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The Great Abolitionist: Charles Sumner and the Fight for a More Perfect Union
The groundbreaking biography of a forgotten civil rights hero.
In the tempestuous mid-19th century, as slavery consumed Congressional debate and America careened toward civil war and split apart–when the very future of the nation hung in the balance–Charles Sumner’s voice rang strongest, bravest, and most unwavering. Where others preached compromise and moderation, he denounced slavery’s evils to all who would listen and demanded that it be wiped out of existence. More than any other person of his era, he blazed the trail on the country’s long, uneven, and ongoing journey toward realizing its full promise to become a more perfect union.
Before and during the Civil War, at great personal sacrifice, Sumner was the conscience of the North and the most influential politician fighting for abolition. Throughout Reconstruction, no one championed the rights of emancipated people more than he did. Through the force of his words and his will, he moved America toward the twin goals of abolitionism and equal rights, which he fought for literally until the day he died. He laid the cornerstone arguments that civil rights advocates would build upon over the next century as the country strove to achieve equality among the races.
The Great Abolitionist is the first major biography of Charles Sumner to be published in over 50 years. Acclaimed historian Stephen Puleo relates the story of one of the most influential non-presidents in American history with evocative and accessible prose, transporting readers back to an era when our leaders exhibited true courage and authenticity in the face of unprecedented challenges.
In the tempestuous mid-19th century, as slavery consumed Congressional debate and America careened toward civil war and split apart–when the very future of the nation hung in the balance–Charles Sumner’s voice rang strongest, bravest, and most unwavering. Where others preached compromise and moderation, he denounced slavery’s evils to all who would listen and demanded that it be wiped out of existence. More than any other person of his era, he blazed the trail on the country’s long, uneven, and ongoing journey toward realizing its full promise to become a more perfect union.
Before and during the Civil War, at great personal sacrifice, Sumner was the conscience of the North and the most influential politician fighting for abolition. Throughout Reconstruction, no one championed the rights of emancipated people more than he did. Through the force of his words and his will, he moved America toward the twin goals of abolitionism and equal rights, which he fought for literally until the day he died. He laid the cornerstone arguments that civil rights advocates would build upon over the next century as the country strove to achieve equality among the races.
The Great Abolitionist is the first major biography of Charles Sumner to be published in over 50 years. Acclaimed historian Stephen Puleo relates the story of one of the most influential non-presidents in American history with evocative and accessible prose, transporting readers back to an era when our leaders exhibited true courage and authenticity in the face of unprecedented challenges.
464 pages, Hardcover
First published April 23, 2024
About the author
Stephen Puleo
8 books96 followersStephen Puleo is an author, historian, teacher, public speaker, and communications professional. His eighth book, The Great Abolitionist: Charles Sumner and the Fight for a More Perfect Union, will be published by St. Martin’s Press in April, 2024.
Follow Steve on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/stephenpuleo...) and Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/puleosteve/) or visit his website (https://www.stephenpuleo.com/) for current news and events.
Steve's previously published books are:
• Voyage of Mercy: The USS Jamestown, the Irish Famine, and the Remarkable Story of America’s First Humanitarian Mission (2020)
• American Treasures: The Secret Efforts to Save the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Gettysburg Address (2016)
• The Caning: The Assault That Drove America to Civil War (2012)
• A City So Grand: The Rise of an American Metropolis, Boston 1850-1900 (2010)
• The Boston Italians: A Story of Pride, Perseverance and Paesani, from the Years of the Great Immigration to the Present Day (2007)
• Due to Enemy Action: The True World War II Story of the USS Eagle 56 (2005)
• Dark Tide: The Great Boston Molasses Flood of 1919 (2003)
All of Steve’s books have been Boston regional bestsellers and have received national recognition. His work has been reviewed favorably by the Wall Street Journal, the New Yorker, the Boston Globe, the New York Post, Parade magazine, The National Review, Forbes.com, C-SPAN, the Associated Press, the Portland Press Herald, the Providence Journal, the Denver Post, the Hartford Courant, Kirkus Reviews, Barnes and Noble Review.com, Shelf Awareness, Library Journal, Booklist, History.com, and Publishers Weekly. Numerous national media outlets have interviewed Steve, including NBC, the New York Times, Parade magazine, History.com, C-SPAN, the History Channel, the Associated Press, and numerous regional and national radio and television outlets.
