There were river pirates in those days on the untamed Mississippi. But six-foot-four-inch Abe Lincoln did not fear them. Twice he took flatboats down the treacherous, winding river to New Orleans. One night Abe and his friend Allen Gentry had to fight for their lives against seven men who came aboard hoping to kill and rob them.

For the most part, however, Abe was a gentle, kindly and humorous boy. He was the best wrestler in many miles, told the funniest stories and thought the deepest thoughts. He would walk miles to borrow a book; and he read every newspaper on which he could lay his big, gnarled work-hardened hands.

He was proud to be elected captain of his volunteer company in the Black Hawk War. Back home again in New Salem he opened a little store which soon “winked out,” leaving him deeply in debt. Then he taught himself surveying, served as village postmaster, read law and was four times elected to the Illinois state legislature.

This vivid and accurate biography tells the story of Lincoln's boyhood and young manhood on the midwestern frontier. It shows him growing steadily toward becoming the great and humane President of the Civil War years. Several experts consider this book the finest ever written about Abe Lincoln for young readers.

From the dust jacket

The finest biography of Abraham Lincoln for young people ever written. A superb job. Ralph G. Newman, The Abraham Lincoln Book Shop

Absolutely first rate. Bruce Catton, Pulitzer Prize-winning historian and Editor of American Heritage.

Simply and beautifully written with a sure understanding of the young Lincoln and his times. It was a real feat to present the war years so meaningfully in such a limited space. Benjamin P. Thomas, author of Abraham Lincoln