Abe & Fido: Lincoln’s Love of Animals and the Touching Story of His Favorite Canine Companion

Algeo (Harry Truman’s Excellent Adventure) celebrates Abraham Lincoln’s compassion for animals, exemplified by his relationship with his household pets, particularly Fido, a “friendly yellow mutt.” The dog “amused Lincoln to no end,” serving as a loyal companion to his sons and “a kind of mascot for the neighborhood boys” of Springfield, Ill., in the period prior to Lincoln’s presidency. A lifelong animal lover, Abe is depicted returning baby birds to their nest, rescuing a turtle from hoodlums, and nursing his first dog, Honey, back to health after he found her with a broken leg. In the White House, he was rumored to have fed his cat at the table with a gold fork. Algeo contextualizes these lighthearted anecdotes by discussing other White House pets, as well as the general treatment of animals during the era of Lincoln’s presidency. Oddly, the book’s narrative arc focuses on Lincoln’s political career, with the parts about his pets treated more as asides. Although there is an overall lightheartedness in tone, be prepared: Fido’s fate was no happier than his master’s. Agent: Jane Dystel, Dystel & Goderich Literary Management. (Apr.)