All This Marvelous Potential
- 280 pages
- 10 hours of reading
Matthew Algeo delves into the unusual and compelling events of American history, often weaving his own experiences into narratives told in the third person. As a journalist, his work has spanned four continents, earning a place on prominent U.S. public radio programs. Algeo's distinctive approach brings a unique perspective to his writing, inviting readers to explore the less-traveled paths of American folklore and history. His narrative style offers a captivating blend of personal reflection and historical inquiry.


In early 1861, as he prepared to move into the White House, Abraham Lincoln dreaded telling his two youngest sons that the family's beloved pet dog, Fido, would not be accompanying them to Washington. Lincoln was afraid the skittish dog wouldn't survive the long rail journey, so he decided to leave the mutt behind with friends in Springfield. Abe & Fido tells the story of two friends, an unlikely tandem who each became famous and died prematurely. It also explores the everyday life of Springfield in the years leading up to the Civil War, as well as Lincoln's sometimes radical views on animal welfare, and how they shaped his life and his presidency. It's the story of a master and his dog, living through historic, tumultuous times.