Abe & Fido

[Gene C]

Interesting book, 150 pages of text with good footnotes.

On such a narrow and undocumented subject, getting enough interesting information to fill a book must have been a challenge. Most of the book was filler material and background information. Interesting, but not really related to Mr. Lincoln or Fido directly. Several pages of history about Lincoln's life during the time Fido was a part of the family that wasn't new to anyone who has read a biography or two about Lincoln. Still the book has some interesting details, it was easy to read, flowed well.

It compares favorably with "Lincoln's Animal Friends" by Ruth Painter Randall, written in 1958, which is a book designed more for young people. Her book is stories and narratives, not limited to Fido. Mr. Algeo's book, written for an older age group, is more documented with historical references, and also not limited to Fido. Different approaches to the subject, different writing styles. Both books are good.