Currently reading

Carl Sandburg's Lincoln

According to one review:

"It picks up with the trip to Washington and goes to the end of 1863. Author Carl Sandberg does an excellent job of weaving Lincoln's story into that of his times. As the reader progresses through this book, he is taken to the White House, the battlefield, the home front and foreign countries. At times the narrative diverts into a study of military and political figures and scenes which affect, but do not directly involve, Lincoln himself. The transition is often so smooth that the reader barely notices that he has moved from Lincoln, to others and back again.''

In my opinion, this book reads like one long poem.  It is exquisite, and thoroughly researched.  There are plenty of "Lincolnisms" and my favorite concerns him whittling while waiting for the results of his election.  "Mary, I believe we have won!"

And his quotations are golden.  How about this one?

"If you think you're at the end if your rope, tie a knot and hang on."