A House Built by Slaves: African American Visitors to the Lincoln White House

by Jonathan W. White

Readers of American history and books on Abraham Lincoln will appreciate what Los Angeles Review of Books deems an "accessible book" that "puts a human face — many human faces — on the story of Lincoln’s attitudes toward and engagement with African Americans" and Publishers Weekly calls "a rich and comprehensive account."

Widely praised and winner of the 2023 Gilder Lehrman Lincoln Prize, this book illuminates why Lincoln’s unprecedented welcoming of African American men and women to the White House transformed the trajectory of race relations in the United States. From his 1862 meetings with Black Christian ministers, Lincoln began inviting African Americans of every background into his home, from ex-slaves from the Deep South to champions of abolitionism such as Frederick Douglass and Sojourner Truth. More than a good-will gesture, the president conferred with his guests about the essential issues of citizenship and voting rights. Drawing from an array of primary sources, White reveals how African Americans used the White House as a national stage to amplify their calls for equality. Even more than 160 years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation, Lincoln’s inclusion of African Americans remains a necessary example in a country still struggling from racial divisions today.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, American History, Audiobook, Civil War History, Presidents, Politics

279 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 15, 2022

Reviews

[Lois · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was made available to me in audiobook format by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. I honestly thought I would like this book, or I would not have chosen to review it. This review is complex, as are the issues dealt with in this text. I will explain my low score to the best of my ability.

First, I want to start with what I loved, which was the audiobook format. If you are going to read this, please consider choosing the audiobook format. This featured what sounded like a cast of Black voices reading quotes. It was delightful, and I adored it. What a wonderful way to illustrate the mostly lost voices of these folks. I also want to say that while I do not agree with the author, all of the history is thoroughly sourced. It is wonderful for the quotes alone from the Civil War era, Black folks. I can not stress how much hearing their own words spoken touched me. I fully plan to read more by this author when I get to my studies of Abraham Lincoln. I don't think the author meant any malice as he left the final impression of Lincoln up to the reader. I feel he does this by excusing Lincoln's racist statements and behaviors as either misunderstood by modern audiences or said to influence his racist white peers. I disagree with this view of his behaviors. It gives Lincoln too much grace and doesn't acknowledge that white supremacy has never functioned in logical ways.

The problem with this book is its implication that Black Lives Matter and other anit-racist activist organizations were shortsighted to call Abraham Lincoln racist or a supporter of white supremacy. The author wanted to highlight Lincoln's history with the Black Community to add context to this discussion. This argument includes the idea that historical figures can not or should not be judged with today's morals.

The text began with this quote, "In January 2021, the San Francisco Unified School District voted to rename Abraham Lincoln High School because of the former president’s policies toward Native Americans and African Americans According to Jeremiah Jeffries, chairman of the renaming committee and a first-grade teacher, “Lincoln, like the presidents before him and most after, did not show through policy or rhetoric that black lives ever mattered to them outside of human capital and as casualties of wealth building.” Only a month earlier, a statue of Lincoln outside of San Francisco City Hall had been vandalized with red paint, presumably to symbolize the guilt the former president bears for his role in the nation’s racial history."

This book is mostly comprised of the author responding to the above paragraph using direct quotes taken from Black folks who met with Lincoln from 1861-1865. These meetings with Lincoln mostly involved him shaking hands and listening to Black folk when they speak to him. The author thinks this helped Lincoln to change how he viewed Black people. I personally think that Lincoln was pragmatic and knew the post civil war United States was going to need the contributions that the Black Community would (and did) make during the Civil War, Reconstruction and beyond. I do believe that Black Leaders who met with Lincoln influenced him, but that isn't an indication that Lincoln didn't hold racist and white supremacist beliefs. That would be logical. Racism and white supremacy have never employed logic in its functionality. The purpose of both racism and white supremacy is to give white people, men, especially, power to do as they please.

