Back in 2012 we congratulated Joe Di Cola on his book Chicago's 1893 World's Fair, a volume in the IMAGES OF AMERICA series from Arcadia Publishing.

I have received word that Joe will have another book out on March 27, 2017!! This one is entitled NEW SALEM: A History of Lincoln's Alma Mater. And the cover will include a photo taken by Gene of this forum!

It's been over 80 years since Benjamin Thomas' Lincoln's New Salem was published (1934), and a new, comprehensive book on New Salem is invaluable.

This is very exciting news! Kudos, Joe!

See what you miss out on by not coming on the Springfield Tour.
Joe is an excellent guide. The closest thing I can compare it to is like the Booth Escape Tour, except your are not riding on a bus, or sitting next to some sweaty person.

Plan on joining us this fall in 2017.

Kudos, Joe!

The release date is March 27, but Joe's new book is available for pre-order from The History Press or on either Amazon or B&N.

I am so excited about this book and for Joe.
Listening to him, he is one of those people who can make history come alive.

On one of our trips to Springfield, when the Lincoln home was closed, we were standing outside on the sidewalk and Joe was sharing with us an interesting story. People walking by would stop to listen, even asking questions after he had finished. There was a nice sized group gathered by the time he was done. At New Salem he was telling us about one of the buildings and the people who lived there, the docent was excited to talk with Joe and commented that he didn't know several of the things Joe was sharing with us. He is one of those rare individuals who relates well with all ages and knows how to engage them in a learning conversation. His enthusiasm for history and Abraham Lincoln is contagious.

Here is the Amazon link to his new book
https://www.amazon.com/New-Salem-History...incoln%27s

I'm eager to read this! Congratulations.

I echo much of what Gene has said above. Joe is an excellent tour guide and story teller (he is also just a great guy!) and I know how much work he has put into examining Lincoln's life in New Salem. I encourage anyone who can to join the group that visits Springfield in the fall. I have been twice and am looking forward to the third this fall!!

Back to New Salem. I once heard historian Gerry Prokopowicz refer to others who had called New Salem a "Brigadoon-like" village that sprung up out of the mists just in time for Lincoln to arrive and then slipped back into the mists when Lincoln left. However New Salem is described, it was sure there when Lincoln needed it to be and his time there undoubtedly impacted him greatly.

I can't wait to read Joe's book! Congrats again to Joe on it's publication and impending release!

Scott

Congrats Joe. I'm pre-ordering today! and looking forward to a great read. I visited New Salem in my pre-forum days. Would love to have you for a guide- in print and in person . Anita

This is terrific news! I can't wait to read this book--it will be the perfect complement to a tour of New Salem. Congratulations, Joe!

Given that Benjamin Thomas's book on New Salem was published in 1934, this is something that has been long overdue, and I'm glad to see Joe take up the challenge. I was there along with Gene and Bill and our long-suffering wives when we visited New Salem on the very first tour. Just listening to Joe tell various stories was worth the price of the trip. Of course, finding out that Joe was actually my long-lost father also made it an interesting journey. Here's a photo of the four of us in the restored village.

This will be a major event for Lincoln nerds nationwide. Congratulations, Joe!

Best
Rob

Thanks to all who have responded with congratulations--Roger, Eva, Anita, Susan, Dave, and others. Thanks to Gene, Scott, and Rob for their kind words. Both Geppetto and I hope you have not experienced any lengthenings of your noses!

Just received this book and after reading I must say if you are interested in the time period when Lincoln was at New Salem, this is a must have book.

For the first time visitor, or if you are enjoying a repeat visit, this is the perfect guide to the history of New Salem and Lincoln's time here. It doesn't take long to realize there is more here than just a museum and a few reconstructed log buildings.

The book is a very well organized, concise history of New Salem, from its founding in 1829 to present day. Several good photographs. There is enough information to keep most Lincoln fans satisfied. Joe has included excellent source notes and bibliography for anyone to do additional reading or further study should they wish to.

You will learn not only about the little town that existed only for about 10 years, but the people who lived there, and their involvement in Lincoln's life. The events of Lincoln's life while living in New Salem (1831-1837) are clearly broken down year by year, placed in their proper historical context. Life wasn't easy for Lincoln during this time, and you can read about those challenges he faced, the friends he made who assisted him in meeting those challenges, and have a better understanding of the impact those years had in shaping his character.

You can read how a deserted town is reborn and partially reconstructed into a living tribute to Abraham Lincoln and to the many early settlers of small towns similar to this one that quickly sprang up across the country, and just as quickly faded away.

There is a lot more (like the Ann Rutledge relationship) , but you will appreciate this book more if you read it rather than me tell you about it. I can highly recommend it.

What a terrific book!

Awesome. Joe you are without equal. The Lincoln world is made even more rich in knowledge thanks to you.

Book review from the Illinois Times. Article written by Evelyn Taylor titled "A New History of New Salem"

https://illinoistimes.com/article-18623-...salem.html