THIS IS REALLY a dual biography of a mutually devoted father and son—Abraham Lincoln and the inseparable companion of his relaxed hours, lively young Thomas, called Tad because his "Paw" thought his baby antics in the tub resembled those of a tadpole.

From a delightful and revealing collection of historical facts and true anecdotes, John D. Weaver, a skilled and sympathetic short story writer and novelist, has built up a warm and fascinating narrative portrait of the great Civil War President, seen from the fresh and uninhibited point of view of his favorite son, his "troublesome sunshine."

The book covers those important years between the time when the family of the remarkable, humble lawyer grew and shared every joy and sorrow together in Springfield, Illinois, on through the distracted war-torn days of President Lincoln in the White House, where his family meant perhaps even more to him—especially young Tad!

Abraham Lincoln said, "Love is a chain whereby to bind a child to its parents." Surely Tad Lincoln proved this to be most happily true. As one of Lincoln's friends remarked: "His gaiety and affection illumined the darkest hours of the greatest American who ever lived."

Robert Hanville's pictures help to make this book outstanding Americana.

From the dust jacket