The reason that Black Lives Matter and other anti-racist activist organizations label Lincoln racist or white supremacis is in relation to the following direct quotes made during a debate with Senator Douglas, "I am not, nor ever have been, in favor of bringing about in any way the social and political equality of the white and black races ... I am not nor ever have been in favor of making voters or jurors of Negroes, nor of qualifying them to hold office, nor to intermarry with white people; and I will say in addition to this that there is a physical difference between the white and black races which I believe will forever forbid the two races from living together on terms of social and political equality. And inasmuch as they cannot so live, while they do remain together there must be a position of superior and inferior, and I as much as any other man am in favor of having the superior position assigned to the white race."

Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines racism as: 1) a belief that race is a fundamental determinant of human traits and capacities and that racial differences produce an inherent superiority of a particular race
also : behavior or attitudes that reflect and foster this belief : racial discrimination or prejudice
2) a. the systemic oppression of a racial group to the social, economic, and political advantage of another
b. a political or social system founded on racism and designed to execute its principles

Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines white supremacy as: 1) the belief that the white race is inherently superior to other races and that white people should have control over people of other races
2) the social, economic, and political systems that collectively enable white people to maintain power over people of other races

Black Lives Matter and other anti-racism movements accurately labeling Lincoln a racist or white supremacist align with his historical presence. Neither Lincoln shaking the hands of Black folks nor listening to the concerns of Black Leaders alters these indisputable facts.

I've read in history books that Lincoln would yell and scream at Black leaders and that he blamed Black folks for slavery. To my knowledge, that was based on oral history from the Black post civil war community. The author attributed similar behavior by Lincoln to a single conversation with Black Leaders in 1862. The author explains that the rant was to placate racist white congress/senators/voters. I disagree, I think Lincoln meant what he said to those Black Leaders. I disagree with the author about Lincoln's desire to ship Black folks back to Africa. I believe it was based on racism. The author gives a weak argument about no one being forced to go, but it's clear this was a race based solution.

After Lincoln was assassinated, a propagandist rather than a historically accurate narrative was applied to Abraham Lincoln as The Great Emancipator in the Black community, heavily supported by Black Leaders. Current Black historians see Lincoln in a much more complex way as the Black Community is now many generations removed from slavery and have more access to the complete history of his quotes.

The author has deeply studied Abraham Lincoln for decades it sounds like and probably has a solid grasp on the traditional historical view of Lincoln. This doesn't mean that Black folks or other POC who view him based on the oppressive experiences of their ancestors are wrong. History is richer for the viewpoints of all parties involved, instead of what we have now, which is overwhelmingly the view of white historians based on their biased views of white leaders. History told from multiple viewpoints, even when they seem to conflict, in the end offers a richer view of history.

My other concern was the author's use of moral relativism or not judging historical figures with todays values. In my opinion, this justification is overly used to excuse Western European colonial behaviors, often based on the ahistorical belief that 'everyone' thought like that at the time and thinking/behaving oppressively was just normal. The inherent problem with thinking 'everyone' thought like that at the time is who is being defined in the 'everyone'. I assure you the people being oppressed were not happy to be oppressed and did not agree with the oppressors' acts of oppression, no matter the people or the era. Moral relativism effectively silences POC opinions on the treatment of their own ancestors. Also, inconsistencies between how Western historians fail to apply the arguments of moral relativism to the practices of marginalized/colonized peoples. For example, when Mayan or Aztec folks are discussed historically, human sacrifice is mentioned in a judgmental way. Leaving the upsetting impression that it is okay to judge marginalized peoples and societies by modern values but not Western European societies.

Additionally, we do not view Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X, Nate Turner, Harriet Tubman, etc. as they would have been viewed by white Americans in the time they were alive. Why is it okay to change as a nation how we view Black leaders but not how we view white leaders? It is inevitable that white historical 'heroes' will be overwhelmingly viewed as oppressors by the descendants of those they oppressed. A hero to one group of people is often an oppressor to another group.

I could gather a bunch of quotes from Black Trump supporters about how he shook their hands and treated them kindly. It will not change the fact that Trump has made deeply racist and white supremacist statements.

