A new book “Lincoln At Home: Two Glimpses of Abraham Lincoln ‘s Domestic Life, written by Pulitzer Prize winning historian David Herbert Donald pays fitting tribute to one of America’s greatest presidents. Published by the White House Historical Association in cooperation with Thornwillow Press, this literary treasure offers two glimpses of Abraham Lincoln as a family man.
In his introduction author Donald writes, “Most of the vast literature about Lincoln deals with his public life: his 1858 debates with Stephen A. Douglas, his election to the presidency in 1860, his handling of secession and the Fort Sumter crisis, his management of the huge Union war effort, his Emancipation Proclamation, his triumphant reelection in 1864, his plans for Reconstruction, and his tragic assassination. This emphasis is quite proper, but it is important to remember that Lincoln, during these critical events, also led a private life, defined by his intimate relationship with his wife and by his devotion to their children.”
The first section of the book describes the Lincoln’s life in the White House during the Civil War years. The second part is a collection of all the letters exchanged by Abraham and Mary and their children. “They offer a portrait of Mrs. Lincoln unmarred by tittle-tattle and by later gossip, and they show Abraham Lincoln as a devoted, if often desperately busy and distracted family man,” writes Donald.
David Herbert Donald. Charles Warren Professor of American History and Professor of American Civilization Emeritus at Harvard University, has twice received the Pulitzer Prize in biography: in 1961 for Charles Sumner and the Coming of the Civil War, and in 1987 for Look Homeward: A Life of Thomas Wolfe. His Lincoln (1995), which was on the New York Times best-seller list for 14 weeks, received numerous honors including the prestigious Lincoln Prize.
The White House Historical Association was established in 1961 as a non-profit organization to enhance the understanding, appreciation, and enjoyment of the White House. All proceeds from the sale of publications and other association products are used to fund acquisition of historic furnishings and art works for the permanent White House collection, assist in the preservation of the public rooms, and further its educational mission.
A special limited edition of 185 copies of Lincoln At Home was produced earlier this year by Thornwillow Press, which publishes hand-crafted, limited edition books, and aspires to the traditions of Renaissance printers who saw the book as an art form. To reflect the unique centuries-old craftsmanship style of Thornwillow’s limited edition, the new deluxe paperback version includes a gold embossed dust jacket and rich sepia duotone illustrations, and is printed on archival quality twenty-percent paper.
ISBN: 0-912308-77x
120 pages: Deluxe paperback w/dust jacket
6×10 inches Shrink wrapped
512.50 plus shipping and handling
Available from:
White House Historical Association
740 Jackson Place, NW.
Washington, D.C. 20503
Telephone: 202.737.8292 ext.45
