In his article "Pursuing the Pleasure Principle," Freedman explains that as a writer of nonfiction books for young adults he aims to provide accurate information on his subject and to provide readers with the same delight that they would derive from reading a novel, a short story, or a poem. Lincoln: A Photobiography satisfies both of these requirements. Freedman adheres strictly to the facts about Lincoln's life, but he presents these facts in such a way as to make Lincoln's biography as pleasurable to read as fiction.

The crisp sentences flow smoothly as Freedman provides precise descriptions in a conversational tone. Freedman praises Lincoln for the conciseness of his prose style, an effect he achieved by endlessly revising his texts. Freedman's own style has this quality, too.

While always respectful of his subject, Freedman avoids the reverential attitude that has characterized past books on Lincoln written...