What type of source is Abraham Lincoln's campaign button if found in a book?

The correct answer is that Abraham Lincoln's campaign button is considered a primary source if it is found in a book, specifically due to its original significance as a campaign item used during his election. A primary source provides direct or firsthand evidence about an event, object, person, or work of art from the time it was created or used.

When a campaign button is analyzed or discussed in a book, the book itself serves as a secondary source because it reflects on and interprets the artifact rather than presenting the button as an original document or item. Secondary sources summarize, interpret, or analyze primary sources and often include textbooks, articles, or biographies.

Understanding this distinction highlights the importance of differentiating between original artifacts and scholarly interpretations. The campaign button, being a physical object related to Lincoln's campaign, would retain its primary status if examined directly, but in a book context, it is typically viewed through the lens of the author's analysis, thus classifying the book as a secondary source.