The World of Abraham Lincoln - Living History Book

1940 Newbery Honor Title

Published by Beautiful Feet Books

Originally published in 1944, Foster earned her reputation by her masterful display of "horizontal history" telling the story of world events in the geo-political sphere, while giving as much importance to advances in science, medicine, music, literature, and exploration. 

Thus, while Abe Lincoln was a boy romping the woods of Kentucky:

• Thomas Jefferson was completing his eighth year as president, 
• George III reigned in Great Britain and 
• Napoleon was about to meet his Waterloo.
•  Beethoven and Sir Walter Scott were at the height of their creative powers, while 
• Victor Hugo was staging plays at school.

 By the time Lincoln was old enough to help his father chop wood, other young boys and girls were being prepared for the future parts they would play. 

• Harriet Beecher was reading anything she could get her hands on, 
• Charles Darwin was collecting toads, crabs and shells, and 
• the impoverished boy Dickens was working in a shoe blacking factory in London. 

When Lincoln opened his shop in Salem:

• David Livingstone was opening up deepest Africa, and 
• thousands of Americans were opening up the West on the Oregon Trail. 
• The spirit of freedom was moving around the globe as 
• the abolitionist movement gained power in the States and 
• serfdom saw its demise in Russia. 
• Technologically the world was bursting with the invention of the telegraph, the railroad and the steamboat. 

With her whimsical and informative illustrations and timelines Foster has magnificently captured a remarkable age and a remarkable man.

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This is great story telling and a fun way to learn history. The World of Abraham Lincoln is not just about Abraham Lincoln, but the world in which he lived from birth to death. It covers from Lincoln's boyhood days in which Napoleon and Queen Victoria are discussed along with other major global figures. Throughout the book we are taken to various parts of the world to learn about impacting events and persons that shape history. From 1800 to 1865 is covered. The events of the USA are discussed: events like:

• the War of 1812
• the Mexican War
• the Alamo
• the Missouri Compromise
• the Kansas-Nebraska Act and much more. 
• One learns about the first Reich of Germany under Kaiser Wilhelm. 

The life of Abraham Lincoln is interwoven throughout these history time slices. This book is not just about helping kids learn about and love history, but for adults to learn history as well.