After graduating, he taught at Columbia University, Johns Hopkins and, from 1973, Harvard University. The dissertation eventually became his first book, Lincoln's Herndon, published in 1948. Randall as a mentor had a big influence on Donald's life and career, and encouraged his protégé to write his dissertation on Lincoln's law partner, William Herndon.

He earned his PhD in 1946 under the eminent, leading Lincoln scholar, James G. Majoring in history and sociology, Donald earned his bachelor degree from Millsaps College in Jackson, Mississippi. Beyond this, we are shown a personal side of the man who managed one of the most difficult periods in American history. 'Lincoln at Home' is an intimate and rare glimpse of the president as husband and father, a cheerful man pinned to the floor while playing with his children, and a desolate man struck down with grief at the death of his son.

With a brief account of their first years in the White House and the complete collection of all the known letters exchanged by Abraham and Mary Todd Lincoln, this elegant portrait defines the sixteenth president as a dedicated - though often a desperately busy and distracted - family man. 'Lincoln at Home' offers a view into the life of family through their written correspondence. As Lincoln led the nation into the Civil War, managing the Union war effort, issuing the Emancipation Proclamation, winning reelection in 1864, and planning the Reconstruction of the South, he also led a private life, defined by his close relationship with his wife and by his devotion to his children.

Lincoln by David Herbert Donald