Differ We Must

An instant New York Times bestseller A nuanced exploration of Abraham LincolnΓÇÖs political acumen,illuminating a great politicianΓÇÖs strategy in a country dividedΓÇöand lessons for our own disorderly present In 1855with the United States at odds over slaverythe lawyer Abraham Lincoln wrote a note to his best friendthe son of a Kentucky slaveowner. Lincoln rebuked his friend for failing to oppose slavery. But he added: ΓÇ£If for this you and I must differdiffer we mustΓÇ¥ and said they would be friends for-ever. Throughout his life and political careerLincoln often agreed to disagree. Democracy demanded itsince even an adversary had a vote. The man who went on to become AmericaΓÇÖs sixteenth president has assumed many roles in our historical consciousnessbut most notable is that he wasunapologeticallya politician. And as Steve Inskeep arguesit was because he was willing to engage in politicsΓÇömeeting with criticssometimes working with them and other times outwitting themΓÇöthat he was able to lead a social revolution. In Differ We MustInskeep illuminates LincolnΓÇÖs life through sixteen encounterssome well-knownsome obscurebut all imbued with new significance. As the host of NPRΓÇÖs Morning Edition for almost two decadesInskeep has mastered the art of bridging divides and building constructive debate in interviews; herehe brings his skills to bear on a prior masterforming a fresh and compelling narrative of LincolnΓÇÖs life. With rich detail and enlightening commentaryInskeep expands our understanding of a politician who held strong to his moral compass while navigating between corrosive political factionsone who began his career in the minority party and not only won the majority but succeeded in uniting a nation.