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Abraham Lincoln.  Our 16th president.  Old Honest Abe, ruminating on the fate of the union in a stovepipe hat perched over his craggy face and beard -- don't forget the beard.  That's how the legend goes. But is that how the facts go?  

In the 142 years since Lincoln's assassination, the myths and legends surrounding our iconic president have only grown. But Weekly Standard senior editor Andrew Ferguson argues that in some ways, Lincoln's status has shrunk.  

In Ferguson's new book, "Land of Lincoln: Adventures in Abe's America," he spends time with Lincoln buffs and Lincoln haters -- not to mention Lincoln impersonators.  He visits the sites and handles the artifacts.  

And he discovers that today's Lincoln looks a lot like us.  Ferguson talked with Minnesota Public Radio's Tom Crann.

Gallery

Lessons from Lincoln

Nine brave men who changed America

Goodwin on Lincoln

While following the people who collect, sell, honor -- and impersonate -- the legacy of Abraham Lincoln, Andrew Ferguson discovered how eager we are to see ourselves in the 16th president.

An honest look at America's Lincoln obsession

Go Deeper.

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