Imagine walking into the White House between 1861 and 1865. Would you have been allowed to see the president? With no titles or accolades attached to your name, would he have talked with you? And if so, how would you have felt afterward about his dignity, intelligence, and character? Scores of individuals met President Lincoln and recorded their impressions. In this charming and affecting book, Victoria Radford has selected the most interesting of these recollections, which together add luster to the image of an American icon. “The people who met Abraham Lincoln found in some way a different man than expected,” Ms. Radford writes. “Some people were surprised by his appearance, that this haphazard and untidy man was indeed president. Some were surprised at his generosity, that he would take the time to see them and listen to their stories. Some were surprised by his kindness, that he would offer help and kind words whenever he could. Some were surprised by his compassion and mercy, and some by his simple dignity and grace. And many were surprised at how they felt in Lincoln’s presence, that his sincerity and ease of manner set them at their ease, so that they forgot they were even talking to a president.” Even Lincoln buffs will find a surprise and delight. Illustrated with photographs and engravings.