The Free Word: Holiday Gift Ideas at No Cost!

Would you like some ideas for Christmas gifts that won’t cost a penny? For the literature lover in your life try a free audiobook from Librivox. As I’ve written in the past, I am a reader for this awesome organization that brings classic and not-so-classic works to life. Whether your interest is literature, history, fairy tales or biographies of famous people, this site is for you!

I and my colleagues Maria Kasper and Ann Boulais just released our latest work entitled “The Life of Abraham Lincoln.” It is a 23 hour reading of a book written by President Lincoln’s colleague Ward Hill Lamon. Lamon’s work is a study of the life of the 16th President of the United States of America from his childhood to the day of his first inauguration. Lamon had access to the papers of Lincoln’s law partner and biographer William Herndon, He paints a vivid portrait of the years that lead to what many considered to be an unlikely yet successful run for the presidency.
From Lincoln’s time fighting in the west as both an officer and a private soldier, through his Congressional years, private law practice and failed attempts to win a seat in the United States Senate, Lincoln is presented as the human being he was, nothing more and nothing less. This fascinating man, who arguably could be considered the best president the United States has ever known, was a complex and intensely private and conflicted individual who nonetheless sought and found his calling in public service.

Lamon skillfully weaves Lincoln’s speeches and letters, often in full, throughout his narrative so that the reader hears much of the story in Lincoln’s own words. Rich in detail, one comes away with a fuller understanding of who Lincoln was and what formed his political and religious beliefs. With so much already known about Lincoln, Lamon’s work supplements known history with private details that only Herndon, Lamon and those closest to Lincoln could provide.
This recorded book is literally one of thousands that are available for download or streaming at no cost. This is possible because all the books are in the public domain, thus no expensive royalties are paid to the author, no grand marketing plans need to be underwritten. All you need is a computer, tablet or a smart phone and you can begin listening. I like to download my stories, burn them onto CD’s and give them as gifts. You can do the same for the book lover you may know.

Follow this link to access your copy of ”The Life of Abraham Lincoln” https://librivox.org/the-life-of-abraham-lincoln-by-ward-hill-lamon/ To check out the nearly two hundred books I have been a part of: https://librivox.org/reader/8011 and to view the entire Librivox library click here: https://librivox.org/search

My next post will highlight another work that I am particularly proud of. If you have any questions or would like to learn more about Librivox, please leave me a comment and I will respond quickly.