An experienced, dynamic, and in-demand speaker and presenter, Steve has made more than 670 appearances before thousands of readers – including bookstore signings, keynote addresses, library presentations, historical societies, panel discussions, industry events, book clubs, and appearances at universities and public and private schools. His showcase appearances include: speaking events at both the National Archives and the National Constitution Center; as a keynote for the 150th Anniversary Celebration of the Massachusetts Superior Court; and as a participant with Italian-American and Jewish-American scholars on a panel entitled, Italy and the Holocaust, presented at UMass-Boston. If you would like more information about having Steve appear at your event, please contact him at spuleo@aol.com.
A former award-winning newspaper reporter and contributor of articles and book reviews to publications and organizations that include American History magazine, Politico, the Boston Globe, and the Bill of Rights Institute, Steve has also taught history at Suffolk University in Boston and at UMass-Boston. He also has developed and taught numerous writing workshops for high school and college students, as well as for adults who aspire to be writers. His books have been woven into the curricula of numerous high schools and colleges, and more than 30 communities have selected his books as “community-wide reads.” Steve also conducts book-club tours of Boston’s North End, one of the nation’s most historic neighborhoods.
Steve holds a master’s degree in history from UMass-Boston, where he received the Dean’s Award for Academic Achievement and was the Graduate Convocation keynote speaker. His master’s thesis, From Italy to Boston’s North End: Italian Immigration and Settlement, 1890-1910, has been downloaded more than 25,000 times by scholars and readers around the world. Steve is also a Massachusetts Historical Society Fellow, and is a past recipient of the prestigious i migliori award, presented by the Pirandello Lyceum to Italian-A
Follow Steve on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/stephenpuleo...) and Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/puleosteve/) or visit his website (https://www.stephenpuleo.com/) for current news and events.
Steve's previously published books are:
• Voyage of Mercy: The USS Jamestown, the Irish Famine, and the Remarkable Story of America’s First Humanitarian Mission (2020)
• American Treasures: The Secret Efforts to Save the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Gettysburg Address (2016)
• The Caning: The Assault That Drove America to Civil War (2012)
• A City So Grand: The Rise of an American Metropolis, Boston 1850-1900 (2010)
• The Boston Italians: A Story of Pride, Perseverance and Paesani, from the Years of the Great Immigration to the Present Day (2007)
• Due to Enemy Action: The True World War II Story of the USS Eagle 56 (2005)
• Dark Tide: The Great Boston Molasses Flood of 1919 (2003)
All of Steve’s books have been Boston regional bestsellers and have received national recognition. His work has been reviewed favorably by the Wall Street Journal, the New Yorker, the Boston Globe, the New York Post, Parade magazine, The National Review, Forbes.com, C-SPAN, the Associated Press, the Portland Press Herald, the Providence Journal, the Denver Post, the Hartford Courant, Kirkus Reviews, Barnes and Noble Review.com, Shelf Awareness, Library Journal, Booklist, History.com, and Publishers Weekly. Numerous national media outlets have interviewed Steve, including NBC, the New York Times, Parade magazine, History.com, C-SPAN, the History Channel, the Associated Press, and numerous regional and national radio and television outlets.
An experienced, dynamic, and in-demand speaker and presenter, Steve has made more than 670 appearances before thousands of readers – including bookstore signings, keynote addresses, library presentations, historical societies, panel discussions, industry events, book clubs, and appearances at universities and public and private schools. His showcase appearances include: speaking events at both the National Archives and the National Constitution Center; as a keynote for the 150th Anniversary Celebration of the Massachusetts Superior Court; and as a participant with Italian-American and Jewish-American scholars on a panel entitled, Italy and the Holocaust, presented at UMass-Boston. If you would like more information about having Steve appear at your event, please contact him at spuleo@aol.com.
A former award-winning newspaper reporter and contributor of articles and book reviews to publications and organizations that include American History magazine, Politico, the Boston Globe, and the Bill of Rights Institute, Steve has also taught history at Suffolk University in Boston and at UMass-Boston. He also has developed and taught numerous writing workshops for high school and college students, as well as for adults who aspire to be writers. His books have been woven into the curricula of numerous high schools and colleges, and more than 30 communities have selected his books as “community-wide reads.” Steve also conducts book-club tours of Boston’s North End, one of the nation’s most historic neighborhoods.
