Lincoln: A Photobiography
Cover of Lincoln: A Photobiography | |
| Author | Russell Freedman |
|---|---|
| Language | English |
| Genre | Biography |
| Publisher | Clarion Books/Houghton Mifflin Harcourt |
Publication date | 1987 |
| Publication place | United States |
| Pages | 150 |
| ISBN | 0-395-51848-2 |
| OCLC | 15053078 |
| LC Class | E457.905 F73 1987 |
Lincoln: A Photobiography is an illustrated biography of Abraham Lincoln written by Russell Freedman, and published in 1987.[1] The book won the Newbery Medal in 1988,[2] the first nonfiction book to do so in 30 years.[3] Freedman selected the photographs that fill the book from the National Archives, National Portrait Gallery, Library of Congress, and museums in Indiana, Illinois, Massachusetts, and New York.[4]
The photobiography covers Lincoln's entire life: his childhood, his stint as a lawyer, his courtship and marriage to Mary Todd Lincoln, as well as his ascent from Congressman to President, and his assassination and death.[5][6]
Critical reception
The book was positively received, winning a Cardinal Cup Award[7] and a Golden Kite Award honor,[8] in addition to the Newbery Medal.
According to Kirkus Reviews, "While the photographs contribute much, it is Freedman's talent for putting the right details in uncomplicated prose that provides a very sharp focus for this Lincoln portrait."[9] The New York Times praised Freedman for his extensive research, and for skillfully writing about a complex subject for children "by choosing to trust in the intelligence of the youthful reader,"[3] though the review also said that Freedman "omits some needed perspective for his modern young readers of all races."[3]
References
- ^ Freedman, Russell (1987). Lincoln: A Photobiography. New York: Clarion. ISBN 0-395-51848-2.
- ^ "Association for Library Service to Children - Newbery Medal Winners & Honor Books, 1922 – Present" (PDF). ALA.org. Retrieved 2025-12-07.
- ^ a b c Mitgang, Herbert (24 January 1988). "Children's Books". New York Times. Retrieved 3 March 2014.
- ^ Russell Freedman (1987). Lincoln: A Photobiography. Clarion Books. p. 145. ISBN 978-0-89919-380-9.
- ^ Gillespie, John T.; Naden, Corinne J., eds. (2006). The Newbery/Printz Companion: Book Talk and Related Materials (3rd ed.). Libraries Unlimited. ISBN 1-59158-313-6.
- ^ American Library Association (2001). Newbery & Caldecott Medal Books, 1986–2000: A Comprehensive Guide to the Winners. ISBN 978-0-8389-3505-7.
- ^ "VLA Jefferson Cup 1988" (PDF). VLA.org. Virginia Library Association. Retrieved 2025-12-10.
- ^ "Lincoln: A Photobiography". Retrieved 2025-12-10.
- ^ "LINCOLN by Russell Freedman". Kirkus Reviews. October 15, 1987. Retrieved June 21, 2017.