Lincoln and the Fight for Peace

By: John Avlon

Narrated by: John Avlon

Length: 11 hrs

Publisher's Summary

A groundbreaking and “affecting and powerful” (The New York Times Book Review) history of Abraham Lincoln’s plan to secure a just and lasting peace after the Civil War—a vision that inspired future presidents as well as the world’s most famous peacemakers.

As the tide of the Civil War turned in the spring of 1865, Abraham Lincoln took a dangerous two-week trip to visit the troops on the front lines accompanied by his young son, seeing combat up close, meeting liberated slaves in the ruins of Richmond, and comforting wounded Union and Confederate soldiers.

The power of Lincoln’s personal example in the closing days of the war offers a portrait of a peacemaker. He did not demonize people he disagreed with. He used humor, logic, and scripture to depolarize bitter debates. Balancing moral courage with moderation, Lincoln believed that decency could be the most practical form of politics, but he understood that people were more inclined to listen to reason when greeted from a position of strength. Ulysses S. Grant’s famously generous terms of surrender to General Robert E. Lee at Appomattox that April were an expression of a president’s belief that a soft peace should follow a hard war.

While his assassination sent the country careening off course, Lincoln’s vision would be vindicated long after his death, inspiring future generations in their own quests to secure a just and lasting peace. As US General Lucius Clay, architect of the post-WWII German occupation said when asked what guided his decisions: “I tried to think of the kind of occupation the South would have had if Abraham Lincoln had lived.”

Lincoln and the Fight for Peace reveals with “its graceful prose and wise insights” (Jon Meacham, Pulitzer Prize–winning author of The Soul of America) how Lincoln’s character informed his commitment to unconditional surrender followed by a magnanimous peace. Even during the Civil War, surrounded by reactionaries and radicals, he refused to back down from his belief that there is more that unites us than divides us. But he also understood that peace needs to be waged with as much intensity as war. Lincoln’s plan to win the peace is his unfinished symphony, but in its existing notes, we can find an anthem that can begin to bridge our divisions today.

©2022 John Avlon. All rights reserved. (P)2022 Simon & Schuster, Inc. All rights reserved.

Gets a little repetitive.

The story/history is important. Overly wordy.

PS Not sure why reviews must be at least 15 words.

Outstanding!

Great story. A new look at Lincoln and peace. Excellent narration as well. Interesting insight on modern post war efforts.

A great story about a great man

This should be required reading for everyone in today's America. Amid all the dissension and conflict, we must remember that we are all Americans. What unites us far outweighs what divides us. If we are to remain that bright shining city on a hill then we must get our affairs in order and not become, once again, a house divided. Instead, we must summon our better angels - with malice toward none and charity to all. Thank you, Mr. Avlon. Thank you, Mr. Lincoln.

Fascinating!

I knew little of Lincoln and this book really brought to light fully the roll as president Lincoln was and his legacy went on through the 20th century to today. I highly recommend listening to the biography of Lincoln.

Great book

I have recommended this book so so many people. It has been one of my favorite books and maybe the best book I have ever read.

One of the best! Captures the man and legacy!

Required reading in today’s world. Timeless lessons that are as important as ever. We should all strive to be more like Lincoln, especially our current leaders. John Avlon gives an amazing account and his narration is second to none!

perfect explanation

loved this book! this should be a book that is required in all high schools. the story of how much Lincoln not only did but how much he left for us the continue to learn