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Abraham Lincoln is revered in the USA and throughout the world as a political hero and virtual martyr. He is known as the saviour of the Union, victor in the American Civil War and the Great Emancipator of slaves. But is this reputation deserved? In this engaging and sometimes provocative new book, Alan Sked overturns the consensus on an American hero, and provides an original angle on the political career of an otherwise impenetrable figure. Did Lincoln receive a democratic mandate in 1860 with only 39% of the overall vote? What was his attitude toward Native Americans? Was the Civil War inevitable? Did Lincoln's insistence on the illegality of secession needlessly cost 650,000 lives that could have been spared? Sked scrutinises the legitimacy of Lincoln's eminent status, and offers a rare glimpse into the life and politics of a flawed hero. An informed and unique view, this engagingly written book will fascinate general readers and prove essential for students and specialists.