The Lincoln Reader is a biography of Abraham Lincoln written by 65 authors. Paul Angle, the noted Lincoln scholar, selected passages from the works on contemporaries, later biographers & even Lincoln himself, to form a composite portrait of one of the wisest & most beloved American presidents. These passages, interwoven by Angle's running commentary, blend into a single vivid narrative of Lincoln's life, from his boyhood in Indiana to his assassination & funeral. First published in 1947, The Lincoln Reader has long been considered the most definitive, complete & authentic retelling of the life of Abraham Lincoln. Preface Kentucky childhood Youth in Indiana New Salem The DeWitt Clinton of Illinois Attorney & Counsellor at Law Romance & marriage Mr. Lincoln of Illinois Leader of the Illinois bar The house of eighth street Rebirth in politics: 1854-58 The great debates "The taste is in my mouth a little": nomination, 1860 Candidate & president elect The new president The momentous issue The war begins Search for a general Emancipation Life in the White House Gettysburg Years of victory The second election Peace Death & a people's grief Epilogue