Lincoln scholar shares answers to favorite questions

Without a doubt, Abraham Lincoln is arguably the most famous, revered and discussed U.S. president. Even though hundreds of books have been written about the great man, fascination about our nation’s 16th president has continued unabated.

Gerald J. Prokopowicz served for nine years as the Lincoln Scholar at the Lincoln Museum in Fort Wayne, Ind. He holds a law degree from the University of Michigan and a Ph.D. in history from Harvard. During his tenure at the Lincoln Museum, he was asked thousands of questions about the former president. Some of the more interesting ones have made their way into his new book.

According to Prokopowicz, many of the questions asked were stimulating, provocative and perceptive. For example, did Lincoln own slaves? Did he have any bad habits? Was he a great public speaker, and did he write his own speeches? Many of the questions asked were based on legend, myth or misconception.

In reality, Lincoln loved dirty jokes; when postmaster, he carried letters around in his hat; he was not the founder of the Republican Party; and he practiced law even though he never took a bar exam.

“Did Lincoln Own Slaves” is published in a question-and-answer format and organized chronologically, beginning with “The Boy Lincoln” and moving through his life in politics up to the presidency, the Civil War and Emancipation, to his assassination and finally, his legacy. Prokopowicz supports his answers with an authoritative bibliography.

Although this won’t be the last book written about Lincoln, it’ll certainly be one of the most entertaining for readers. The surprises found on almost every page should delight anyone even remotely interested in our national history.