Mr. Lincoln Sits for His Portrait: The Story of a Photograph That Became an American Icon

Using a wider lens than its title indicates, this trim, information-packed volume examines Abraham Lincoln, from pre-presidential days to his assassination, as a skillful image-builder who sought to “let photographic portrayals represent him as a man of strength, conviction, humility, and compassion.” Proposing that Lincoln was “shrewd and deeply purposeful” in relying on new technologies, photography included, to advance his political career and, as president, gain support for initiatives, Marcus (You Can’t Say That!) details the circumstances behind and creation of several photographs that take Lincoln as their subject, as well as Francis Bicknell Carpenter’s well-known painting, First Reading of the Emancipation Proclamation of President Lincoln. As the narrative builds toward Feb. 9, 1864—the day that Anthony Berger captured the titular photograph of Lincoln reading to youngest son Tad—smoothly inserted digressions discuss topics such as the history of photography. Written in an accessible tone, peppered with warm anecdotes, and brimming with historical images enhanced by explicatory captions, this is an intriguing, well-researched look at 19th-century politics and presentation as exemplified by Lincoln. Numerous enriching timelines and sidebars appear throughout. Ages 10–12. (Jan.)