I’m looking for a good in-depth biography of Lincoln, preferably one that doesn’t go into mind-numbing detail (with the realization that “mind-numbing” is completely subjective.) I also want it to be willing to deal with some Lincoln’s more unsavory decisions (i.e. I don’t want a glorifying apologetic.) I see two probabilities:
Lincoln by David Herbert Donald – The appears to be the most popular of the modern biographies.
Abraham Lincoln by Carl Sandberg – I’ve heard this is the classic Lincoln biography. My concern is that it’s older (thus missing any new scholarship) and was written by a man more known for his poetry than his histories.
Doris Kearns’ book is another possibility but it looks like it’s more about the men around Lincoln. Any input would be appreciated. Thanks.