And There Was Light: Abraham Lincoln and the American Struggle

I am a big fan of both Meacham and Lincoln. I believe that “And There Was Light” is a truthful, unbiased nonfiction account of American history that deserves five stars. Abraham Lincoln guided our nation through its most perilous times. I read the hardback version and it worked well with my reading glasses. The story flowed smoothly from start to finish and was a very good read. I think this book should be part of every high school history/civics curriculum with a student evaluation prior to graduation. To be clear, Abraham Lincoln’s vision was the union without slavery. His was the just and honorable cause to align our values with those described in the Declaration of Independence – all men are created equal with the very basic human rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. This cause was patriotic and defined America. His goal was accomplished but only after the American Civil War claimed an estimated 750,000 combatants. In retrospect and very simply stated, the confederate cause was unjust, dishonorable, unpatriotic and morally offensive. The just cause prevailed and the union was restored. However, the confederates chose to replace slavery with white supremacy and segregation. White supremacy was, is and always will be domestic terrorism in political, social and economic terms and strategies. Even today, it also often delivers both overt/covert discrimination, harassment and physical violence. It is unamerican and not patriotic. As Meacham wraps up his book, Lincoln is described as having had the following leadership qualities: “absolute truth, stern resolution, clear insight, solemn faithfulness, courage that cannot be daunted and hopefulness that cannot be dashed.” I would only add that Abraham Lincoln was a unique, tireless, selfless servant to our nation, its laws and We the People. He gave the last full measure and we all (past, present and future citizens) should be eternally grateful for his sacrifice. To sound the clarion call in 2023, there is a sizeable minority amongst us and in our government bodies. This modern day white supremist, right wing conservative movement is neither patriotic nor American. It was clearly on display at our nation’s Capital on January 6th. It is the essence of pure evil. It is a clear and present danger and there is no Lincoln like American hero/leader to get our democratic republic experiment back on track to shine the light of hope and liberty across the world. Footnote: My family and I were finally notified to appear before the U.S. District Court of the Eastern District of North Carolina in Fayetteville, NC on 11/30/1966. This to be the final task to obtain our US citizenship. It had taken 2 years and some money to get to this point. The presiding judge was Samuel A. Howard. We appeared before him separately. His duty was to evaluate our ability to speak and comprehend English. His question to me: “Who was Abraham Lincoln?” My response was: “Abraham Lincoln was the President of the United States who freed the slaves.” His response: “No, that is not correct. Abraham Lincoln saved the union.” My response: “Why yes, he did but he also freed the slaves. Was I now disqualified for citizenship?” He replied: "No, you are not disqualified." Later that day, he administered the oath and we became US citizens. That is one pursuit that I have never regretted.

From the outset, it's clear that Mitchun has a deep and abiding reverence for Abraham Lincoln, and this comes through in the meticulous research and attention to detail that he brings to his subject. The book is a comprehensive examination of Lincoln's life, from his humble beginnings to his rise to the presidency and the ultimate sacrifice he made for his country. What sets "And There Was Light" apart from other works on Lincoln is the way that Mitchun situates the president within the larger context of American history. Mitchun deftly weaves in discussions of the Civil War, the abolitionist movement, and other key events and figures of the time, showing how Lincoln's actions and decisions were shaped by the complex political and social landscape of the era. Despite its length and scholarly tone, "And There Was Light" is an accessible and engaging work that will appeal to both casual readers and serious students of history. The writing is clear and compelling, and Mitchun's passion for his subject shines through on every page. Overall, "And There Was Light" is a masterful work of historical scholarship that provides a rich and nuanced portrait of Abraham Lincoln and the world in which he lived. It's a must-read for anyone interested in American history or the life of one of its most iconic figures.

Great read ... Illuminating narrative about one of greatest presidents. Learned things about him and his personal values and beliefs I knew little of.

Jon Meacham is one of our finest American historians and Presidential biographers. In this era in which far too many are either unaware of, or have forgotten, American history, his books are there for the ages. It is therefore no surprise that despite the thousands of books on Abraham Lincoln that Meacham still tackles the subject head-on. Though he does not appear to have broken any new ground, Meacham provides an eloquent retelling of the life of Lincoln. Not overlooking Lincoln’s faults, Meacham convincingly demonstrates how Lincoln gradually advanced in his racial views. It seemed the more Lincoln studied the issue of slavery the more he hardened in his determination to end it. Frederick Douglass was no doubt a huge influence on Lincoln. Still, had Lincoln not been “practical” and a disciple of gradualism until the time was right, Lincoln would not have become President and then taken the bold steps needed to end slavery. Our nation owes Abraham Lincoln a debt it can never repay. Meacham is terrific in reinforcing these themes and leaving his readers with the impression of how unique a man Lincoln was and how right he was for the times. Meacham’s treatment of the tumultuous times just before Lincoln’s swearing-in as President in March 1860, including those who threatened violence and wanted Vice-President John Breckinridge (a future Confederate general) to refuse to certify the electoral vote from each State, is a chilling reminder how easily Americans can forget and/or ignore their history. The quotes from Winfield Scott about taking actions against those lawless miscreants who wanted to stop the electoral count are timeless and priceless. There are other dramatic moments related in the book. Why then can I not give this book 5 stars? A number of problems, some small. The largest problem I have is the narrative becomes dense at times, almost as if I was a student in a graduate level course in college. The second large problem is the excessive amount of quotations that at times seem to overwhelm the narrative. I enjoy quotes as much as the average history reader, but at times I felt as if I was fighting through the brush of the Wilderness in May 1864 that Union and Confederate soldiers encountered. This problem in particular took away from my enjoyment of the author’s treatment of Lincoln’s second inaugural address in 1864. Compare Meacham’s account with that of Ronald White in his biography, A. Lincoln, and you will easily see how much more accessible White’s account is to the average reader versus the Ph.D version provided by Meacham. I also felt some subjects were given short shrift in sacrifice to unnecessary extended quotes and intellectual analysis, sometimes on minor points. Another reoccurring problem for me was in the photographs and illustrations in the book. While I have no objection in looking at new faces, far too many “unknowns” are included in this book for whom recollection afterwards is only ephemeral at best. Still, Meacham’s book stands near, though not in, the top rank of biographies on Abraham Lincoln. For my money, Ronald White’s biography and Doris Kearns Goodwin’s Team of Rivals collectively provide the best narrative on Abraham Lincoln’s life (still waiting for Sidney Blumenthal to complete his five-volume biography before I pass judgment).

An excellent single volume biography of Lincoln focusing on his presidency. Jon Meacham tackles his subject with characteristic verve and the entertaining narrative skill that sets him apart from the pack of uninspiring historians.

In this world of chaos and confusion abraham lincoln's memory does shed light. As the first citizen of the United States and its consistently greatest president he was tough but human and had a cause greater than himself which is what historian jon meacham brought out beautifully. A really good read for people who wish to expand their horizons and understand deeper matters.

This is a very nteresting biography. It is different than many, it analyzes Lincoln’s inner thoughts and moral judgments.

interesting as always to read about this great person

Chegou ok