Lincoln in 3-D

Gr 6 Up—This visually striking volume is built around 185 stereoscopic photographs from the Civil War era. Glasses included in the back give the full three-dimensional effect; without them, many lines of the images are blurred. The introduction offers fascinating background on stereoscopic pictures, followed by a narrative text tracing Lincoln's life and the stages of the war. All of the photos include informative captions that give context even for images not mentioned in the text, which include one of Frederick Douglass and of the USS Monitor. Many readers will likely browse the photographs and captions as a first choice, using the narrative passage for supplementary information. Along with numerous battle scenes and portraits, many other intriguing images are included, such as a recruiting banner spanning Broadway in New York. The three-dimensional effect comes through more strongly on some images than others, but even with less dramatic perspective, the added depth gives a new, vivid feel to the historical photographs, raising them beyond mere novelty. More than half of the photos are full-page scenes, and several are arranged in series, including a 15-page section on Gettysburg. Careful layouts provide space and pacing, inviting viewers to linger on individual images. Separate portraits of Grant and Lee are set neatly on opposing pages, while a dramatic view of John Wilkes Booth is placed opposite a weary-looking Lincoln. The striking images make this a powerful visual depiction of Lincoln and his times—as long as readers (or libraries) don't lose those cardboard glasses.—Steven Engelfried, Wilsonville Public Library, OR