BIBLIOGRAPHIC DATA:
Sandler, Martin W. 2008. LINCOLN THROUGH THE LENS: HOW PHOTOGRAPHY REVEALED AND SHAPED AN EXTRAORDINARY LIFE. New York: Walker. ISBN 9780802796660
CRITICAL ANALYSIS:
LINCOLN THROUGH THE LENS is not just a story revealing the incredible life of Lincoln, but it is a look at his life and history through more than 100 photographs. In the book’s introduction, Sandler describes Lincoln as “one of the most eloquent leaders the world has ever known.” Sandler skillfully takes readers on a journey through history to a time when photography was in its infancy and “Abraham Lincoln was photographers’ favorite subject.” Unlike typical biographies about Lincoln’s life, LINCOLN THROUGH THE LENS draws correlations and connections between the invention and advancement of photography and Lincoln’s life and remarkable career. Sandler includes many interesting historical facts throughout the book and supports them with various photographs on every page. Mathew Brady, “America’s premier photographer” and “the man who took the most photographs of Lincoln,” is introduced in the book. Additionally, Sandler discusses how Lincoln cleverly discovered how to use photography to his advantage. LINCOLN THROUGH THE LENS offers an interesting look at slavery, the Civil war, and the state of the country during this tumultuous time through Lincoln’s eyes and photographs of the time. Lincoln’s assassination and the long journey of his body by train to his home in Springfield are also discussed. While the text exploring Lincoln’s life and drawing connections to the new world of photography is superb, it is the astonishing photographs that will really draw readers in and lead them through a journey that will both educate and entertain. The appealing design of the book with text and photographs on every page will make readers feel like they are taking a stroll through a well-designed museum exhibit. In addition to the various photographs of Lincoln himself, Sandler thoughtfully includes incredible photographs of Mary Todd Lincoln and the Lincoln children as well. The book ends appropriately with a photograph of the breathtaking Lincoln Memorial. Sandler includes a list of places to visit, suggested books and web sites, sources, quotations and their sources, an index, acknowledgements, and picture credits. LINCOLN THROUGH THE LENS offers a unique historical look at one of our country’s most amazing and beloved political figures. This book is highly recommended, and it offers something more than the ordinary biography on Lincoln. Readers will enjoy this outstanding tribute to Lincoln’s amazing life, and they are sure to appreciate this unique and refreshing look at one of the most important times in our country’s history.
CONNECTIONS:
Students might be interested in completing a research project on the invention and advancements of photography over time. With so many recent technological developments in this field, it would be interesting to track photography’s development over time.
LINCOLN THROUGH THE LENS discusses how Lincoln used photography to his advantage. Encourage students to explore this topic further and discuss exactly how photography might have helped him. How does it help (or hurt) political figures of today?
Encourage students to check out the Abraham Lincoln Art Gallery at http://www.abrahamlincolnartgallery.com/archivephoto.htm for some more photographs of Lincoln.
REVIEWS AND AWARDS:
From BOOKLIST starred (September 2008):
“Although it’s the pictures that provide the “wow factor,” Sandler’s perceptive words have their own elegance. Well sourced and offering numerous ways to learn more (although, surprisingly, the fine Lincoln museum in Springfield is not cited), this will be an excellent tool for history classes; and browsers, too, will be caught up in Lincoln’s story.”
“Although it’s the pictures that provide the “wow factor,” Sandler’s perceptive words have their own elegance. Well sourced and offering numerous ways to learn more (although, surprisingly, the fine Lincoln museum in Springfield is not cited), this will be an excellent tool for history classes; and browsers, too, will be caught up in Lincoln’s story.”
From LIBRARY MEDIA CONNECTION starred (January/February 2009):
“This outstanding biography portrays Abraham Lincoln from several perspectives. Numerous poignant photographs reveal the visual images of Lincoln: the man, husband and father, lawyer, President. Some are familiar; some are rare. These are instructive in themselves, carefully chosen to map the route taken by Lincoln to the White House. The book also provides a revealing look, through photos, at other personalities of the time, and relevant artifacts. Readers also learn about the infancy of photography, how pictures were taken, and the effects of actually seeing the war in photos.”
“This outstanding biography portrays Abraham Lincoln from several perspectives. Numerous poignant photographs reveal the visual images of Lincoln: the man, husband and father, lawyer, President. Some are familiar; some are rare. These are instructive in themselves, carefully chosen to map the route taken by Lincoln to the White House. The book also provides a revealing look, through photos, at other personalities of the time, and relevant artifacts. Readers also learn about the infancy of photography, how pictures were taken, and the effects of actually seeing the war in photos.”
From SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL starred (October 2008):“The generously sized photographs reveal Lincoln at different stages of his political career as well as on the battlefield; his family; and key figures such as Stephen A. Douglas, Robert E. Lee, Ulysses S. Grant, and John Wilkes Booth. Historical drawings and paintings, broadsides, and cartoons are also included. The text not only offers a fascinating updated history on the eve of the bicentennial, but also includes many colorful anecdotes and quotes about the mischievous Lincoln boys, Lincoln's beard, and Thanksgiving. This appealing, accessible title will be savored from beginning to end.”
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