Life of Black Hawk [top]
1850

Lincoln was a voracious reader and read about nearly any topic.  In 1832, Mr. Lincoln served as a captain in the Illinois militia during the Black Hawk War, making this biography of Black Hawk a natural choice for his library.

Paper, cloth, leather. H 19, W 11.4, D 2.5 cm
Lincoln Home National Historic Site, LIHO 866

Biography of Henry Clay [bottom]
1843

Lincoln greatly admired Henry Clay. He was delighted and somewhat awed to find out that Mary Todd was a Clay family friend. He probably read a book like this biography of Henry Clay many times. 

Paper, cloth. H 18.3, W 11.6, D 3.5 cm
Lincoln Home National Historic Site, LIHO 897