First published in 1932, this is THE UNKNOWN LINCOLN  by Dale Carnegie. This 256 page hardback, given as a prize in the Dale Carnegie Course, is the 1959 edition. Dale Carnegie is famous for his books and classes on self-improvement, and no doubt he was the early master of what has now become an industry in its own. Some of Carnegie's methods are based on his close studies of Abraham Lincoln, whom he admired, and who emerged from the most modest origins imaginable at the time to become President of the United States, something that was usually reserved for people from renowned, wealthy and educated families. Carnegies focus was not so much on political impact or wartime strategy, but on Lincoln's private life and character. Therefore, his book can't be measured by scientific standards and would not necessarily be included in "serious" bibliographies. But it provides a unique insight on many aspects of this fascinating man, and it is as well a sometimes stunning picture of the time. The description of his election campaign just leave us speechless about how long a way the U.S. have gone, and how small and limited the financial frame of the time was.

Doing the research for his book back in the 1910's and 20's Carnegie found many traces of Lincoln gone today, and he still met people who had known Lincoln personally. So, we get to know a lot of anecdotes that sum up to a colourful and sometimes unbelievable description of Lincoln and his time.
But after all, this is a Carnegie book with his typical language from the 1930's, entertaining and lively, never boring.  Carnegie admits frankly that Lincoln himself was willing to stick to slavery to save the Union, and turned anti-slavery to win the war. He also reveals in many details that Lincoln's marriage must have been an ordeal to him, and you can almost see Carnegie shaking his head about Lincoln's wife all the time. Many great details and quoted in this book in good condition. Nice clean white unmarked text. Several signatures on inside front board from well-wishers. Nice boards with hardly any wear.  Shipping and handling 4.10 Media Mail to US destinations. Canadian residents 23.40 First Class mail. All others welcome but extra postage required and shipped entirely at your risk.