Resources by Smithsonian Magazine

With the Bicentennial month of Lincoln's birth fast-approaching, even more Lincoln-related items are being published, now in periodicals. Lincoln appears on the cover of the February 2009 edition of Smithsonian Magazine, alongside Charles Darwin (who was also born on February 12, 1809).

The cover article, about the legacy of Lincoln, is written by Philip B. Kunhardt III (co-author of the recent book Looking for Lincoln: The Making of an American Icon). It is a good overview of the 150 year history of Lincoln's impact on American culture.

But online, Smithsonian has several articles about Lincoln, all recommended, at their special bicentennial Lincoln page, 200 Years of Abraham Lincoln. The articles, some new and others previously published, feature analysis of Lincoln's life and career, in particular the development of his military leadership, the influence of the Lincoln-Douglas debates, and the enduring value of Lincoln's speeches.

There is a wealth of Lincoln material online, and this new collection by Smithsonian is a worthy addition to it.