"I used to be a slave" - Boyhood and Adolescence in Indiana
This chapter begins with an account of the Lincoln family's difficult move to Indiana and the intense labor it took to build a home there. The Indiana years were marked by the death of Lincoln's mother and the introduction of Lincoln's stepmother, the woman who cultivated his interests and encouraged his education. We get a clear understanding of the role that learning and education played in his life, his developing personality, work ethic and religious views.

"Separated from his father, he studied English Grammar" - New Salem (1831-1834)
Chapter 3 begins with a description of the business ventures that Lincoln participated in and leads to several anecdotes which give us a clear idea of the character and personality of the future president. We get a true understanding of his years in New Salem and his experiences there as he progresses from store clerk, to soldier, frontier merchant, surveyor, postmaster, political personality and on to the state legislature.

"A Napoleon of astuteness and political finesse" - Frontier Legislature (1834-1837)
This chapter goes further into Lincoln's law studies and political career as a legislator and outlines the ideologies that shape his presidency. We also learn of his relationship with Ann Rutledge, whose passing leads him into a severe depression.