Angle has pulled bits and pieces from Lincoln biographies and the memoirs of people who knew him to form a study of Lincoln. Although Angle works chronologically through Lincoln's life, the book isn't really a complete biography. Some major subjects are skipped entirely, others are covered only briefly — and some minor incidents and topics are detailed.

The chapters pulled from later biographies were unrewarding, for the most part, especially those written by Carl Sandburg, whose prose writing turns me off. But much of the book consists of bits written by people who knew Lincoln. These bits delve into things I haven't read before and bring out aspects of Lincoln that were new to me. I found it a fascinating study of the man and the impact he had on those around him.

I wouldn't recommend it as the first book on Lincoln that you read, but if you are looking for an interesting second or third book about him, this would be a good choice.