LINCOLN

A Pulitzer Prize-winning biographer makes an exhaustive study of the sixteenth president, informed by primary sources unavailable to previous investigators and concentrating on the man rather than the times and supporting cast. The author reveals his facts and analysis of Lincoln’s personality and ideas in clear, everyday, albeit somewhat long-winded, language. The rustic subject is given a cracker-barrel reading by Norman Dietz. He conjures up images of an old Springfield lawyer regaling visitors with recollections of a distinguished acquaintance. Throughout this tome he remains expressive, focused, and folksy, though sometimes his overworked voice betrays fatigue. Except for frequent annoying mouth noises, his is an admirable performance in every way. Y.R. © AudioFile 2006, Portland, Maine [Published: DEC 06/ JAN 07]