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 Author Stephen Harrigan explores this period in
colorful, imaginative detail in the new novel “A Friend of Mr.
Lincoln.” Harrigan will speak and sign copies of his book at the
Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum on March 3.
The free event begins at 6 p.m. with Harrigan signing books in the
museum’s main plaza. Then, at 6:30, Harrigan will discuss his novel
in the museum’s Union Theater.
To reserve a seat, visit www.PresidentLincoln.Illinois.gov and click
on “special event reservations.”
 Through the eyes of a fictional poet and boardinghouse owner, “A
Friend of Mr. Lincoln” takes readers to the skirmishes of the Black
Hawk War and the escapades of a rural judicial circuit. It imagines
Lincoln’s growing attraction to Mary Todd as a partner in both
romance and ambition. It includes unpleasant realities from
Lincoln’s life, such as his representation of a slave owner.
The Washington Post praised the book as “a rumbling, rambunctious
novel.” The Wall Street Journal called it “a brisk narrative filled
with adventure, romance, sex, and political high jinks.” Booklist
said it gives readers “a first-hand glimpse of early Illinois
politics, a physically dangerous, occasionally bloody endeavor.”
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The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, a division of the Illinois
Historic Preservation Agency, is dedicated to telling the story of America’s
16th president through old-fashioned scholarship and modern technology.
The library holds an unparalleled collection of Lincoln books, documents,
photographs, artifacts and art, as well as some 12 million items pertaining to
all aspects of Illinois history. The museum uses traditional exhibits,
eye-catching special effects and innovative story-telling techniques to educate
visitors.
[Shanta Thoele, Illinois Historic
Preservation Agency]
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