Steve holds a master’s degree in history from UMass-Boston, where he received the Dean’s Award for Academic Achievement and was the Graduate Convocation keynote speaker. His master’s thesis, From Italy to Boston’s North End: Italian Immigration and Settlement, 1890-1910, has been downloaded more than 25,000 times by scholars and readers around the world. Steve is also a Massachusetts Historical Society Fellow, and is a past recipient of the prestigious i migliori award, presented by the Pirandello Lyceum to Italian-A
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
April 26, 2024
Before Will Smith and Chris Rock at the Oscars, there was Preston Brooks and Charles Sumner in the Senate. Sumner took way more than a single slap, though.
Charles Sumner takes up a strange place in the American consciousness. He is, by far, most known for the caning he took from Brooks. His stellar abolitionist credentials are overshadowed by Thaddeus Stevens who stole the spotlight in the movie Lincoln. (Fun fact: Sumner was actually in the movie, too. I checked!) Due to this slight, Stephen Puleo is here to resurrect all of Sumter the way Spielberg did for Stevens, but in book form! My favorite!
The Great Abolitionist is a wonderful biography of a man who had an unassailable passion for abolition, but would probably not be the first person you'd invite to a dinner. I always appreciate biographies more when they don't shy away from the negative attributes of the subject. Sumter was unbending, arrogant, and what can generously be described as aloof. He had friends, but they had to see past a lot of negative personality traits. Also, the less said about his marriage the better.
Puleo focuses mostly on where Sumter fits into the political machinations from right before the Civil War to the end of Reconstruction. I certainly learned a lot about him and I think I am generally well read on the Civil War era. Puleo makes everything interesting while being informative but the first half (pre-caning) was much more interesting to me than post-caning. I don't blame Puleo for this as it seems to me Sumter's life after the attack loses some life. He becomes more of a passenger to the greater events going on as opposed to a catalyst. It's a very minor critique, which again, is not Puleo's fault and just more of a statement on how badly Sumter's life was affected. This is still a must read for any Civil War nerd.
(This book was provided as an advance copy by Netgalley and St. Martin's Press.)
Charles Sumner takes up a strange place in the American consciousness. He is, by far, most known for the caning he took from Brooks. His stellar abolitionist credentials are overshadowed by Thaddeus Stevens who stole the spotlight in the movie Lincoln. (Fun fact: Sumner was actually in the movie, too. I checked!) Due to this slight, Stephen Puleo is here to resurrect all of Sumter the way Spielberg did for Stevens, but in book form! My favorite!
The Great Abolitionist is a wonderful biography of a man who had an unassailable passion for abolition, but would probably not be the first person you'd invite to a dinner. I always appreciate biographies more when they don't shy away from the negative attributes of the subject. Sumter was unbending, arrogant, and what can generously be described as aloof. He had friends, but they had to see past a lot of negative personality traits. Also, the less said about his marriage the better.
Puleo focuses mostly on where Sumter fits into the political machinations from right before the Civil War to the end of Reconstruction. I certainly learned a lot about him and I think I am generally well read on the Civil War era. Puleo makes everything interesting while being informative but the first half (pre-caning) was much more interesting to me than post-caning. I don't blame Puleo for this as it seems to me Sumter's life after the attack loses some life. He becomes more of a passenger to the greater events going on as opposed to a catalyst. It's a very minor critique, which again, is not Puleo's fault and just more of a statement on how badly Sumter's life was affected. This is still a must read for any Civil War nerd.
(This book was provided as an advance copy by Netgalley and St. Martin's Press.)
March 12, 2024
The Great Abolitionist is one of the most captivating nonfiction books I have read. While researching James Alexander Hamilton, I came across Charles Sumner, even a few letters exchanged between the two men, so I had already included a few bits about him in my own book. Now, I feel like I need to go back and add more. Charles Sumner's courage and absolute certainty in his stance for equality is astounding for his time and in the face of the persecution he endured. I'm not sure how many times I said, "Wow," as I was reading this. It's not just a great biography of Charles Sumner but a thought provoking study of an era when seismic shifts in mindset had to occur for black Americans to begin to experience equality.
I knew about Sumner's Bleeding Kansas speech and the horrific attack that put the South's admiration for violence on public display, but I found that there is much more about Charles Sumner that I didn't know. Puleo's powerful prologue shows us Sumner at Lincoln's deathbed. By this time, Sumner had long experienced and expected violence directed toward himself, but he was still shocked by that against the president. "The Confederate states and 'belligerent slavery' . . . had been 'defeated in battle' and thus had resorted to the most dishonorable, degrading, and cowardly act - assassination."
