A Just and Generous Nation, Harold Holzer
A Just and Generous Nation, Harold Holzer
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A Just and Generous Nation
Abraham Lincoln and the Fight for American Opportunity

Author: Harold Holzer, Norton Garfinkle

Narrator: Barry Press

Unabridged: 10 hr 10 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Published: 11/03/2015

Synopsis

In A Just and Generous Nation, the eminent historian Harold Holzer and the noted economist Norton Garfinkle present a groundbreaking new account of the beliefs that inspired our sixteenth president to go to war when the Southern states seceded from the Union. Rather than a commitment to eradicating slavery or a defense of the Union, they argue that Lincoln’s guiding principle was the defense of equal economic opportunity. Lincoln firmly believed that the government’s primary role was to ensure that all Americans had the opportunity to better their station in life. As president, he worked tirelessly to enshrine this ideal within the federal government. He funded railroads and canals, supported education, and issued the Emancipation Proclamation, which opened the door for former slaves to join white Americans in striving for self-improvement. In our own age of unprecedented inequality, A Just and Generous Nation reestablishes Lincoln’s legacy as the protector not just of personal freedom but of the American dream itself.

About Harold Holzer

Harold Holzer has authored, coauthored, and edited more than thirty books on Abraham Lincoln and the Civil War. He serves as chairman of the Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Foundation, and is a Roger Hertog Fellow at the New York Historical Society. Currently he is senior vice president for external affairs at the Metropolitan Museum of Art and lives in Rye, New York.

About Norton Garfinkle

Norton Garfinkle is an economist and chair of the Future of American Democracy Foundation. He is the coauthor of A Just and Generous Nation with Harold Holzer. He lives in New York City.

About Barry Press

Barry Press has been an active professional actor, director, and teacher for over thirty-five years. He has performed off Broadway and at numerous regional theaters from Alaska to Florida. He is founder and artistic director of Living Literature, a Rhode Island–based literacy program.

Reviews

Goodreads review by David on November 24, 2015

As would be expected from a book authored by Lincoln historian Harold Holzer, this one is well worth the read. Somewhat different from most Holzer books, A Just and Generous Nation is a collaboration with economist Norton Garfinkle. The focus is on Lincoln's economic vision. The book is split into tw......more

Goodreads review by Mark on April 24, 2024

Growing up in Illinois, you were never far away from Abraham Lincoln. We learned about him in school. The hardships; ‘learning by firelight’; ‘the Railsplitter’; the trials; the Lincoln-Douglas debates; the Civil War and the Assassination. We took field trips which included an overnight (exciting fo......more

Goodreads review by Nathan on July 05, 2017

This book is a reminder to those who have read a great many books about Abraham Lincoln [1] that the speeches and writings of Abraham Lincoln serve a role not dissimilar to that of scripture.  Just as those of us who are interested in questions of doctrine and religious legitimacy pour over the text......more

Goodreads review by Damon on January 22, 2023

A useful re-focusing of Lincoln's legacy and how it impacts (and should help guide) our economic debates today. Lincoln's work and philosophy tends to be skewed either by narrowly focusing on his wartime efforts or emancipation, and the economic/philosophical underpinnings of his activities aren't a......more

Goodreads review by Jack on November 08, 2016

I thought it was a very good book, although I am just going to have to think a bit more about the stretch from some of Lincoln's comments to the current issues regarding economic and social inequality. The thesis is that Lincoln's precept in his time and subject to the constraints of his time are th......more

Quotes

“They describe convincingly Lincoln’s core conviction that government must foster equal opportunity in order to build and sustain a strong middle class.” New York Times Book Review

“The thesis is sure to be controversial, but Holzer and Garfinkle make their point well.” Publishers Weekly (starred review)

“Will generate much-needed debate on the history, efficacy, and morality of government’s role and responsibility in shaping an economy of fairness and growth. The future of America depends on that question.” Library Journal (starred review)

“Compelling…A well-honed work of driving focus, particularly timely in this new era of economic inequality.” Kirkus Reviews

“Lincoln’s legacy includes not only the preservation of the Union and the abolition of slavery but also the use of government to promote economic opportunity and upward mobility for all Americans. As the authors of this eye-opening study convincingly demonstrate, the modern Republican party has repudiated this legacy by embracing policies that have promoted increasing inequality and a society that closes off opportunity.” James M. McPherson, Pulitzer Prize–winning author

Awards

  • New York Times   Bestseller
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