Historical figures such as Abraham Lincoln cannot really have enough written on them, which is why when readers come across a well put together book such as Andrew Delbanco’s ‘The Portable Abraham Lincoln’, they are delighted. Indeed, it must be said that there aren’t many books that provide detailed historical content such as Delbanco’s book. This is not to say that Delbanco’s book is full of analysis and narration, but tends to be more of a compilation of material that Lincoln wrote. However, aside from this book being a compilation of Lincoln’s own words, it is a well formed one with adequate guidelines that work in tandem to help any reader get a better idea of Lincoln’s life.

The importance of this book is that along with all the authentic material coming from Lincoln, Delbanco provides small pointers that help the reader along. Though the chronological arrangement of Lincoln’s life could single-handedly guide the reader, it is Delbanco’s points that enhance and mold the view that a reader takes.

Andrew Delbanco’s ‘The Portable Abraham Lincoln’ is a collection of speeches, letters, and important notes of Abraham Lincoln that brings this historical figure to the modern generations. Much of the content of this book has been taken from the fuller Library of America collection, and because of this it demonstrates a wide array of Lincoln’s work in law, politics, and war.

In addition to the works of Lincoln in this book, there is more to look forward to in the form of some of personal memos that expose Lincoln’s humor. Perhaps it is this part of the book that lends a special tone to it. Being packed with ideas and words of Lincoln, the book is also packed with public and private letters. It is the mixture of the two amid his formal speeches that expose Lincoln’s philosophy. Even if Lincoln did not intend for the public to know his private thoughts, they are now revealed along side his speeches. Being placed together in the same book, these speeches and private and public letters speak much more about Lincoln, and this makes his philosophy understood far better.

The book is organized in themes, beginning with Lincoln’s emergence as a politician to his fateful end. In view of the content that encompasses this entire period, the well-known phrases are placed within their context. This is precisely what gives this book its value, as the reader is not robbed of the content s/he wants to read.

When a reader first takes a look at this book, on opening it s/he would immediately discover that is indeed an organized and complete one. This is because from the beginning one can see that all the content is arranged in chronological order with the important speeches and private memoirs. Hence, the readers know the course of the book. Reading such a description laden with historical facts is indeed fulfilling to any serious reader. In view of this, the most important things that matter to a reader are encountered in this book, and this refers to the key points in Lincoln’s professional life such as Lincoln becoming a Republican, and the presidential campaign.

In addition to these key points, there are several readers interested in the accounts of Lincoln’s fate, and catering to these readers there is the final portion of the book that deals with this topic. Like the other parts of this book dealing with specific periods in Lincoln’s public life, this part too entitled ‘Fate’ deals at length with Lincoln’s end. However, it must be again noted that this is mostly carried out through speeches and letters that the author has pieced together brilliantly. Hence, the content in this part of the book too is rich, and certainly is something that a reader would appreciate.

The commentary is kept to a minimum, allowing readers to get a richer feel of Lincoln’s life. Indeed, this is what a reader searches for every time s/he buys a book about Abraham Lincoln. Indeed, this book gives the reader what is due.

An example of the manner in which Delbanco relates Lincoln’s words in his important speeches is when he describes Lincoln’s words in view of the occasion Lincoln spoke about. This is especially noted when he describes Lincoln address Congress regarding Virginia. Particular words and important phrases that are highlighted include the following: “The course taken in Virginia was the most remarkable-perhaps the most important” (Delbanco, 1993, 214).

Increased value is brought to this book because of the fact that these important phrases are highlighted along the course of Lincoln’s life. Since this particular point has been noted regarding Virginia’s importance, it must also be asserted that Virginia in Lincoln’s time was significant for two major reasons: Virginia had played a vital role in early American history and it was also important because of its strategic location. Specifics such as Virginia’s importance are in fact handled single-handedly with Lincoln’s letters and speeches. However, commentary is a helping tool at different points in the book