From The Introduction:
For many years the editor has collected and studied the literature relating to Abraham Lincoln, and his interest has led to the preparation of a book which he has endeavored to make both authentic and significant. His purpose has been to select stories which embody truth and point, and to arrange them, as far as possible, consecutively, so that they may furnish continuous illustrations of the various stages of Lincoln's wonderful career. Various dubious and often maudlin tales which have been attributed to Lincoln have been omitted. While it would be impossible to claim that any collection is absolutely comprehensive, yet it is believed that the best and the essential Lincoln stories are assembled here in a manner which will serve as an outline biography in story form.
Excerpts:
"On the night of the surrender of Lee at Appomattox Mr. Lincoln was serenaded by many friends and enthusiastic Northerners. He made the usual kindly conciliatory speech, and cordially invited the erring States to come back into the family. The band played all sorts of patriotic airs "Columbia, the Gem of the Ocean," "Star-spangled Banner," and others. Mr. Lincoln, looking toward the bandmaster, suggested: "Play 'Dixie' now. It's ours." So throughout his whole career his attitude was generous toward the South."
It is said that Lincoln very seldom invented a story. Once he said: "You speak of Lincoln stories. I don't think that is a correct phrase. I don't make the stories mine by telling them. I'm only a retail dealer."
Note: Originally published in 1912
For many years the editor has collected and studied the literature relating to Abraham Lincoln, and his interest has led to the preparation of a book which he has endeavored to make both authentic and significant. His purpose has been to select stories which embody truth and point, and to arrange them, as far as possible, consecutively, so that they may furnish continuous illustrations of the various stages of Lincoln's wonderful career. Various dubious and often maudlin tales which have been attributed to Lincoln have been omitted. While it would be impossible to claim that any collection is absolutely comprehensive, yet it is believed that the best and the essential Lincoln stories are assembled here in a manner which will serve as an outline biography in story form.
Excerpts:
"On the night of the surrender of Lee at Appomattox Mr. Lincoln was serenaded by many friends and enthusiastic Northerners. He made the usual kindly conciliatory speech, and cordially invited the erring States to come back into the family. The band played all sorts of patriotic airs "Columbia, the Gem of the Ocean," "Star-spangled Banner," and others. Mr. Lincoln, looking toward the bandmaster, suggested: "Play 'Dixie' now. It's ours." So throughout his whole career his attitude was generous toward the South."
It is said that Lincoln very seldom invented a story. Once he said: "You speak of Lincoln stories. I don't think that is a correct phrase. I don't make the stories mine by telling them. I'm only a retail dealer."
Note: Originally published in 1912
