Illustrations -- Acknowledgments -- Introduction -- From log cabin to Springfield -- Whig congressman from the prairie state -- Political revival, 1850-1856 -- "He is as honest as he is shrewd" -- great debates -- Republican champion of the great west -- "Honest Abe" for President -- Campaign and election -- Cabinet making -- "Hold firm, as with a chain of steel" -- Train to Washington -- Epilogue : Inauguration -- Notes -- Bibliographical essay -- Index.