Abraham Lincoln was not only one of America's greatest presidents, but one of America's most gifted writers. In the years before radio and television could bring our leaders into our living rooms, Lincoln communicated to citizens through powerful letters and brilliant speeches. He even wrote poetry! Noted Lincoln scholar and lecturer Harold Holzer gathers Abraham Lincoln's greatest writings--from his early rhymes composed when he was about sixteen to his speech to Indiana soldiers delivered less than a month before his death--and illustrates them with poignant archival black-and-white photographs and prints. Holzer divides the book into two parts--The Illinois Years: 1825-1860 and The White House Years: 1861-1865--and provides detailed backgrounds to these important stages of Lincoln's life. Each writing is also accompanied by an introduction that offers historical background. And the timeline of key events in Lincoln's life helps put this extraordinary figure in perspective. Holzer proves that there is no better way to get to know Lincoln than through the magic of his words.