The President and the Freedom Fighter: Abraham Lincoln, Frederick Douglass, and Their Battle to Save America's Soul

Another great book by Kilmeade (or whoever is writing them). Keeps your attention and great detailed facts. Highly recommend this book!

Brian Kilmeade's The President and the Freedom Fighter recounts the events leading to the abolition of slavery by intertwining the stories of the two leading figures in the movement. This is a factual analysis of events, no "moonlight and magnolias" history which glosses over the issue of slavery and its catastrophic effects on the nascent nation.Kilmeade's stated goal, "I wanted to tell a Civil War story that didn't further divide the nation while confronting the horrific era of slavery..." (257) is achieved in this engrossing volume. Furthermore, his technique of interweaving Douglas's and Lincoln's stories into a single narrative succeeds in covering a tremendous amount of ground while maintaining a brisk pace.While this book is entirely factual and contains footnotes and a bibliography, it is also a reader-friendly work of popular history. Kilmeade weaves the progression of each man from obscurity to greatness that is, while familiar to students of history, also fresh and "utterly captivating," owing to its crisp prose and intertwining technique.Kilmeade's narration and analysis of the lives of both men reads like a uniquely American "rags to riches"-esque tale. They appeared on the scene when needed the most; "they were underdogs who somehow rose to become national figures at a time of crisis, (they) would transcend their eras." Ultimately these two unlikely heroes saw America through its greatest crisis, and committed to the Constitution, helped America finally live up to its values.Kilmeade's histories have been lambasted by some critics, owing either to his day-job at Fox News, his alleged right-wing approach to his subjects, or both. However these miss the mark. This is popular, accessible history. I assess his intended audience doesn't have PhDs. Kilmeade provides the basic facts, and more importantly a fresh perspective for those new to but interested in these historical figures. Please allow me to quote from a KIRKUS review of Kilmeade: …"in this age of general historical ignorance, apathy, and slander, accessible history is better than internet rabbit holes and rampant disinformation." The general public in this sharply, dangerously divided time could do much worse than embrace this heroic story.

This is an outstanding book! Articulate, descriptive, and charts the parallel paths of Lincoln and Douglass and their collaboration to defeat the Confederacy and save the nation. Kilmeade presents the interesting and historical backgrounds of both men, towering giants in the pantheon of great and consequential Americans whose combined efforts brought an end to slavery.Many compelling and unknown facts about Frederick Douglass are brought to light, revealing him to be a man of astounding courage and character, as well as a gifted writer with a keen intellect and irrepressible fighter for justice. His face belongs on Mount Rushmore or, at least, on our money.It's a riveting read that teaches volumes about this epic, essential chapter of American history and pays tribute to the brave commitments of Lincoln and Douglass to expose themselves to danger in service of a greater cause. Stirling examples of the best aspects of human nature.

I found this book fascinating. Presenting the memoirs of these two men together was genius. As a teacher of American history for 30 years I see the value of the information here for the classroom. I taught about Frederick Douglass and about Abraham Lincoln, but I did not achieve the depth this book could have instigated. With each chapter I saw approaches for adding it to Civil War curriculum. Our trip to DC could have included the Lincoln statue funded mainly by newly freed slaves. We must not stop teaching history, because only by examining our past can we truly improve our future. Brian Kilmeade has given us a tool for achieving that. I pray our culture will again allow that.

Great book, would like to see everything spelled out so people really get it. Do not blank things out, you did not say it but we need to know what was truly said.

This is an easy read full of the history of both men, Abraham Lincoln and Fredrick Douglass. It is well documented and I enjoyed learning a lot of the inner workings of both men and those around them. Shaping a nation and policies are never an easy task but this does show that minds can be changed for the good and to strive for the Union of the people of this great Nation. Humility is a quality that was undeniably essential for these changes to take place. This book also shows that we as a people have not changed as much as we think we have. Current events show rebellion, mob mentality, voter fraud, disrupting events and even discrimination are still very prevalent and as humans we are at fault. People still cling to the ideas that they are good, but in reality this book shows even the best of us can make wrong decisions based on beliefs and education. We must look to the humility to learn and also the wisdom to understand we are all one race, The Human Race. We can be united if we allow others to take the lead if needed or be the one to speak up for those without a voice. Only one who puts the needs of others ahead of their own for no person gain is fit to lead and/or be a part of our leadership roles.

Enjoyed the read

Many books written about Abraham Lincoln and the Civil War fail to capture the importance of Frederick Douglass during those times. This book is a must read for anyone interested in how the budding friendship of these two great men shaped American history. The founding fathers would be proud of this fight for equality for all.

I got as a Christmas gift for my son.

Seems maybe an agenda was being done with the book?Not Kilmeade's best work in this series. Hope for improvement in the next one.

Lincoln and the the others democrats did not want to have the free slaves to stay in America, he planned to deport them to central America or Liberia or Haiti. The Civil War was not about the freedom of slaves but about the fight against the Southern states which did not want free trade with Britain. Abolition of slavery was a policy to destroy the economy of the Southern states. This book quotes the speeches of Lincoln and other democrats leaders and put the truth first

Brian Kilmeade is a great writer.