LIFE OF LINCOLN

Andrew Barnes guides listeners through this brief life story of President Lincoln, from childhood through his law career and wartime presidency. Barnes's strong narrative voice is augmented by music and sound effects. Since Lincoln is one of history's best-known figures, the emphasis is on the poetic quality of Bowers's writing rather than on period documents. Lincoln's story is told at a fast clip, but it doesn't sound rushed, and listeners won't feel that anything has been left out. History buffs won't find much new, but anyone looking to introduce his or her children to the president who freed the slaves and preserved the nation in a time of crisis will find this well done. J.A.S. © AudioFile 2010, Portland, Maine [Published: MARCH 2010]