Land of Lincoln by Andrew Ferguson (2007, Hardcover)

I bought the book after seeing the author on C-Span. While I liked the detail (Illinois is my home state--I live about 90 minutes away from Springfield ), I was surprised to find the book quite different than the author had indicated.

In particular, he seemed to have a vendetta for Springfield, Lincoln's home. He suggests that the town has used Lincoln's name and history for its own purposes. If he knew anything about Lincoln's history, he would know that the townspeople didn't like the Lincolns for various reasons--she was abrasive--he was distracted--she yelled at him in public--and he didn't go to church, and not all supported emancipation and had his evolving attitude toward slaves.

In subsequent years, no attempt has been made to cash in on Lincoln's fame and reputation by Springfield until now. True, the museum is a Disneyland creation; but I--a historian--do not find that offensive. Let the children enjoy it. Let them celebrate a great man from the prairies of Illinois.

But don't forget the library--don't ever forget the library across the street. It is serious and scholarly for those who want that. And the money brought in by the museum will help restore other parts of Springfield--the depot (the original was torn down years ago). Don't go to the museum. Visit his office, his home, and find his spirit there. The office is not gussied up. It alone is worth a trip to Springfield.

I thought it was about time Lincoln was recognized by the state and by the town for the great man he was. And I found this book to be unbalanced and actually kind of silly.