Flatboatman Book

THE STORY: The action begins as the young Abe Lincoln arrives in New Salem, Illinois, having decided to leave his life on the river to clerk in the general store. Abe's physical strength and humorous stories soon impress the townspeople, and he becomes a hero when he thrashes the local bullies. Then romance blossoms when he meets the lovely Anne Rutledge, and his political career begins when the town leaders persuade him to run for the state legislature. But Anne sickens and dies, and Abe's rival wins the election, and a saddened Lincoln turns back to his books and the arduous task of teaching himself the law. In his second try as a candidate, however, Abe wins the day, and as the play ends he is carried off on the shoulders of his supporters, ready to depart for Springfield and the memorable, fateful years which the future would bring.First presented on national television, this warm-hearted, lively play details the New Salem years of the young Abe Lincoln the crucial years which helped shape him from a rawboned riverboat man into the forceful statesman destined to lead the nation.