Rebecca Fischer

Professor Kalas
ECE 260
11/2/14

Author: Russell Freedman

Title: Lincoln A Photobiography
Publisher: Clarion Books
Summary: Photographs and text trace the life of the Civil War President.

Evaluation

Style and language (precise vocabulary, figurative language,

strong and clear exposition, personal voice, avoids
didacticism and condescension, etc.) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Comment: The style and language used by the author is directed for older elementary students
and really draws the reader into Lincoln’s world. The exposition is clear and yet very interesting
and entertaining.

Compelling details (quotations, anecdotes, little-known facts, etc.) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Comment: The author includes many little conversations and quotations from Lincoln and his
contemporaries. This information makes the biography more than just an account of Lincoln’s
life. It helps the reader feel like they’re getting to know a friend.

Fascinating comparisons 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Comment: Not sure how this would be applicable.

Unusual subjects or viewpoints 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Comment: This book is unique due to the number of photographs used to document Lincoln’s
life.

Personalized content (new perspectives, first-person accounts, etc.) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Comment: Although the book is written in expository form, the author’s voice is still heard in
how Lincoln’s life is presented.

Accuracy (up-to-date research, references, no mixing

Of fact and fiction or anthropomorphism, etc.) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Comment: It was interesting to note that the author acknowledges that there is so much that
we don’t know about the man himself. Lincoln was known to keep his inner thoughts very
much to himself. Apparently, biographers struggle to separate the folk tale from real life.

Attractive design (photos, artwork, etc.) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Comment: There are many photographs in this photobiography of Lincoln. It helps the reader
to really appreciate the time period Lincoln came from.
Photo or artwork captions (new information?) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Comment: The artwork captions contain new information and are just as enjoyable to read as
the main text.

Is it a well-rounded piece? 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Comment: This is an outstanding, well-written biography.

RATING (10 high; 1 low) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Comment: The author’s style and organization of Lincoln’s life and supporting photographic
experience brings the 16th president to the here and now for any reader.