Thank you to Netgalley for the opportunity to read/listen to and review this history book.

[Robin Loves Reading · Rating 5 out of 5]

For the last couple of years, memoirs have become an interest of mine. When I saw the audiobook of A House Built by Slaves pop up on NetGalley, I was immediately intrigued. In fact, the remainder of the title shows as "African American Visitors to the Lincoln White House."

During the years between 1861 and 1865, the Civil War was raging in America. At the same time, the president at that time, Abraham Lincoln, was engaged in a different fight, that of welcoming African Americans to the White House, forever changing most of America's hold on slavery.

What was interesting to me - okay, I have been out of school for decades - was (re)learning about colonization. In fact, for a time Lincoln was a strong advocate of colonization. He began meeting with African Americans at the White House, but had wanted to implement a way to have Blacks migrate to other countries. In fact, Lincoln once said, "your race are suffering, in my judgment, the greatest wrong inflicted on any people...but on the broad continent, not a single man of your race is made at the equal of a single of ours."

However, Lincoln continued to meet with various guests at the White House and soon his decisions, if not his very words, began to take on a transformation. Citizenship of African Americans, as well as voting rights, became matters of importance to Lincoln. In fact, on January 1, 1863, Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, which stated, "that all persons held as as slaves...are, and henceforward shall be free." These were not mere words of Lincoln's, but his actions showed even more concern for a race that was experiencing so much turmoil.

Jonathan W. White does quite a remarkable job exploring the various ways in which Lincoln used his platform at the White House to initiate change for African Americans. I thought it was a good note in the book that Lincoln could not simply initiate policy even though he was President of the United States. It took years for the Proclamation to be signed, and today, 155 years later, African Americans are still struggling in many respects.

A lot of the focus in White's book was about how often Lincoln met with African Americans at the White House and how these frequent meetings went a long way when it came to changing Lincoln's attitude and reference to Blacks. Of course, Lincoln faced many an objection to his changing views of Blacks, even to the point of being assassinated by John Wilkes Booth. The freedoms and kindness that Lincoln showed Blacks did not extend to future presidents for decades.

It is hard to believe that this book was only 240 pages. White did an excellent job reminding readers like myself of what our forbearers experienced and what many are still dealing with during our present day.

Many thanks to Post Hypnotic Press and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

[Mariama Thorlu-Bangura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Abraham Lincoln is considered to be one of the great presidents in American history, known as "the Great Emancipator" and "honest Abe". He is also the most written about person in American history, with thousands of books published about him. Now you can add Jonathan W. White's "A House Built By Slaves: African American Visitors to the White House" to the list.

White's book is the usual Lincoln biography, nor is it another analysis of how he conducted the Civil War, or another about his death and its impact on post-Civil War society. Rather, it takes a different tack by focusing solely on the various African American men and women Lincoln welcomed into the White House. Over the course of seventeen chapters and six interludes, White provides a very detailed account about the visits and meetings Lincoln had with these men and women. They came as invited guests and as uninvited guests, all with the goal of speaking to Lincoln about the plight of African Americans and how the Civil War could be a catalyst for changing their lives for the better. (We know that was not the case, however. A brief moment of power during Reconstruction gave way to decades of discrimination that still occurs today.)

The importance of these meetings and visits is the heart and soul of the book. The interactions Lincoln had with these men and women played a crucial role in the evolution of Lincoln's attitudes towards Blacks. However, be aware of one important aspect White points out early on: when reading, don't judge Lincoln according to present-day standards. Lincoln must be viewed in the context of his times. Only then can it be seen just how radical Lincoln actually was for his time. That is why, following his death and the end of Reconstruction, the White House was never again so open to African American visitors until the mid-20th century.

"A House Built By Slaves" is a more than worthy addition to the vast collection of Lincoln books. It provides the reader with another view of and adds another layer to the great Abraham Lincoln. It is definitely a worthwhile read, for history buffs and lovers of anything Lincoln. I recommend it wholeheartedly.

