Abraham Lincoln

Released to coincide with the 125th anniversary of the Civil War, this well done video biography of Abraham Lincoln shares the same attention to detail that has consistently marked the Atlas Video offerings on figures in American history. James McPherson, author of the Pulitzer prize winning book Battle Cry of Freedom is the host and narrator for this program which devotes equal time to Lincoln's early years, a period with which many viewers will be unfamiliar. With less than one year of school under his belt, the young Lincoln set out at the age of 21, and moved to New Salem, IL where he took various jobs and devoted his off hours to study. Eventually buying his own store, Lincoln's venture into business failed, and he would spend many years repaying the debts he incurred. But the townspeople took to Lincoln, and he entered politics during this same period. In 1836, Lincoln became a lawyer, and in 1837 moved to Springfield, IL, where he would not only carry on a lucrative business practice but would also meet and marry his wife Mary Todd. The stormy marriage and tragic deaths of the Lincoln offspring marked the years that Lincoln successfully held a congressional seat--until he left politics in 1849. A little over a decade later Lincoln would, of course, return to become President, where he faced perhaps the greatest trial that America has ever faced--in his words: "a house divided against itself." From his humble birth to his tragic murder, this is an excellent program on Lincoln's life, affordably priced, and highly recommended. (Available from: Atlas Video, 4300 Montgomery Ave., Suite 305, Bethesda, MD 20814.)