Differ We Must

How Lincoln Succeeded in a Divided America

By: Steve Inskeep

Narrated by: Steve Inskeep

Length: 8 hrs and 57 mins

Publisher's summary

An instant New York Times bestseller

A compelling and nuanced exploration of Abraham Lincoln’s political acumen, illuminating a great politician’s strategy in a country divided—and lessons for our own disorderly present

In 1855, with the United States at odds over slavery, the lawyer Abraham Lincoln wrote a note to his best friend, the son of a Kentucky slaveowner. Lincoln rebuked his friend for failing to oppose slavery. But he added: “If for this you and I must differ, differ we must,” and said they would be friends forever. Throughout his life and political career, Lincoln often agreed to disagree. Democracy demanded it, since even an adversary had a vote. The man who went on to become America’s sixteenth president has assumed many roles in our historical consciousness, but most notable is that he was, unapologetically, a politician. And as Steve Inskeep argues, it was because he was willing to engage in politics—meeting with critics, sometimes working with them and other times outwitting them—that he was able to lead a social revolution.

In Differ We Must, Inskeep illuminates Lincoln’s life through sixteen encounters, some well-known, some obscure, but all imbued with new significance here. Each interaction was with a person who differed from Lincoln, and in each someone wanted something from the other. While Lincoln didn’t always change his critics’ beliefs—many went to war against him—he did learn how to make his beliefs actionable. He told jokes, relied on sarcasm, and often made fun of himself—but behind the banter was a distinguished storyteller who carefully chose what to say and what to withhold. He knew his limitations and, as history came to prove, he knew how to prioritize. Many of his greatest acts came about through his engagement with people who disagreed with him—meaning that in these meetings, Lincoln became the Lincoln we know.

As the host of NPR’s Morning Edition for almost two decades, Inskeep has mastered the art of bridging divides and building constructive debate in interviews; in Differ We Must, he brings his skills to bear on a prior master, forming a fresh and compelling narrative of Lincoln’s life. With rich detail and enlightening commentary, Inskeep expands our understanding of a politician who held strong to his moral compass while navigating between corrosive political factions, one who began his career in the minority party and not only won the majority but succeeded in uniting a nation.

©2023 Steve Inskeep (P)2023 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

“Presidential historians love to claim at the beginning of a biography that they will demonstrate some remarkable evolution by the end, but it’s often imperceptible in the pages between. In Inskeep’s hands, by contrast, Lincoln advances as a person and a politician. To a large extent, Inskeep shows, the president’s growth was a product of his ability to interact patiently with others, even when their conduct or character was troubling . . . Inskeep’s Lincoln isn’t yet the Great Emancipator we know; the famously self-taught, craggy-faced, frontier-raised man figures out how to get there through these conversations. He understood that people were motivated by self-interest, but delineating that interest was an art. He wasn’t precious about who he spoke to, and he was always compassionate . . . Differ We Must offers important parallels with the present . . . The key to preserving democracy in a moment of crisis, Inskeep reminds us, is electing a leader who is committed to something far greater than himself: America.” —The Washington Post

“Inskeep details how much Lincoln’s political skill was a part of the late president’s legacy and character . . . The brisk biography, filled with lively anecdotes and interesting analysis, offers more than enough to stand out among recent additions to the collection of Lincoln biographies.” —Associated Press

“Abraham Lincoln’s ambidextrous political acumen is the focus of journalist and public radio personality Inskeep (Imperfect Union) . . . The energetic narrative and intriguing cast of characters keep things moving . . . Lincoln buffs will relish this unique account.” —Publishers Weekly

A Deeper Understanding

Viewing Lincoln through his interactions with specific individuals throughout his life brought a more nuanced understanding of the lens through which Lincoln saw the world. His belief that self-interest ruled people was the foundation from which his relationships were developed never losing sight of his goals.

Outstanding.

Clear presentation of the interactions Lincoln had, similar to the success of the gospels through the ages.

a great variety of perspectives and people

The differing perspectives from friends and foes and those who had been both, famous or not, was entertaining and enlightening.

The brevity, which did not preclude depth

I liked Inskeep’s focus on the political Lincoln, the way he thought and the way he dealt with people.

Love the Connection

Of Lincoln and Frederick Douglass, Steve’s voice is comforting and I always think of him as being informative

Excellent

To the point, Enjoyable. I love looking at perspectives on Lincoln's thinking. While such matters are well covered, Mr. In sleep has navigated the terrain well. I delighted listening and marvel at his narrative abilities.

A great story read by a familiar voice

I very much enjoyed the familiar voice of Steve Inskeep reading his interesting work
on Lincoln and the people who surrounded him. Lincoln’s life is my favorite historical subject, and I enjoyed this fresh approach to better understanding the man and his circumstances.

Outstanding!!

One of my favorite books to read this year! I would highly recommend this book.

the details of Lincoln's political journeys

Author narration was greatly appreciated. The connection to modern politics and that of lincoln's day was also fascinating.

I could listen to this again and again.

I would not say that I believe in love at first sight, but when I was grudgingly walking through the book store this book caught my eye. I decided to open it up to pass the time while my boyfriend shopped, but I was soon captivated so that I had to buy it. The audiobook reader had a soothing voice and I finished this book faster than I expected. There is so much to be learned and I enjoyed the journey. I highly recommend this book.