Publisher, HighBridge Audio (September 2005)

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"A significant contribution to the study of Lincoln and his battle with depression that will resonate with contemporary Americans." —Kirkus starred review

"Uncommon common sense, a rare understanding of historical context, and a close reading of the primary sources. Revealing and instructive." —Library Journal starred review

"An estimable contribution to the Lincoln literature." —Booklist

"Davidson delivers a fine performance. . . ." —Publishers Weekly

The printed edition was selected by the New York times as one of the 100 Notable Books of 2005.

The Washington Post selected the printed edition as one of The Best Books of 2005

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution selected the printed edition as one of A Dozen Non-Fiction Books That Mattered.

Drawing on a wealth of his own research and the work of other Lincoln scholars, Shenk reveals how the sixteenth president harnessed his depression to fuel his astonishing success. Lincoln found the solace and tactics he needed to deal with the nation's worst crisis in the "coping strategies" he developed over a lifetime of persevering through depressive episodes and personal tragedies.

With empathy and authority gained from his own experience with depression, Shenk crafts a nuanced, revelatory account of Lincoln and his legacy, and in the process unveils a wholly new perspective on how our greatest president guided America through its greatest turmoil.

About the Author: Joshua Wolf Shenk is an essayist and independent scholar based in New York City. His work has appeared in The New Yorker, Harper's Magazine, The Atlantic Monthly, the Economist, and other publications, including the national bestseller Unholy Ghost: Writers on Depression. A contributing editor to the Washington Monthly and a faculty member at New School University, Shenk has received fellowships from the Carter Center’s mental health program and the New York Foundation for the Arts. He serves on the advisory council of the Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission and has consulted on Lincoln for Time’s “Making of America” series and the History Channel’s forthcoming film The Other Side of Abraham Lincoln.