Then the author takes us back to the beginning of Sumner's fight, decades before anyone knew Abraham Lincoln's name. I found it interesting that "In Sumner's view, the fact that the Constitution did not even contain the word 'slavery' proved that the Founders refused to let it 'pollute its text.'" Hamilton brothers, James and John, wrote along similar lines, and I had not realized that they were inspired by Sumner. Modern readers may not understand the significance of this. For those who were strong believers in the Constitution, like James A Hamilton, they had long accepted that the federal government had no power to impede slavery within states. Reconsidering the Constitution's stance (or lack thereof) on slavery was radical and necessary.
My favorite part of this book was learning about Charles Sumner fighting against school segregation a century before integration was finally accomplished. How exciting to learn that he was demanding equality before the law so very far ahead of its time! Sumner was not afraid to shame his peers, arguing that "school segregation was Boston's own 'peculiar institution,' in the same way that slavery was the South's." If only the judge in this case had shared Sumner's courage, this decision upholding segregation might not have been used as a legal precedent for 100 years.
Puleo traces Sumner's journey from the Whig party to the Free Soilers and finally as a member of the new Republican party. It seems astonishing in our time to see such political transitions. Perhaps we should take a lesson from our ancestors and follow our values more staunchly than our red or blue team. These shifts were necessary to bring together people with the power to finally stand up against slavery and the Southern politicians who had been controlling the country since its founding.
Sumner's own suffering encouraged people to rethink their political loyalties. When he was violently attacked and almost killed - at his desk in front of other congressmen - people of the north were horrified. They were further disgusted by the celebrations in the south and the many who stated Sumner deserved the beating for his strong words against slavery and those who practiced it. Those who had been on the fence started picking sides. "We went to bed one night, old fashioned, conservative, compromise Union Whigs, and waked up stark mad Abolitionists!"
I could go on and on about this book. We haven't even talked about the Civil War and Sumner's striving to include suffrage, equality, and integration with emancipation. He continued to fight for laws that wouldn't become reality until the 20th century. His perseverance and unshakable belief in what he was fighting for is an inspiration. That being said, the author doesn't shy away from sharing Sumner's weaknesses - his social awkwardness, uncompromising attitude, and failed marriage. The result is a realistic and inspiring portrait of a man we could all learn a lot from. I encourage everyone to read this book.
I received this book through NetGalley. Opinions are my own.
I knew about Sumner's Bleeding Kansas speech and the horrific attack that put the South's admiration for violence on public display, but I found that there is much more about Charles Sumner that I didn't know. Puleo's powerful prologue shows us Sumner at Lincoln's deathbed. By this time, Sumner had long experienced and expected violence directed toward himself, but he was still shocked by that against the president. "The Confederate states and 'belligerent slavery' . . . had been 'defeated in battle' and thus had resorted to the most dishonorable, degrading, and cowardly act - assassination."
Then the author takes us back to the beginning of Sumner's fight, decades before anyone knew Abraham Lincoln's name. I found it interesting that "In Sumner's view, the fact that the Constitution did not even contain the word 'slavery' proved that the Founders refused to let it 'pollute its text.'" Hamilton brothers, James and John, wrote along similar lines, and I had not realized that they were inspired by Sumner. Modern readers may not understand the significance of this. For those who were strong believers in the Constitution, like James A Hamilton, they had long accepted that the federal government had no power to impede slavery within states. Reconsidering the Constitution's stance (or lack thereof) on slavery was radical and necessary.
My favorite part of this book was learning about Charles Sumner fighting against school segregation a century before integration was finally accomplished. How exciting to learn that he was demanding equality before the law so very far ahead of its time! Sumner was not afraid to shame his peers, arguing that "school segregation was Boston's own 'peculiar institution,' in the same way that slavery was the South's." If only the judge in this case had shared Sumner's courage, this decision upholding segregation might not have been used as a legal precedent for 100 years.
Puleo traces Sumner's journey from the Whig party to the Free Soilers and finally as a member of the new Republican party. It seems astonishing in our time to see such political transitions. Perhaps we should take a lesson from our ancestors and follow our values more staunchly than our red or blue team. These shifts were necessary to bring together people with the power to finally stand up against slavery and the Southern politicians who had been controlling the country since its founding.
