Differ We Must Audiobook By Steve Inskeep cover art

Differ We Must

How Lincoln Succeeded in a Divided America

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Differ We Must

By: Steve Inskeep
Narrated by: Steve Inskeep
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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 Abraham Lincoln 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 for this you and I must differ, differ we must,” and said they would be friends for-ever. Throughout his life and political career, Lincoln often agreed to disagree. Democracy demanded it, since even an adversary had a vote. The man who went on to become America’s sixteenth president has assumed many roles in our historical consciousness, but most notable is that he was, unapologetically, a politician. And as Steve Inskeep argues, it was because he was willing to engage in politics—meeting with critics, sometimes working with them and other times outwitting them—that he was able to lead a social revolution.

In Differ We Must, Inskeep illuminates Lincoln’s life through sixteen encounters, some well-known, some obscure, but all imbued with new significance. As the host of NPR’s Morning Edition for almost two decades, Inskeep has mastered the art of bridging divides and building constructive debate in interviews; here, he brings his skills to bear on a prior master, forming a fresh and compelling narrative of Lincoln’s life. With rich detail and enlightening commentary, 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 the majority but succeeded in uniting a nation. Presidents & Heads of State American Civil War Politics & Activism Abraham Lincoln American History Civil War Biographies & Memoirs War Suffrage Military Wars & Conflicts War of 1812 Funny
Fresh Perspective • Informative Content • Wonderful Voice • Political Insights • Historical Depth • Balanced Portrayal

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The differing perspectives from friends and foes and those who had been both, famous or not, was entertaining and enlightening.

a great variety of perspectives and people

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I liked Inskeep’s focus on the political Lincoln, the way he thought and the way he dealt with people.

The brevity, which did not preclude depth

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One of my favorite books to read this year! I would highly recommend this book.

Outstanding!!

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I very much enjoyed the familiar voice of Steve Inskeep reading his interesting work
on Lincoln and the people who surrounded him. Lincoln’s life is my favorite historical subject, and I enjoyed this fresh approach to better understanding the man and his circumstances.

A great story read by a familiar voice

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Author narration was greatly appreciated. The connection to modern politics and that of lincoln's day was also fascinating.

the details of Lincoln's political journeys

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