Lincoln: A Photobiography

Lincoln: A Photobiography is an illustrated biography of Abraham Lincoln written by Russell Freedman, and published in 1987. The book won the Newbery Medal in 1988, the first nonfiction book to do so in 30 years. Freedman selected the photographs that fill the book from the National Archives, National Portrait Gallery, Library of Congress, and museums in Indiana, Illinois, Massachusetts, and New York.
The photobiography covers Lincoln's entire life: his childhood, his stint as a lawyer, his courtship and marriage to Mary Todd Lincoln, as well as his ascent from Congressman to President, and his assassination and death.

Critical reception

The book was positively received, winning a Cardinal Cup Award and a Golden Kite Award honor, in addition to the Newbery Medal.
According to Kirkus Reviews, "While the photographs contribute much, it is Freedman's talent for putting the right details in uncomplicated prose that provides a very sharp focus for this Lincoln portrait." The New York Times praised Freedman for his extensive research, and for skillfully writing about a complex subject for children "by choosing to trust in the intelligence of the youthful reader," though the review also said that Freedman "omits some needed perspective for his modern young readers of all races."