The Intimate World of Abraham Lincoln broaches a controversial subject: whether or not one of our greatest presidents was gay. If there could be conclusive proof of Lincoln’s homosexuality, it would be vindication for the gay rights movement by proving that sexual preference does not affect job performance. Perhaps, then, the government might review the military policy of “don’t ask, don’t tell."

Tripp makes a compelling case by having done meticulous research and reprinted letters from Lincoln to Joshua Fry Speed, but unless a cache of more amorous letters is found it is impossible to state unequivocally that Lincoln was our first gay President - even though Tripp found first-hand accounts of Lincoln having slept in the same bed with a few different men, even in the White House while his wife Mary Todd was away.

The Intimate World of Abraham Lincoln is a tantalizing glimpse into the life of a great, enigmatic man. The book is eminently readable and will be enjoyable for history buffs, empowering for gays and lesbians, and eye-opening for straight people, especially those who harbor animosity toward homosexuals. C.A. Tripp has written an important book that, apart from shedding a new light on history, also may open a few minds. One can only hope that it does.