1. In your opinion, is Freedman justified in believing that the photos in this book are as important as the text?

2. Which of Lincoln's portraits impresses you most? Why?

3. What is the purpose of the first chapter of this book, "The Mysterious Mr. Lincoln"? Why doesn't Freedman begin with the earlier part of Lincoln's story instead?

4. While he corrects certain misconceptions about Lincoln's character, does Freedman also show that parts of the Lincoln legend are true? Which parts?

5. Although he was reluctant to talk about his backwoods past, were Lincoln's experiences as a poor farm boy useful to him in his later life?

6. As Freedman describes him, is it an exaggeration to say that Lincoln was superb as a self-educator? Would he have made a good teacher?

7. Lincoln, a chronically sad man, loved jokes and humorous stories. What role did humor play in his life...