In this study of amazing breadth, the author draws a vividly detailed picture of the year 1861 both in the US and abroad. The national scene is depicted in light of the larger context of the world community rather than as an isolated set of events. Spanning four countries, the US, England, China, and Japan, and highlighting almost twice as many leading figures of this age, including Abraham Lincoln, Charles Darwin and Harriet Beecher Stowe. 

Year of Lincoln offers a survey of unusually wide scope, accompanied by fine detail. Rendered in a free-flowing style, the book is ideal for young readers and informative for their parents as well.