[Stacey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for providing a copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review. I may not be as impartial of a reader here as I adamently adore Lincoln and hurt for all the sorrow he had in his life. Because I read a lot of books on him, I was a bit surprised to find some new information (at least to me) in this book. "A House Build by Slaves" is a story about different black visitors Lincoln met with while he occupied the White House. It tells of those meetings and the impressions of LIncoln straight from the words of these people who met with him. I believe the book claims to do this because of the recent backlash stating that Lincoln was racist. This book mostly contains positive stories and claims that Lincoln was welcoming and sympathetic to the causes both of anti-slavery and also movement to allow social and political rights to those communities. There is no doubt that Lincoln said some decisive things and at times said things that seemed to contradict his expressed beliefs. Obviously this was a different time and looking at the era and ways of the world in which he was raised, it is fair to say that Lincoln probably did waiver some. But he was a young man when he first saw slaves working in a field and was immediately saddened and resolved in his belief that man is man and should not be subject to ownership by another. To be honest, I think there is room for disagreement and diaglogue on the matter of Lincoln's beliefs but I didn't have that too much in mind as I read this book. I mostly found enjoyment in the different conversations with the people he met and his belief in an almost open door policy for the White House....something his successor immediately reversed. He took action as well from many of these meetings including giving major miliatry roles to black citizens and helping advance black doctors. These were all bits of new to me information that I enjoyed learning.

[Dana · Rating 4 out of 5]

A House Built by Slaves was an incredibly interesting book about the interactions between Abraham Lincoln and numerous African Americans, some who are well-known and others whose names I had never heard before. President Lincoln was more of the thread that tied these people and their stories together through history than the actual focal point of the narrative.

My only complaint is with the narration. There are books where the narrator changing accent & voices helps with the clarity & impact of the story. This book was not one of them. The narrator’s normal voice was good. However, the different vocalizations for each character, especially that of President Lincoln, were very distracting. I felt it took away from the gravity of the history being shared.

Overall, the information was engaging and interesting. However, I would have preferred reading this book as opposed to listening to the audiobook.

I received access to the audiobook through NetGalley with request to leave an honest review.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Let me get this out of the way first: I experienced the audio version of this book, which I do not recommend. The book's format of weaving together quotes from primary sources undoubtedly made it a challenge for the audio format, and the choice to use different voices for quotes than the author's text makes sense -but just going with a single other narrator or voice would have suited the tone of the book far better than the cartoonish and sometimes offensively stereotypical accents that seriously detract from the content. The frequent mispronunciations of names and places plus the odd misreadings of repeated words also present a challenge. The audiobook would generously rate one star - but since there isn't a specific Goodreads option for the audio, my rating is based upon the content of the book and disregards the audio-specific issues.

That said - this is a very good non-academic overview of Abraham Lincoln's evolution over the course of his time in the White House. By using the framework of individual visits by Black guests over the course of his presidency (preceded by a brief overview of both Lincoln's pre-presidency life and a survey of the few non-white visitors received by his White House predecessors), it avoids the usual pitfall of parsing the individual words of letters, speeches, etc. to speculate on motivation. The author even points out on several occasions how this approach has led to nearly nonsensical interpretations of Lincoln's thoughts and actions becoming accepted truths among the general public. The infamous colonization meeting is discussed at some length, early on, which demonstrates why this chronological approach works so well - it's a cliché at this point, but history happens forward to back, so reading it in any other order takes away the context. Yes, the meeting went as badly as we think, and also yes, that was because of Lincoln's racism and arrogance - but The Meeting(tm) wasn't the end of the story - or the beginning.

What really sets this one apart, though, is the way that the primary sources tell the story. Mr. White has clearly spent some time online and recognizes that Twitter wars and comments sections are only new in their format - the same collision of extreme positions, disingenuous arguments, and people existing in different realities from one another has been a thing since communication began. The quoted sources talk past each other, write things they would likely never say aloud or after a good night's sleep, make sweeping generalizations, etc. - and the author stands back and lets them do it. For infrequent readers of history, this should help to overcome the perception that our current times are "unprecedented" and that "those people" are worse than they ever were before - whoever "those people" are for you.

