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TL;DR: Abraham Lincoln keeps a secret journal in which he reveals that he was a vampire hunter throughout his life. After his mother's death at the hands of a vampire, Lincoln vows revenge and fights vampires who are tied to slavery and the Civil War.
Table of Contents
Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter at a Glance
| Author | Seth Grahame-Smith |
| First published | 2010 |
| Type | Alternate-history horror |
| Best for | readers who like mash-up novels |
Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter is a novel by Seth Grahame-Smith, first published in 2010. The novel is a mash-up of history and horror, presented as a biography. It was adapted into a 2012 film. Below you will find a part-by-part summary, five key takeaways, a few ideas worth remembering and a note on who will enjoy it most. The part-by-part section gives away the plot, including the ending, so skip it if you have not read the book yet.
Content note: Contains violence and graphic horror.
What Happens, Part by Part (Contains Spoilers)
A boy's loss
Young Abraham's mother dies mysteriously.
The hunt begins
He learns that vampires exist.
Training
Henry Sturges teaches him to hunt.
Politics
Lincoln enters politics while hunting.
The Civil War
The vampires support the Confederacy.
The end
The war ends. Lincoln's fate follows.
The Summary at a Glance
| Part | In one line |
|---|---|
| A boy's loss | Young Abraham's mother dies mysteriously. |
| The hunt begins | He learns that vampires exist. |
| Training | Henry Sturges teaches him to hunt. |
| Politics | Lincoln enters politics while hunting. |
| The Civil War | The vampires support the Confederacy. |
| The end | The war ends. |
5 Key Takeaways
- Alternate history can be fun.
- Evil can be tied to real injustices.
- Heroes have secrets.
- Mashups play with facts.
- History can be reimagined.
Ideas Worth Remembering
These are paraphrased, not direct quotes:
- The premise is silly but treated seriously.
- The book blends real facts and invention.
- The film is quite different.
Who Should Read Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter?
Read it if you like horror mash-ups. It is campy.
Questions to Think About After Reading
These prompts work for solo reading, a book club or a classroom discussion of Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter:
- Which character did you understand best, and what did the author do to make you feel that way?
- Which scene would you change, and what would that do to the ending?
- What does the book say about its main theme that you agree or disagree with?
Quick Facts to Remember
- Book: Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter by Seth Grahame-Smith (2010)
- Type: Alternate-history horror
- Best for: readers who like mash-up novels
- Main idea in one line: Alternate history can be fun.
Reading Time and Format
Novels differ a lot in length and pace, so check the page count of your edition before you start. If you prefer to listen, many public libraries lend audiobooks through free apps, and a narrated edition can suit a long novel well. Whichever format you choose, a library copy is a low-cost way to try the book before you buy, and used or digital editions are often cheaper than new print copies.
How to Use This Summary
Use this page as a quick reference before a book club meeting, an exam, or a decision about whether Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter is worth your time. The takeaways are written to stand on their own. If a point interests you, go back to the book for the author's full argument, examples and style, which no short summary can carry.
A simple way to get the most from it: first read the TL;DR and the takeaways to decide if the book fits your interests, then read the part-by-part section for the structure, and finally write down one idea you want to remember or one question you want answered by the full text.
A Note on Accuracy and Spoilers
This summary is based on the published text of Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter, not on any film, series or stage adaptation, which often change the story. Details are kept at the level of the main events so that nothing is invented. Editions differ slightly in length and wording, so page numbers and small details may vary from your copy.
Should You Read the Book?
If you plan to read it, set aside a few evenings and read the opening chapters before you decide. A summary tells you what happens, but the voice and pacing are what make a novel work or not. If you are still unsure, read a free sample or the first chapter, because the opening pages usually show whether the voice and subject suit you. Reviews from readers with tastes like yours can help too, but your own reaction to a few pages is the best test.
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What to Read Next
- Pride and Prejudice and Zombies by Seth Grahame-Smith: a mash-up of Austen
- Lincoln by Gore Vidal: a historical novel of Lincoln
- Team of Rivals by Doris Kearns Goodwin: a nonfiction Lincoln book
Related: 15 Books Like Abraham Lincoln, Vampire Hunter You’ll Love
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter true?
No.
Is there a film?
Yes, 2012.
What age is it for?
Adults.
Is Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter worth reading?
It depends on what you want. The book is best for readers who like mash-up novels. If that describes you, it is likely a good fit. If not, the titles under What to Read Next may suit you better.
Can this summary replace reading Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter?
No. A summary covers the main events and ideas, but it cannot carry the author's voice, detail or pacing. Use it to decide whether to read the book, to refresh your memory or to prepare for a discussion.
What are the main themes of Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter?
Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter returns again and again to a few big ideas. Alternate history can be fun. Evil can be tied to real injustices. Heroes have secrets. Mashups play with facts. History can be reimagined. The part-by-part summary above shows where each of these ideas appears in the story.