Review: And There Was Light: Abraham Lincoln and the American Struggle

And There Was Light: Abraham Lincoln and the American Struggle by Jon Meacham
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

(Audible version) With so many books about Abraham Lincoln, I was curious how the esteemed Jon Meacham would handle his contribution. I recently completed Carl Sandburg's legendary biography which is wonderfully written and very detailed. With that and all the other accounts of Lincoln what could be added or from what perspective? While Meacham follows Lincoln's life in chronological order like most biographies, in this book he examines or expands insight into Lincoln's growth personally, politically, and morally. When most of us learn or hear about Lincoln it's about who he was at the end. A snapshot at the end of his life cut short by an assassin's bullet. What Meacham explores is how he became who he was.

My only critique is that, at times, it felt like a "puff" piece about Lincoln. That is why only 4 stars. He wasn't always what he was in the end. He was on a journey and changed and changed. Politically, he was firm and pragmatic. He did have a knack of sensing where he could go politically without getting too far ahead.

So, as a biography, this isn't one if you're looking for one that concentrates on the chronological telling of a person's story. There are plenty of other Lincoln books that do that. This explores his personal growth morally, politically, and personally. I do recommend it if that's what you're looking for.

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