Abraham Lincoln and Robert Burns: Connected Lives and Legends
By Ferenc Morton Szasz
(January 2009 Civil War News)

Illustrated, appendices, notes, index, 256 pp., 2008. Southern Illinois University Press, 1915 University Press Dr., Carbondale, Il 62901, $27.95 plus shipping.

Reviewer: Blake A. Magner
Blake A. Magner is the Book Review Editor of Civil War News. He makes his li­ing as an editor, writer, cartographer and photographer of Civil War history. He is author of At Peace With Honor: The Civil War Burials of Laurel Hill Cemetery, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Review:
One might wonder what Abraham Lincoln, 16th President of the United States, and Robert Burns, Scotland’s most famous poet, have in common that would cause an author to write a volume comparing the two.

A lot more than most would think. Both men were raised farmers, they were born and lived in poverty and went on to briefly try surveying. Both battled depression and had problems dealing with upper-class women. Each believed in the supernatural, at time supported women’s rights and they were avid readers. Other similarities exist.

Burns lived from 1759 to 1796, dying early from a combination of overwork and the overuse of alcohol. Lincoln lived from 1809 to 1865 also dying young due to an assassin’s bullet. Though Burns died 13 years before Lincoln’s birth, meaning the two never met or corresponded, Burns’ words had a lifetime effect on the future President.

Lincoln discovered Burns’ poetry and his other works fairly early in life. He memorized many of the bard’s works. Though he rarely quoted Burns directly, the Scotsman’s style can be seen in many of Lincoln’s works.

Lincoln often recited some of Burns’ works, as he also did Shakespeare’s. Among his favorite Burns poems were “Tam O’Shanter” and “Holy Willie’s Prayer.”

Other Scots were important in Lincoln’s White House including John Watt (White House gardener), Alexander Williamson (Tad and Willie’s tutor) and Alan Pinkerton (no explanation needed).

The 79th New York Highlanders, the fine Scottish regiment, was one of the more famous regiments to serve during the war and Lincoln saw or reviewed them several times. After the assassination the 79th marched in the funeral procession in both Philadelphia and New York during Lincoln’s return to Springfield.

Other similarities discussed include the 1909 birthday celebrations, stamp and coin issues as well as forgeries and collectors of Burn and Lincoln items. An appendix includes some of Burns’ poems including “Is There for Honest Poverty,” “Holy Willie’s Prayer” and Tam O’Shanter: A Tale.” It also includes Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation, Gettysburg Address and Second Inaugural Address.

 Abraham Lincoln and Robert Burns is a different look at both personalities that is thought- provoking, easy to read and well-written. I strongly recommend it. And though Abraham Lincoln’s birthday is now celebrated solemnly on Presidents Day, along with that of George Washington, Robbie Burns’ birth is still celebrated (if you are in the right city) on Jan. 25 with a black tie dinner (kilt mandatory), haggis and a wonderful single malt scotch.