Whatever you think you think about Abraham Lincoln, the presidency in general, white supremacy, Frederick Douglass, or our current political climate, I hope you'll put this one on your list and let it broaden your horizons.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A longtime scholar of Abraham Lincoln, author Jonathan W. White delves into the minutiae of Lincoln's time in the White House receiving visitors. As White recounts, Lincoln received any person off the street who lined up to come in for an audience with the president twice a week — an apparent norm of the time. What is continuously recounted in these pages is the experiences of black ministers, abolitionists, soldiers, formerly enslaved people, and others treated with dignity and equity by the president. (Likely considered to be quite radical at the time.) The book is compiled from research of letters, news articles, speeches, and recollections of those present. While most of these look favorably on Lincoln from a contemporary standard when viewed with a lens of its day, White does not shy from criticism of the president known as "the Great Emancipator."
I found the book an excellent way to learn more about a man who is held up as one of our greatest American presidents but whom we learn little about beyond surface facts in school. White delivered a deeper understanding of Abraham Lincoln and some of his beliefs, as evidenced by his writings, speeches, and actions.
I received White's title in audiobook format via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Jesse Lipscombe's narration could be jarring at times, with his very specific artistic choices. Sometimes, I would need to remind myself that it was Lincoln's words I was hearing. Each time I did, I also appreciated these artistic choices and why I surmise Lipscombe made them.

[Janalyn, the blind reviewer]

A House Built By Slaves, African-American visitors to the Lincoln White House by Jonathan W White this is a book that explores many popular myths and questions about Abraham Lincoln in relation to his viewpoint on slavery and The African-American in general. It covers the first black man to visit the White House that wasn’t an employee the first black dignitary and even discusses Abraham Lincoln‘s detractors and supporters. It even talked about how president Lincoln looked as if he was letting the African-American population down by implementing slavery retrieval laws, fair pay for black soldiers ET see this book really covers everything from the criticism to the things we celebrate about Abraham Lincoln is all covered in this great book including the African Americans that were welcome to the White House. This is a fabulous exploration about Abraham Lincoln and his feeling for a population who definitely needed a hero Who could change laws it’s so history put him in the right place at the right time. The narrator of this book Jesse Lipscomb is a great performer he did the voice is so well it was so on point and even put in a little comedic relief when doing some of the white racist which made me laugh out loud. Kudos to Mr. Lipscomb and Mr. White for an absolutely great audiobook. I want to thank post hip Nautic press for my free arc copy via NetGalley. Please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.

[Theresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

A House Built by Slaves: African American Visitors to the Lincoln White House
by Jonathan W. White
A philosophical and historical look at first person accounts of the life and times of Abraham Lincoln. The problem of historical understanding of events is that it can change with the concept of the time. The prejudice and usage of political ideology can change the observation of history. Current ideology about Lincoln has been fluid. Some of the conceptions and misconceptions about Lincoln, and his white house is controversial, and contradictory. Many of the disruptions in his history come from the fluid nature of racial interactions. Stories printed directly in his times, or just after his murder are different from those during racial equality, or during the race problems after covid. The difference can be the miss conception of Lincoln and his polices, or just the misconceptions of the people he interacted with at his time. The great emancipator has been loved and villainized by many in the times since his death. Many of these contradictions are addressed in this book, going from first sources as much as possible. The author brings a compelling look at Lincoln's time, how he was viewed in office and how political ideals and interest influence the viewers of his time.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

A House Build by Slaves gives context to Abraham Lincoln's personal friendships with and treatment of people of color during his presidency, making the argument that his views developed and went far beyond the strategic and political need to emancipate the enslaved. The book recognizes that his earlier beliefs and commentary on the institution of slavery were negative but not abolitionist in nature, Further, he did go through a period where he believed colonization in Africa or South America would best. However, over and over the book illustrates that Lincoln offered each person of color he met dignity, recognized their humanity and used them as valued advisors as he grew. in his views. What more can we expect of anyone, particularly in the contact of his life and times? Great book. Very good narration. (audio edition not yet listed on Goodreads)

