With Malice Toward None: The Life of Abraham Lincoln by Stephen B. Oates
Cassette Audiobook B Lincoln, Abraham; B Lincoln, Abraham

Here in the land of Lincoln, we sometimes think we know everything there is to know about the great man. But Oates’ biography, which also is terrific as an audiobook, reveals the man behind the myths. Lincoln emerges as a human being who overcame his humble roots and early business failings, had a strained relationship with his father, harbored strong ambitions as a lawyer and politician, stashed papers in his stovepipe hat (and always had a terribly messy office), cavorted with his children, thwarted the efforts of his secretaries to limit visitors to regular office hours, mourned the death of close friends in the Civil War, and found his way through the enormous challenges he faced as president. For those who enjoy documentaries, the audiobook, expertly narrated by Nelson Runger, is a good choice.