Lincoln Shot: A President's Life Remembered
Starred Review. Grade 5 Up—A special memorial edition of "The National News," published a year to the day after Lincoln was assassinated, is how this oversize (12 × 18 inches) chronicle of Lincoln's life is positioned. The combination of a compelling story, engaging visuals, and large format distinguishes this work. Opening with a short note from the publisher that sets the context, the old-fashioned typefaces, stained and yellowed pages, 1860s advertisements, woodcut engravings, and period photographs all contribute to the antique appeal. Details of the president's death are followed by information about the assassin and his accomplices. Following these facts is the history of Lincoln's life, starting with his boyhood, moving through his early years in Illinois, family life with Mary Todd and political career, his rise to the presidency, and, finally, the Civil War, closing with Lee's surrender and the ominous statement: "Five days later Abraham Lincoln became the first president ever assassinated." Ornate running heads listing the time in history and boldface type featuring headlines of the day outline the story, and maps, photos, letters, historical posters, reproductions, and Bing's original artwork appear throughout. Perhaps in keeping with the news-rag style, the author did not include sources, although a chronology of Lincoln's life is added and a note directs readers to the publisher's Web site for bibliographic information. The back page features Whitman's "O Captain! My Captain!" Although too large for most library shelves, the book has great value, and its graphic quality makes it worth the search for space.—Janet S. Thompson, Chicago Public LibraryCopyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.