Sumner's own suffering encouraged people to rethink their political loyalties. When he was violently attacked and almost killed - at his desk in front of other congressmen - people of the north were horrified. They were further disgusted by the celebrations in the south and the many who stated Sumner deserved the beating for his strong words against slavery and those who practiced it. Those who had been on the fence started picking sides. "We went to bed one night, old fashioned, conservative, compromise Union Whigs, and waked up stark mad Abolitionists!"
I could go on and on about this book. We haven't even talked about the Civil War and Sumner's striving to include suffrage, equality, and integration with emancipation. He continued to fight for laws that wouldn't become reality until the 20th century. His perseverance and unshakable belief in what he was fighting for is an inspiration. That being said, the author doesn't shy away from sharing Sumner's weaknesses - his social awkwardness, uncompromising attitude, and failed marriage. The result is a realistic and inspiring portrait of a man we could all learn a lot from. I encourage everyone to read this book.
I received this book through NetGalley. Opinions are my own.
November 7, 2023
Stephen Puleo's "The Great Abolitionist" reveals the indomitable spirit of a forgotten hero, Charles Sumner. In the tumultuous mid-19th century, as the United States grappled with the looming specter of slavery and teetered on the precipice of civil war, Sumner's voice emerged as a signal of unwavering resolve and moral fortitude.
This biography brings to life a man whose convictions blazed a trail towards a more perfect union. While others advocated compromise and moderation, Charles Sumner fearlessly denounced the abhorrent institution of slavery. He demanded its utter annihilation, proclaiming the need for justice and equality.
Puleo portrays Sumner as the conscience of the North, a relentless champion of abolition. His sacrifices, unwavering dedication, and personal cost in the fight for emancipation are illuminated in detail. Sumner's influence extended far beyond the Civil War, as he continued to champion the rights of the oppressed during the tumultuous era of Reconstruction.
Through the force of his words and his unyielding will, Charles Sumner played a primary role in moving America toward the twin goals of abolitionism and equal rights. His groundbreaking arguments and tireless advocacy laid the cornerstone upon which future civil rights advocates would build as they embarked on the long and arduous journey toward racial equality.
Puleo's narrative, written with evocative and accessible language, invites us to journey back in time, immersing ourselves in an era when leaders exhibited courage and authenticity in the face of unprecedented challenges. "The Great Abolitionist" is a reminder of the enduring struggle for justice, equality, and a more perfect union. Charles Sumner's legacy is, without a doubt, an inspiring tribute to the power of conviction in the face of adversity.
In "The Great Abolitionist," Stephen Puleo resurrects the memory of a hero whose unwavering dedication refused to let the torch of hope be extinguished. This book serves as a tribute to a man who, against formidable odds, ignited the torch of justice and fairness, spearheading the quest for a more equitable and promising future for everyone.
"An unflinching portrait of Charles Sumner's heroic crusade."
"Stephen Puleo's gripping account of an unsung hero."
"A masterful biography of Charles Sumner's abolitionist journey."
"A timeless tribute to the great abolitionist."
"Sumner's courage and conviction brought to life."
"An unforgettable exploration of Sumner's legacy."
"Stephen Puleo's vivid portrait of a forgotten civil rights hero."
This biography brings to life a man whose convictions blazed a trail towards a more perfect union. While others advocated compromise and moderation, Charles Sumner fearlessly denounced the abhorrent institution of slavery. He demanded its utter annihilation, proclaiming the need for justice and equality.
Puleo portrays Sumner as the conscience of the North, a relentless champion of abolition. His sacrifices, unwavering dedication, and personal cost in the fight for emancipation are illuminated in detail. Sumner's influence extended far beyond the Civil War, as he continued to champion the rights of the oppressed during the tumultuous era of Reconstruction.
Through the force of his words and his unyielding will, Charles Sumner played a primary role in moving America toward the twin goals of abolitionism and equal rights. His groundbreaking arguments and tireless advocacy laid the cornerstone upon which future civil rights advocates would build as they embarked on the long and arduous journey toward racial equality.
Puleo's narrative, written with evocative and accessible language, invites us to journey back in time, immersing ourselves in an era when leaders exhibited courage and authenticity in the face of unprecedented challenges. "The Great Abolitionist" is a reminder of the enduring struggle for justice, equality, and a more perfect union. Charles Sumner's legacy is, without a doubt, an inspiring tribute to the power of conviction in the face of adversity.
