Lincoln: The Presidential Archives.

Blogging leads to serendipity. I had to look up the word serendipity to make sure I had the usage right. According to my Merriam-Webster Dictionary serendipity is the gift of finding valuable or agreeable things not sought for. In my case the agreeable thing not sought for was a free book.

A couple of weeks ago I received an email from Carroll an Assistant Manager of Online Marketing at DK Publishing offering me a review copy of a new book, Lincoln: The Presidential Archives. The book arrived the first of this week and I have been reading it ever since. I am enjoying it. If you have ever read any of the DK Eyewitness Travel Guides you will remember the wonderful pictures, illustrations and maps that make them such sumptuous books. Lincoln: The Presidential Archives does for history what the DK travel guides do for travel. The book contains many wonderful pictures but even better are the eight pockets containing reproduced, removable documents. Being able to hold and read even a reproduction of the Emancipation Proclamation or a letter from Mary Todd Lincoln immeasurably adds to the impact of this book.

The author, Chuck Wills, has written a very readable summary of Lincoln's life. This is the third book I've read about Lincoln this year and it has substantially augmented what I knew and/or remembered about Lincoln and his life. I especially like the background chapters about Lincoln's pre-presidential years.

I recommend Lincoln: The Presidential Archives. Even for someone who is not as enthralled by Presidential history as I am it is a fascinating book. I think its appeal for me is how real it makes Lincoln and his life.

As I said at the beginning of this post I received my copy of  Lincoln: The Presidential Archives from the DK Publishing. In her email Carroll also offered to give me a second copy of the book  to use for a give away contest on my blog. So, to the first person who comments on this blog entry and emails their address to me I will send you a free copy of Lincoln: The Presidential Archives. How's that for serendipity!

Caveat: I guess it wouldn't be fair for any member of my family to win the book. If they want a copy they will have to put it on their Christmas list. 

Comments

[Marion]

1.

Thanks for the comments. The book has been sent to the winner.

[Linda Martin]

2.

I would love to have the book. My address is 688 Brannon Drive Lithia Springs Ga 30122 Thank you

[Marion Prowse]

3.

Hi ...I read your blog and enjoyed it very much especially the pictures of your hike and lunch at Hobart Reservoir. I would be interested in your book if no one else has claimed it. Address is Marion Prowse PO Box 1005, Lynden Washington, 98264 98264
Thank you so much for the consideration....

[Marion]

4.

Luis,
The book is yours if you will email me your address.
Thanks,
Marion

[luis fernandes]

5.

Hi,

I am also quite surprised that no one has rushed to comment to get a copy of this book. I just looked up the Amazon entry and it looks quite amazing-- unlike most books.

Do you ship to Canada? If not, it's OK. I do read your blogs but not in real-time; typically in batches.