by Gemma Watters

February 12th, 2009, marks the 200th anniversary of the birth of Abraham Lincoln, and it has brought new focus on — and new books about — the 16th president of the United States. At the top of our pile is one about Lincoln's tragic death. "Oh no!" I hear you cry. "Another book about Lincoln?" Yes, but this one has been sourced from previously unpublished journal entries, diaries and letters. Historian and former journalist Anthony S. Pitch is the author of the "They Have Killed Papa Dead!" He also gives Lincoln tours around Washington, including a stop just two blocks from NPR — at the house where the assassination plot was hatched. And he tells Liane Hansen about the conspiracy to murder the president, the controversy around the plotters' trial by military tribunal, and how they were held in horrific conditions that nearly drove them mad. Listen to their conversation to find out the details!

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  • Anthony S. Pitch poses in front of the Surratt Boarding House plaque that explains the history of the building.
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    Anthony S. Pitch poses in front of the Surratt Boarding House plaque that explains the history of the building.
  • The former boarding house is now a Chinese restaurant called Wok n Roll.
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    The former boarding house is now a Chinese restaurant called Wok n Roll.
  • Anthony S. Pitch stands between history and the present.
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    Anthony S. Pitch stands between history and the present.
  • "Wok n Roll: Chinese N Japanese Fine Cuisine".
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    "Wok n Roll: Chinese N Japanese Fine Cuisine".
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Kathryn Dalrymple, NPR Weekend Edition

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