In "The Great Abolitionist," Stephen Puleo resurrects the memory of a hero whose unwavering dedication refused to let the torch of hope be extinguished. This book serves as a tribute to a man who, against formidable odds, ignited the torch of justice and fairness, spearheading the quest for a more equitable and promising future for everyone.
"An unflinching portrait of Charles Sumner's heroic crusade."
"Stephen Puleo's gripping account of an unsung hero."
"A masterful biography of Charles Sumner's abolitionist journey."
"A timeless tribute to the great abolitionist."
"Sumner's courage and conviction brought to life."
"An unforgettable exploration of Sumner's legacy."
"Stephen Puleo's vivid portrait of a forgotten civil rights hero."
March 31, 2024
Charles Sumner was twenty-seven, on a European tour in France when he observed students of different races, “jaunty” “men of fashion”, interacting as equals. He at once understood that education, and not nature, had divided black from white. He dedicated the rest of his life fighting to fulfilling the promise of American equality. At a time when abolitionists were disdained radicals he spoke out for the end of slavery, and when the North finally embraced abolition, he pushed for even more radical laws protecting equality and conferring voting rights.
The story of Sumner’s career is also the story of America’s division and its awakening and embracing the humanity of the enslaved. Sadly, with every victory and advance came a whiplash of brutality and violence, and the conflict over race and equality continues to this day.
This is the story of single-minded commitment to justice. After Sumner was caned nearly to death on the floor on congress, taking years to physically recover and left with post traumatic stress syndrome, he persevered in his mission. And, it is the story of America’s original sin and its legacy.
Sumner was an imperfect man, a lonely man, who could be cold and difficult, and he was a failed husband. He held lifelong deep friendships with luminaries like Henry Wadsworth Longfellow and his wife, was a close advisor President Lincoln and stayed with the dying president, and was a dear friend to Mrs. Lincoln, supporting her through the loss of her son and helping to secure her a pension after her husband’s tragic death.
I had been reading around Sumner’s life in various books, and was thrilled with every page of this revealing biography, impressed by the depth of Sumner’s impact on American history.
Thanks to the publisher for a free book.
The story of Sumner’s career is also the story of America’s division and its awakening and embracing the humanity of the enslaved. Sadly, with every victory and advance came a whiplash of brutality and violence, and the conflict over race and equality continues to this day.
This is the story of single-minded commitment to justice. After Sumner was caned nearly to death on the floor on congress, taking years to physically recover and left with post traumatic stress syndrome, he persevered in his mission. And, it is the story of America’s original sin and its legacy.
Sumner was an imperfect man, a lonely man, who could be cold and difficult, and he was a failed husband. He held lifelong deep friendships with luminaries like Henry Wadsworth Longfellow and his wife, was a close advisor President Lincoln and stayed with the dying president, and was a dear friend to Mrs. Lincoln, supporting her through the loss of her son and helping to secure her a pension after her husband’s tragic death.
I had been reading around Sumner’s life in various books, and was thrilled with every page of this revealing biography, impressed by the depth of Sumner’s impact on American history.
Thanks to the publisher for a free book.
December 21, 2023
This is a pretty solid biography of Charles Sumner. It gives good insight into a person who was hugely influential both through his official acts and as a symbol. It truly acts as a comprehensive biography and not just the tumultuous times around the slavery debate, his beating by Preston Brooks, and the civil rights struggle immediately following the Civil War. All of those take up the bulk of the book (for obvious reasons), but the rest of it gives a larger meaning and motivation behind those fights.
February 15, 2024
There are lots of good biographies out there, but every once in a rare while I read one I feel is exceptional. The Great Abolitionist is the one I feel is exceptional. So many biographies are dense and dry, and it's hard to stay engaged in the person you're reading about. Even though Charles Sumner was often perceived as a cold and arrogant man, Stephen Puleo turned me into an ardent cheerleader for the man, after I was already an ardent cheerleader for the cause he devoted his life to. This book isn't necessarily a comprehensive biography; it doesn't extensively cover his childhood or the very end of his life. But it does focus heavily on the most impactful time of his life - the time leading up to his time serving in the Senate and his years in office there fighting against slavery. The book is incredibly readable, even for those who don't regularly read non-fiction. Because of Puleo's writing style, I will remember things I didn't know about Sumner before reading this. Even one of things he is most known for, being viciously caned on the Senate floor, feels like it has the build-up to it that a hero faces in a story, with the subsequent battle to resume the cause he fights for. I admire the fact that Sumner never backed down from his ideals, even when they weren't popular, even when there might have been personal incentive to. In a world of politics today, someone that is essentially uncorruptible is virtually unheard of. While compromise has it values, so do principles. I would encourage anyone to read this book and get a new look at a historical figure that doesn't get his due and did so fighting for a cause that was radically unpopular when he took it up, but was in desperate need of someone just like him as a champion. A complimentary copy of this book was provided by the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
April 17, 2024
The Great Abolitionist by Stephen Puleo is an inspiring and inforomative nonfiction book about an admirable man. Charles Sumner was a forward-thinking and courageous man. This book allows the reader to sink into his world and get to know the time he lived in.
