In “Born Equal,” Akhil Reed Amar paints a sprawling portrait of 19th-century America in thrall to its founding moment.

Just in time for President’s Weekend and the February 12 birthday of the 16th U.S. President Abraham Lincoln, a new book traces how the Civil War leader talked about democracy throughout his career.

Washington (CNN) — On a Tuesday evening in the nation’s capital, a clock chimes loudly just as Harold Holzer is about to make a point. “There’s Lincoln, echoing,” Holzer says. The quip draws laughs ...