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AND THERE WAS LIGHT Abraham Lincoln and the American
Struggle By Jon Meacham A SAINT JULIAN PRESS BOOK REVIEW Written by Publisher/CEO/Executive
Editor – Ron Starbuck |
A New Birth of
Freedom
In his compelling new book, Jon Meacham invites us
into a profound remembrance that not only renews our understanding of American democracy
but also bridges the gaps between our nation's past, present, and future. And There Was Light: Abraham Lincoln and
the American Struggle embarks on a historical journey, engaging us in the
rigorous practice of democracy. This
praxis demands continuous effort and reflection. Through the life of Abraham Lincoln, Meacham
brings to life a time when the country was deeply divided, drawing compelling
parallels to today's challenges. As we
navigate our tumultuous era, Lincoln's story becomes a beacon, guiding us
through the darkness with the promise of insight and understanding.
Jon Meacham, a Pulitzer Prize-winning historian known
for his ability to weave comprehensive research into engaging narratives,
challenges us once more. In And There
Was Light, Meacham explores the depths of Lincoln's character, revealing
not just a revered leader but a man of profound humanity, beset with doubts and
imperfections. Meacham’s portrayal of
Lincoln is a testament to the power of resilience and the human capacity for
greatness despite flaws. This narrative
serves as a mirror, reflecting the virtues and vices inherent in us all, and in
doing so, it invites every American to see themselves in Lincoln's story.
By chronicling Lincoln’s life and revealing his soul,
Meacham challenges us to envision a greater sense of who we are as a nation and
people. He asks every American to answer
the call of history for today in a powerful way. America can only see a vision of our future
by knowing our past. Meacham admonishes
us to understand our place in history and within the world as a nation
faithfully devoted to human liberty and equality. It is a lesson America must learn anew and
rededicate themselves to in every generation.
This book goes beyond a simple biography; it is a call
to action. Meacham urges us to delve
into the annals of history, to see in Lincoln's struggles and triumphs a path
forward for our fractured times. He
argues that a true understanding of our past, with all its complexities and
contradictions, is essential for envisioning a future where democracy
thrives. In a time when the ideals of
liberty and equality are still contested, Lincoln's legacy reminds us of the
enduring strength of these principles.
Meacham's narrative is grounded in rigorous academic
scholarship, yet the humanizing details of Lincoln’s life make the story
resonate so deeply. By showing us
Lincoln's vulnerabilities—his moments of doubt, his moral quandaries—Meacham
reveals the full spectrum of his humanity.
This approach brings Lincoln closer to us and underscores the idea that
greatness is not the absence of a flaw but the courage to overcome it.
In the book's poignant epilogue, “Epilogue: I See Now
the Wisdom of His Course,” Meacham reflects on Lincoln's enduring legacy
against the backdrop of segregation and the ongoing struggle for racial
justice. Here, the words of W.E.B. Du
Bois in 1922 echo through time, reminding us that Lincoln's greatness lay not
in perfection but in his ability to rise above his circumstances and
flaws. This message is particularly
resonant today as we grapple with our own social and political divisions. Du Bois's homage to Lincoln serves as a
strong reminder that every individual has the potential to effect profound
change.
The Lincoln
legend grew as the shadows of segregation lengthened. His virtues were noted, as well as his
vices—virtues and vices that were also evident in the American populace, for
they were the virtues and vices common to the mass of humankind. “Abraham Lincoln was perhaps the greatest
figure of the nineteenth century,” W.E.B. Du Bois wrote in 1922. “I love him not because he was perfect but
because he was not and yet triumphed.
The world is full of illegitimate children. The world is full of folk whose taste was
educated in the gutter. The world is
full of people born hating and despising their fellows. To these, I love to say: See this man. He was one of you, and yet he became Abraham
Lincoln.” 1
And There Was Light is more than a historical account;
it is a meditation on the practice of democracy itself. Meacham shows us that democracy is not a
static inheritance but a living practice, demanding active participation,
empathy, and a willingness to engage with complex and uncomfortable
truths. Lincoln's life and leadership
offer valuable lessons in resilience, humility, and the unwavering pursuit of
justice as we look to the future.
By connecting the past with the present, Meacham
honors Lincoln's legacy and illuminates a path forward for America. In understanding how Lincoln navigated the
perils of his time, we find wisdom for our own.
This book is a clarion call to all Americans to embrace the lessons of
history, to understand our place in the ongoing story of democracy, and to
answer the call of our time with courage and conviction.
In the end, And There Was Light is not just a
recounting of history; it is an invitation to reflection and action. Meacham challenges us to see in Lincoln's
story a mirror for our own times and a guide for the future. As we face the challenges of our era, we are
reminded that, like Lincoln, we, too, can strive for a better nation. Through Meacham's narrative, we are
encouraged to engage with our past, confront our present, and work towards a
future where the ideals of democracy, liberty, and equality are not just
aspirations but realities.
With this book, Jon Meacham offers a richly detailed portrait
of one of America’s most revered figures and a profound commentary on the
essence of American democracy. It is a
testament to the idea that understanding our history, in all its complexity, is
crucial for navigating the challenges of today and shaping a more hopeful
tomorrow. And There Was Light
stands as a beacon, urging us to reflect on our shared past, recognize our
present responsibilities, and reimagine our collective future with Abraham
Lincoln’s enduring spirit as our guide.
This is the lesson each American must take away from
Jon Meacham’s narrative and chronicle of Lincoln’s life and time. Looking back, we understand the present and
envision a future for America. We must
take W.E.B. Du Bois's last phrase to heart and understand intimately how time
past becomes present and future.
“He was one of you, and yet he became Abraham
Lincoln.” In its admonishment and
austerity, we must hear the entire message and answer the call whole and
un-transfigured in this hour, becoming Lincoln.
Ron Starbuck
Publisher/ CEO/Executive Editor
Saint Julian Press, Inc. © 2024
Footnote
1.
Meacham, Jon. And There Was Light (p. 568). Random
House Publishing Group. Kindle Edition.
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