Booklist Review

This entry in the Presidential Politics series examines Abraham Lincoln's election in 1860, paying particular attention to his presidential campaign and the political climate that lead to the Civil War. Using concise wording and illustrations that include archival photos and artwork, maps, and charts, Gunderson explains the contentious topic of the day (slavery), before introducing the candidates trying to win their way into the White House. While no effort is made to explain fundamental differences between political parties, readers will get a clear idea of the platforms (driven by different approaches to slavery) being promoted by each of the presidential contenders: Lincoln, Stephen Douglas, John Bell, and John C. Breckinridge. Certain aspects of the election process will be familiar to readers, such as political conventions, while others prove vastly different from the way things are done today, namely campaigning, which was conducted by a candidate's supporters rather than the candidate himself. A glossary and critical-thinking questions round out this informative, accessible look at a pivotal election in U.S. history.--Smith, Julia Copyright 2016 Booklist