Reviews for Was Abraham Lincoln a Spiritualist or Curious Revelations from the Life of a Trance Medium

The average rating for Was Abraham Lincoln a Spiritualist or Curious Revelations from the Life of a Trance Medium based on 2 reviews is 5 stars.

Review # 1 was written on 2015-03-19 00:00:00 Roy Barquet Outstanding book, Ms. Pendleton. Linda Pendleton's penchant for taking the best of early American century literature--particularly the California pioneers and 19th century Spiritualists--puts its best foot forward in this reprinting of Nettie Colburn Maynard's recollections of séances and circles with then President Abraham Lincoln and family. I'm no believer in such things--in fact, Linda knows that one of my books, "The Pinkerton Years," infers there is (often) something inexact even misleading to those who deal with the departed. But Maynard's remembrances are sweet and, at times, convincing that Ronald Reagan's White House wasn't the first to seek wisdom from another dimension. Pendleton's knowledge of the 19th century Spiritualist movement is more than satisfactory. I'll be reading other reprints in her series, having enjoyed her writing in other genres. There are no complaints here, as the book deals with differences of opinion regarding the late president, even inferring--though it's beyond the book's scope--which additional voices might be read to address the question of Lincoln's Spiritualist leanings. Much appreciated. Recommended for those interested in Lincoln or the history of an enduring, albeit alternative, religious vision.

Review # 2 was written on 2013-08-10 00:00:00 Maria Cortese A book about the experience of the medium Nettie Colburn Maaynard. She describes how her gift of trance developed, and how she began reading for high society in Washington D. C. Eventually she read for first lady Mrs. Lincoln, who was so impressed she insisted that her husband Abraham Lincoln attend some seances. Spirit encouraged President Lincoln to issue the Emancipation Proclaimation.