Land of Lincoln

Land of Lincoln follows journalist Andrew Ferguson's travels across America as he investigates the modern legacy and cultural impact of Abraham Lincoln. Ferguson visits historical sites, attends reenactments, and meets Lincoln enthusiasts and scholars to document how Americans interpret and interact with Lincoln's memory. The book chronicles encounters with Lincoln impersonators, collectors of memorabilia, and various groups who claim Lincoln's legacy for their own causes. Ferguson explores Lincoln-themed attractions and tourist destinations, from museums and monuments to gift shops and themed restaurants. The narrative moves between historical accounts of Lincoln's life and observations of how 21st century Americans maintain their connection to the 16th president. Ferguson interviews people from diverse backgrounds who maintain deep personal attachments to Lincoln's story and image. Through this examination of Lincoln's enduring influence, the book reveals how Americans create meaning from historical figures and use them to understand their own identity. The varying interpretations of Lincoln reflect broader cultural debates about American values and national character.

Readers describe Land of Lincoln as an engaging travelogue exploring modern Americans' relationship with Lincoln's legacy. Many note Ferguson's humorous observations and journalistic style make complex historical themes accessible. Likes: - Balance of historical research and present-day storytelling - Ferguson's interactions with Lincoln enthusiasts and scholars - Examination of how different groups interpret Lincoln for their own purposes - Light, conversational writing tone Dislikes: - Some sections feel unfocused or meandering - Not enough depth on certain historical aspects - A few readers found Ferguson's humor occasionally disrespectful Ratings: Goodreads: 3.7/5 (561 ratings) Amazon: 4.2/5 (45 ratings) Notable reader comments: "Perfect mix of road trip, history lesson, and cultural commentary" - Goodreads reviewer "More about modern Lincoln worship than Lincoln himself" - Amazon reviewer "Fascinating look at how Americans keep reinventing Lincoln" - LibraryThing reviewer

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Looking for Lincoln by Philip B. Kunhardt III, Peter W. Kunhardt, and Peter W. Kunhardt Jr. The book traces how Lincoln's image and legacy have been interpreted, used, and transformed throughout American history since his death.

Lincoln's Melancholy by Joshua Wolf Shenk The text examines Lincoln's lifelong struggle with depression and how it influenced his leadership and character.

American Brutus by Michael W. Kauffman This historical investigation delves into John Wilkes Booth's conspiracy to assassinate Lincoln, providing new perspectives on the well-known historical event.

🔷 Before writing "Land of Lincoln," Andrew Ferguson spent an entire year exploring countless Lincoln-themed attractions, museums, and historical sites across America, from Civil War battlefields to a Lincoln impersonator convention. 🔷 The book explores how different groups have shaped Lincoln's image to suit their own purposes - including car dealers who use his birthday for sales events and management consultants who cite him in leadership seminars. 🔷 Ferguson discovered that the Lincoln Presidential Library in Springfield, Illinois features a hologram of Lincoln that cost more than $1 million to create and was designed by the same special effects team that worked on "Jurassic Park." 🔷 The author reveals that there is an entire industry of Lincoln impersonators who carefully study the president's mannerisms, voice, and clothing - some even maintaining strict period-accurate diets to achieve authenticity. 🔷 During his research, Ferguson uncovered that the original plaster life mask of Lincoln's face, made just two months before his assassination, was nearly lost forever when it was accidentally used as a doorstop in a New York State office building.