putting the right details in uncomplicated prose that provides a very sharp focus for this Lincoln portrait." [9] The New York Times praised Freedman for his extensive research, and for skillfully writing about a complex subject for children "by choosing to trust in the intelligence of the youthful reader," [3] though the review also said that Freedman "omits some needed perspective for his modern young readers of all races." [3]

References

  1. ↑ Freedman, Russell (1987). Lincoln: A Photobiography . New York: Clarion. ISBN   0-395-51848-2.
  2. ↑ "Association for Library Service to Children - Newbery Medal Winners & Honor Books, 1922 – Present" (PDF). ALA.org. Retrieved 2025-12-07.
  3. 1 2 3 Mitgang, Herbert (24 January 1988). "Children's Books". New York Times. Retrieved 3 March 2014.
  4. ↑ Russell Freedman (1987). Lincoln: A Photobiography. Clarion Books. p. 145. ISBN   978-0-89919-380-9.
  5. ↑ Gillespie, John T.; Naden, Corinne J., eds. (2006). The Newbery/Printz Companion: Book Talk and Related Materials (3rd ed.). Libraries Unlimited. ISBN   1-59158-313-6.
  6. ↑ American Library Association (2001). Newbery & Caldecott Medal Books, 1986–2000: A Comprehensive Guide to the Winners. ISBN   978-0-8389-3505-7.
  7. ↑ "VLA Jefferson Cup 1988" (PDF). VLA.org. Virginia Library Association. Retrieved 2025-12-10.
  8. ↑ "Lincoln: A Photobiography" . Retrieved 2025-12-10.
  9. ↑ "LINCOLN by Russell Freedman". Kirkus Reviews . October 15, 1987. Retrieved June 21, 2017.


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