Differ We Must

A compelling and nuanced exploration of Abraham Lincoln's political acumen, illuminating a great politician's strategy in a country divided-and lessons for our own disorderly present

An instant New York Times bestseller

A nuanced exploration of Abraham Lincoln's political acumen, illuminating a great politician's strategy in a country divided-and lessons for our own disorderly present

In 1855, with the United States at odds over slavery, the lawyer AbrahamLincoln wrote a note to his best friend, the son of a Kentucky slaveowner.Lincoln rebuked his friend for failing to oppose slavery. But he added- "If forthis you and I must differ, differ we must," and said they would be friends forever.Throughout his life and political career, Lincoln often agreed to disagree.Democracy demanded it, since even an adversary had a vote. The man whowent on to become America's sixteenth president has assumed many roles in our historical consciousness, but most notable is that he was, unapologetically, apolitician. And as Steve Inskeep argues, it was because he was willing to engagein politics-meeting with critics, sometimes working with them and othertimes outwitting them-that he was able to lead a social revolution.

In Differ We Must, Inskeep illuminates Lincoln's life through sixteenencounters, some well-known, some obscure, but all imbued with new significance.As the host of NPR's Morning Edition for almost two decades, Inskeephas mastered the art of bridging divides and building constructive debate ininterviews; here, he brings his skills to bear on a prior master, forming a freshand compelling narrative of Lincoln's life. With rich detail and enlighteningcommentary, Inskeep expands our understanding of a politician who held strong to his moral compass while navigating between corrosive political factions, one who began his career in the minority party and not only won themajority but succeeded in uniting a nation.