John G. Nicolay's 'A Short Life of Abraham Lincoln' is a concise yet insightful biography of the iconic American president. Nicolay's writing style is straightforward and accessible, making this book perfect for both academics and general readers interested in delving into Lincoln's life and legacy. The book provides a condensed version of Nicolay & Hay's comprehensive biography, offering a quick but thorough overview of Lincoln's remarkable journey from humble beginnings to becoming one of the greatest leaders in American history. Nicolay's attention to detail and historical context brings depth to his narrative, allowing readers to immerse themselves in Lincoln's world and understand the challenges he faced during his presidency. As a trusted assistant and friend to Lincoln during his lifetime, Nicolay offers a unique perspective on the man behind the myth, shedding light on both his personal struggles and political triumphs. I highly recommend 'A Short Life of Abraham Lincoln' to anyone seeking a compelling and informative account of this influential figure in American history.

Originally published by The Century co. in [1902].

A Short Life of Abraham Lincoln Condensed From Nicolay & Hay's Abraham Lincoln: A History by John G. Nicolay Brand New Copy Abraham Lincoln, the sixteenth President of the United States, was born in a log cabin in the backwoods of Kentucky on the 12th day of February 1809. His father, Thomas Lincoln, was sixth in direct line of descent from Samuel Lincoln, who emigrated from England to Massachusetts in 1638. Following the prevailing drift of American settlement, these descendants had, during a century and a half, successively moved from Massachusetts to New Jersey, from New Jersey to Pennsylvania, from Pennsylvania to Virginia, and from Virginia to Kentucky; while collateral branches of the family eventually made homes in other parts of the West. In Pennsylvania and Virginia some of them had acquired considerable property and local prominence. In the year 1780, Abraham Lincoln, the President's grandfather, was able to pay into the public treasury of Virginia "one hundred and sixty pounds, current money," for which he received a warrant, directed to the "Principal Surveyor of any County within the commonwealth of Virginia," to lay off in one or more surveys for Abraham Linkhorn, his heirs or assigns, the quantity of four hundred acres of land. The error in spelling the name was a blunder of the clerk who made out the warrant.