As a defender of national unity, a leader in war, and the emancipator of slaves, Abraham Lincoln lays ample claim to being the greatest of our presidents. But the story of his rise to greatness is as complex as it is compelling.

In this superb, prize-winning biography, acclaimed historian Richard Carwardine examines Lincoln’s dramatic political journey, from his early years in the Illinois legislature to his nation-shaping years in the White House. Here, Carwardine combines a new perspective with a compelling narrative to deliver a fresh look at one of the pillars of American politics. He probes the sources of Lincoln’s moral and political philosophy and uses his groundbreaking research to cut through the myth and expose the man behind it.

“An illuminating and thoroughly intelligent assessment of Lincoln the politician. . . . Carwardine provides a comprehensive study of how an essentially good man could gain and wield power even in scoundrel times.” –The New York Times Book Review

“With such an eye for subtlety, it is little wonder that Carwardine's penetrating and stimulating book won the Lincoln Prize.” –The Washington Post Book World

“Stands up to any comparison. . . . Carwardine wisely reinterprets many sources to present his nuanced overview of the moral man who was Abraham Lincoln.” –The Oregonian

“This impressively organized, compellingly argued and elegantly written book ranks with the very finest works on Lincoln.” –St. Louis Post-Dispatch