The book starts with a fantastic and powerful prologue that shows Sumner at Lincoln's deathbed. He has been subjected to much vile hatred and violence by this time, but is still shocked by the shooting of the president. After this emotional scene, the author takes the reader back to the beginning of Sumner's story, decades earlier. We learn about his views on slavery, his analysis of the Constitution and its application. We trace his political affiliations, and watch as he rethinks his loyalties, changing parties more than once.
There were so many surprises, but perhaps the one I will remember most was to find him fighting for school integration one hundred years before it was accomplished. His arguments were strong and demanding. He told people how wrong they were. It was incredibly inspiring to me.
Excellent book. Thank you to the publisher for my #gifted copy.
The book starts with a fantastic and powerful prologue that shows Sumner at Lincoln's deathbed. He has been subjected to much vile hatred and violence by this time, but is still shocked by the shooting of the president. After this emotional scene, the author takes the reader back to the beginning of Sumner's story, decades earlier. We learn about his views on slavery, his analysis of the Constitution and its application. We trace his political affiliations, and watch as he rethinks his loyalties, changing parties more than once.
There were so many surprises, but perhaps the one I will remember most was to find him fighting for school integration one hundred years before it was accomplished. His arguments were strong and demanding. He told people how wrong they were. It was incredibly inspiring to me.
Excellent book. Thank you to the publisher for my #gifted copy.
April 16, 2024
The groundbreaking biography of a forgotten civil rights hero.
Thank you Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press for sending me a review copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review! I wasn’t sure if I was going to like this book or not because I think that American History is boring and I thought it was boring when I was learning about it in school but I enjoyed this book which surprised me. When I read the first 60 pages, I was bored with what was going on but when I got 100 pages in, it got better and I ended up feeling invested in the story. This book was very interesting. I learned so much.
Thank you Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press for sending me a review copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review! I wasn’t sure if I was going to like this book or not because I think that American History is boring and I thought it was boring when I was learning about it in school but I enjoyed this book which surprised me. When I read the first 60 pages, I was bored with what was going on but when I got 100 pages in, it got better and I ended up feeling invested in the story. This book was very interesting. I learned so much.
March 19, 2024
When you think of the Emancipation Proclamation by Abraham Lincoln you don’t think of Charles Sumner. But he had a large hand in how Lincoln came to feel the slaves. I had never heard of Charles Sumner until I read this book. It goes into detail of his life and career starting as lawyer to a politician.
I did not realize how strong he backed freeing the slaves and how influential he was in our country’s history. After reading this book I now want to research more into his life and try to find some of the letters he wrote while in office
I did not realize how strong he backed freeing the slaves and how influential he was in our country’s history. After reading this book I now want to research more into his life and try to find some of the letters he wrote while in office
April 16, 2024
A towering moral force in the mid-19th century, Charles Sumner fearlessly stood against slavery while others sought compromise. His eloquent leadership in the US Senate guided a divided nation toward realizing its promise of a more perfect union. This inspiring and engaging biography celebrates his indelible legacy, which has echoed through generations in the fight for civil rights.
Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.
Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.
April 27, 2024
I love reading the biographies of interesting people. The Great Abolitionist Charles Sumner and The Fight for a More Perfect Union by Stephen Puleo is a thoughtful, well researched and interesting book. The book opens with Sumner in attendance at the death of Abraham Lincoln and walks through his life.
I was given a copy by the publisher and not required to write a review.
I was given a copy by the publisher and not required to write a review.
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February 28, 2024Goodreads review
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April 23, 2024Saint Martin’s press for my free arc copy via NetGalley please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.
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