A Lincoln The Crucible of Congress Author:Paul Findley Lincoln scholars from around the country laud Findley's book as an unsurpassed account of Lincoln's short career in the House of Representatives. Findley, who served in Congress for 22 years, represented the same district in Illinois that Lincoln represented. In 2003, Burkhimer selected 100 essential Lincoln books for collectors and students o... more »f Lincoln. "A. Lincoln: The Crucible of Congress" is one of the 100 essential books on Lincoln.« less