Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter

Abraham Lincoln to this day remains a stable media icon. From books to movies, the 16^th President has been portrayed in various forms starting from his death and well into the 21^st century. His incredible success while President, overall stature as a man, and iconic hat have all helped to make him such interesting character to portray.

               

 So, for the sheer purpose of this blog, I will unwillingly admit that I am also a big fan of Stephanie Meyers’ Twilight Saga. I have read all four books and have even been one of the crazed fans at the midnight movie premiere showings. I would like to disclaim that I have grown out of my vampire phase but the intrigue is still there. That’s why when I saw the book Abraham Lincoln:  

Vampire Hunter, I couldn’t pass up an opportunity read a story based on two of my obsessions.

Written by Seth Grahame-Smith, the story begins with a young Abraham Lincoln kneeling at his sick mother’s death bed in their infamous one-room cabin in Indiana. It was said that Lincoln’s mother died of what they used to call “Milk Sickness” and following her death, young Lincoln is presented with horrifying news - his mothers fatal death was actually the work of a vampire.  

“Gifted with legendary height, strength, and skill with an ax, Abe sets out on a path of vengeance that will lead him all the way to the White House.”  The story masterfully combines his victories in the White House such as the saving of the Union and freeing millions of slaves, and adds Lincoln’s own personal battles with immortals.

To read this book and enjoy it you do not have to like vampires or even have an interest in the life of Abraham Lincoln, but it is surely a fascinating book. Seth Graham-Smith successfully combines real historical facts with a vengeful twist of a son trying to avenge his mother’s death. It is also reported that the book will be made into a movie that is expected to be released in 2012. Now we can add one more Abraham Lincoln-based Hollywood creation to the long and growing list.

Priceless Words

 
Last Sunday (September 11th, 2011) was the 10 year anniversary of 9-11; a day when our nation's patriotism and nationalism we're put to the test. Our homeland was attacked by a foreign enemy and their acts of terrorism brought deaths in grueling numbers as well as memories we will never be able to shake. FoundersofAmerica.com created a special September 11th tribute page and included pictures of the disaster attached with quotations from various political and national figures. These quotes ranged from former President George W. Bush to another former President, Abraham Lincoln.

... in a larger sense, we can not dedicate --

we can not consecrate -- we can not hallow --

this ground. The brave men, living and dead,

who struggled here, have consecrated it,

far above our poor power to add or detract.

(Gettysburg, Nov. 19th, 1863)

These words hold profound meaning to a nation at war. We cannot take back what has been done, nor will we dwell on what we cannot change. I find Abraham Lincoln to be a man of advanced rhetoric. His incredible way with words was one of his greatest gifts that helped create his path to the White House. Like the 2nd George W. Bush, Lincoln was President for a nation at war. From the Civil War to the War on Terrorism, both men faced great obstacles and challenges while in the White House. In breaking down this quote, I found it amazing how it can still hold truth and value over a century later.

... in a larger sense, we can not dedicate --

we can not consecrate -- we can not hallow --

this ground.

In this quote, Abraham Lincoln is speaking of Gettysburg, the Civil War battle where almost fifty-thousand Union and Confederate soldiers lost their lives. The ground where the battle had been fought has become a marker, a symbol of all that has been lost. The same is also true with Ground Zero. Where the Twin Towers once stood is now far more nostalgic and monumental due to the disaster that occurred on that very plot of land. We can never build over or cover up the damaged land in hopes of erasing the memories. Gettysburg shows a once damaged nation and the sacrifices that occurred to rebuild and strengthen it. Ground Zero symbolizes the enemies that wish to do our country harm and our ability to prevail through hardship.

The brave men, living and dead,

who struggled here, have consecrated it,

far above our poor power to add or detract.

Where American lives have been lost, that land will now symbolize their struggles and honor the life of the departed. For every life lost at Gettysburg or on 9-11, there is no building big enough or tall enough to cover the land where our nation's brothers and sisters fell. There is no man power strong enough to rebuild on the lives of men and women who called themselves Americans. From the Civil War, through the World Wars, to the War on Terrorism, there is nothing that can or ever will mask the importance of an American life.

Honest Abe

I wish I could tell you why I have a fascination with Abraham Lincoln. Really, I wish I could. I have always been interested in history; especially the pre and post Civil War era. So, recently in the past year I began to read books on Abraham Lincoln in my free time and instantly became addicted to Lincoln's life and his family line. I understand this isn't your average blog where people will be itching to write a comment but I do hope by sharing my slightly above amateur knowledge, I can help other people to understand more about the 16th President's life and perhaps find the information interesting enough to share their own thoughts. Enjoy!