In this book , Gore Vidal continues his "American Chronicle". This book focus on the presidency of Abraham Lincoln. In contrast to most books about Lincoln's presidency, this book does not focus heavily on the Civil War. The War is mentioned.But, t is not the major focus of the book.
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Lincoln is not the main point of view character for this novel bearing his name. The author uses a rotating first person narration device.
The narration is from the points of view of the following :
Presidential secretary John Hay, First Lady Mary Todd Lincoln, Secretary of State William Seward, Secretary of the Treasury Salmon Chase, U.S. Representative Elihu Washburne, and co-conspirator of John Wilkes Booth David Herold. This diverse group of people gives various viewpoints to the events surrounding Lincoln's presidency.
The great man himself is seen as if from a distance. We are not privy to his thoughts and perceptions. We see how Licoln motivations and actions are understood by those around him.
The review of this Book prepared by Yosef Shapiro