[Jacquie Wilson · Rating 3 out of 5]

A House Built by Slaves: African American Visitors to the Lincoln White House
by Jonathan W. White

A historical look at Abraham Lincoln’s association with both well-known and lesser-known African-Americans during his Presidency (1861-1865). A well-researched look at Lincoln’s evolutionary views on slavery and emancipation.

I listened to the audio version of this book and that was a big mistake. The main narrator, Jesse Lipscombe (spelled incorrectly on the audiobook’s cover!) had a decent voice but most quotes throughout the book, including Lincoln’s, were voiced by somewhat comedic narrators. This changed a 4-star rating to only three stars.

Thank you NetGalley and Post Hypnotic Press for an ARC of this book. All opinions are mine.

[Marty Doskins · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this look at the life of Abraham Lincoln, particularly his views on slavery and race issues. It was set up as an analysis of his views - whether or not he was actually a white supremacist. I don't remember the author saying which was the case, but he left that up to the reader to decide. There are also some scenes of presidents before and after Lincoln with their views and actions. I enjoyed the large amount of first person sources included. It was very well researched and plotted out thoroughly.

Thank you to Post Hypnotic Press and NetGalley for an ARC audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

[JCS · Rating 5 out of 5]

The excellent narration made this very easy to follow and listen to. The author gave a fascinating insight into the life and beliefs of someone considered to be one of the best leaders in history. Starting from where he grew up and how his life unfolded to becoming the President of the United States this gives many voices to a commentary on the life of Abraham Lincoln. I knew nothing of his background and found it well explained and really enjoyed learning about him as a person, his views on slavery and race, and about the high esteem in which he was held by many. Thank you to Net Galley for an arc in exchange for an honest review.

[Jack Lopez · Rating 5 out of 5]

A House Built by Slaves

Highly recommended. This is an excellent story about Abraham Lincoln and his views and interactions with black people during his life and throughout his presidency. Lincoln didn’t have a problem with black people. The book cleared up the misconception that Lincoln didn’t want to end slavery and that he was only interested in saving the Union. Lincoln accomplished both during his presidency saving the country and ending slavery. This is an excellent book. I couldn’t put it down.

[karla JR · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this audiobook about Lincoln and his views. Since I never read anything related to him this book seems interesting and all the facts well new for me. I loved the sense of humanity this book gave me from Lincoln as a person and the interactions he got with other individuals and how all this create a possitive effect in the way Lincoln act towars black people rights. The narrator did such a brilliant book with this audiobook. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for grant me access to this beautiful book

[Natasha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Disclaimer - I received an ARC copy of this audiobook version through NetGalley in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I just finished listening to "A House Built by Slaves: African American Visitors to the Lincoln White House" on audiobook, and wow, just wow! This book is an absolute game-changer. It sheds light on a crucial piece of history that often gets overlooked—the stories of African American visitors to the Lincoln White House. I was completely captivated from start to finish, thanks to the engaging narration and the fascinating insights it provides. It's like uncovering hidden gems of history that you never knew existed. Seriously, if you're a history buff or just curious about untold stories, do yourself a favor and give this audiobook a listen. It's a five-star experience that will leave you both enlightened and inspired.

[Katherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

An easy read full of quotes of contemporaries of Abraham Lincoln that record the fledgling Union as it wrestles with its limited interpretation of life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness for all men who are created equal. A timely book, as some of the racist sentiments are echoed in actions and words of the living in this great nation. Jonathan White uncovers accounts and facts I'd never read or heard about before. A powerful read for anyone wanting to better understand the foundation of dissent between the North and the South.

[A · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to #NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

This was a great read. I loved the information and different views on Lincoln and the African American population. I really feel that this was written beautifully. I also think that the narrator did a fantastic job.

