Did Lincoln Own Slaves? And Other Frequently Asked Questions About Abraham Lincoln

by: Gerald J. Propkopowicz

Published by: Vintage

Reviewed by Michelle Kerns

Did Lincoln Own Slaves? stands out from the recent torrent of books detailing the life of Abraham Lincoln, not only because of its witty and erudite writing, but its format: an incredibly detailed series of questions and answers about every conceivable aspect of Lincoln’s life, presidency, and legacy.

The book’s twelve chapters divide the Lincoln lore into chronological segments, beginning with his birth and childhood, then moving onto his time in Springfield, his stints as politician and President, various aspects of the Civil War, and, finally his tragic death. The questions range from the obvious (“When and where was Lincoln born?”), to the highly specific (“Is it true that Stephen Douglas held Lincoln’s hat during the inaugural ceremony?”), to the bizarre (“Did scientists raise Lincoln from the dead?”).

Propkopowicz served for nine years as the Lincoln Scholar at the Lincoln Museum in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and his impressive knowledge and respect for Lincoln shows in every entry. His humor – particularly when he talks about the two most asked Lincoln questions of the 21st century, “Was Lincoln gay?” and “Did Lincoln own slaves?” – makes the text’s large amount of information accessible to even the most historically naive. Devoted fans of Lincoln will especially appreciate the lists the author includes of the best and worst Lincoln biographies, movies, and children’s books.

Armchair Interviews says: Did Lincoln Own Slaves? is one of the wittiest and most enjoyable collections of Lincoln lore available.