Looking for Lincoln DVD

Comments about PBS Looking for Lincoln DVD:

Book emphasizes that you cannot judge Lincoln with 21st Century eyes!

Comments about PBS Looking for Lincoln DVD:

Really have gotten into Lincoln lately and this is a great DVD.

Comments about PBS Looking for Lincoln DVD:

I never really knew about Lincoln's early career as a lawyer with a partner, who shed alot of light on Lincoln's basic attributes, and the emotional struggles he faced, which apparently helped him during the Civil War years later.
It showed more of a regular person, very talented and very tough...instead of the idea that he is quite an extraordinary figure, incapable of understanding and living the common life.
Excellent production!

Comments about PBS Looking for Lincoln DVD:

This documentary, though aimed at high school students and other people with a basic knowledge about Lincoln's history and significance, has something to offer for everyone. The main question driving Gates are not "Who was Lincoln?" but rather "Was Lincoln really who we think he was?" The documentary sympathetically but critically examines why people have chosen to remember Lincoln in the way they have - for example, as a shining beacon of racial equality - when the truth is more complicated. However, it does not judge or condescend to people looking for heroes in American history. It just gently reminds us that reality may disappoint sometimes.

Some of the best moments include historians sitting around a dinner table arguing (respectfully) about Lincoln at length (no sound bites here) and visiting with modern day Lincoln impersonators.

Comments about PBS Looking for Lincoln DVD:

Saw this on TV--beautifully done. Based on first hand accounts and current research. Tries to undo a century of myths that have built up around Lincoln and show the real man in the context of his times. Tries to be very balanced, but everyone will have their own prejudices touched in viewing different opinions. Includes both Pres Clinton and Pres Bush, (only a few minutes from each) remarking on the influences they felt from Lincoln in their service as President. Should be used in classrooms.