John George Nicolay

Book Cover Design

Client: UT Press
Art Direction and Design: Elisa Razak

Throughout Lincoln’s tenure in the White House, John George Nicolay served as his closest confidant. His appointment as personal secretary was Lincoln’s first official act in his administration, which became in effect its first chief of state. Nicolay kept the White House running smoothly and allowed Lincoln to focus on his top priorities. He continued his service after Lincoln’s death by coauthoring, with John Hay, the first thoroughly documented account of Lincoln’s life and administration. The book turns the spotlight onto a man who devoted his life’s work to the legacy of another.