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1. Explain the premise of Part 1, Chapters 1-7.

The first seven chapters of Part 1 focus on the ten days between Abraham Lincoln's arrival in Washington, DC, and his inauguration. It is a time of great change, overshadowed by prospects of war and a conspiracy against his life. Lincoln, his family, close staff members, political allies and enemies, and the key conspirators are brought to life . The author also sketches the process by which he is elected president in enticing pieces.

2. How does Vidal open the novel?

Gore Vidal opens the novel on February 23, 1861, at precisely 5:55 AM as Lincoln, the chagrined President-elect, sneaks into Washington, D.C. incognito because of a plot on his life uncovered in Baltimore. Only Congressman Washburn, who also hails from Illinois, comes to greet him.

3. What is the Albany Plan and how does it set the stage for political machinations throughout the novel?

A secret and ill-defined "Albany Plan" had called for Seward to run the government with Lincoln as a mere figurehead. The idea is never really abandoned as the Lincoln White House is a hotbed of political machinations, rivalries, and deep divisions.

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