This podcast deep dives from David Herbert Donald's biography of Abraham Lincoln, chronicling Lincoln's life from his impoverished childhood in Indiana, where he developed strong work ethics and a love of reading, through his early career in Illinois politics and law, his rise to national prominence, and his presidency during the Civil War.

The excerpts detail his education, family life, political development, legal career, and relationships with key figures of the era.

The narrative covers significant events such as his election to Congress, his debates with Stephen Douglas, his handling of the Civil War, and his eventual assassination.

Finally, the podcast includes references to other important biographical works on Lincoln.