[Emma Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting book that tracks how Lincoln changed and developed his beliefs on the question of emancipation and citizenship for Black Americans. Includes lots of primary source material and analysis from the author.

[Robbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Impressively researched by one of my favorite historians. Jonathan White provides historical context to, and paints pictures of, Black visitors to Lincoln’s White House using first hand accounts/primary source documents.

[Melissa]

Wsj contr rec

[AL · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s always important to be reminded of how cookie cutter the history lessons in grade school were.

This story provides great historical insight into Abraham Lincoln’s interactions with Black Americans during a time swelling with horrific slavery. Whether politically charged at times, conflicting with former stances at times, it seems agreed upon that Lincoln made a point to include the black community, at least to a much further extent than others.

I appreciated all of the testimonies and it was beautiful to hear about the taking of hands between Lincoln and various Black Americans. He dined with all, welcomed all into his home, through his front door. At a time when the black community was barely considered human, this gave so much hope to those dreaming of equality.

It’s a tragedy relearning the atrocities of the time and how fearful many must have been upon Lincoln’s death but it’s important to ensure we don’t repeat such circumstances ever again.

[Shauntelle (myglamorousreads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoy books that teach me things I do not know about the times of the past. This book provided a unique look at Lincoln, along with his interactions with various Black people during a time when Black people were not valued and seen as property. It was nice to learn more about Lincoln than the standard facts I learned in school. This is a powerful read that provides great insight into Lincoln's meetings with black leaders. I learned so much listening to this audiobook, and it kept me so engrossed in it's content.

The narration was great, and I truly enjoyed the immersive listening experience. This was a 5 star delight that I truly enjoyed!

Thank you to NetGalley and Post Hypnotic Press for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Calista Wielgos · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for an ARC of this book.

This was very informative and showed how African Americans thought of Lincoln when they met him through their own words. Most of the testimonies were positive and therefore show Lincoln in a positive light. I liked how this book showed how the country looked throughout Lincoln’s life and after. It’s important to learn about such a pivotal point in our nation’s history from the people who were affected most.

[David Kent · Rating 5 out of 5]

Abraham Lincoln was always antislavery, but the debate over his views on racial equality rages on. Christopher Newport University professor Jonathan W. White addresses that by documenting the numerous interactions Lincoln had with African Americans in the White House. Rather than moderate or even conservative by today’s standards, Lincoln’s views on race were quite enlightened for his time. He challenged people to recognize that African Americans were part of “the people” who established the United States and thus fully entitled to the same natural rights. He believed African Americans should be citizens and have the right of consent over their bodies and their lives.

White finds that there was an unprecedented welcome mat offered to African Americans who wished to visit the White House and speak with the president. There are the more famous encounters such as three Executive Mansion meetings with Frederick Douglass, who described his first meeting as Lincoln treating him “just as you have seen one gentleman receive another.” That respect and egalitarianism in a time of extreme racism was the norm for Lincoln when interacting with African Americans.

The most notorious exception is perhaps the August 1862 meeting with black leaders in which Lincoln lectured about colonization rather than listened. White examines that meeting in depth and argues that one of its purposes – which Lincoln made sure to document with a stenographer – was to quash the fears of white people who would believe his forthcoming Emancipation Proclamation (written but not yet released) was about full equality, an idea that most of the public was not yet ready. But this meeting must be considered both in context of what Lincoln was trying to do and what he was telling African American leaders in less publicized meetings.

It is these meetings where White shows us Lincoln’s real racial views. Immediately after the 1862 meeting above, Henry McNeal Turner noted that in his private conversations it was clear that Lincoln really was only for colonization as an option – never compulsory – for those who wanted to start a new life elsewhere. Henry Highland Garnet told his fellow African Americans that “there was not a man living who could do better than the man in the executive chair.” Other lesser-known meetings reiterated Lincoln’s lean toward African American citizenship and rights. Indeed, throngs of African Americans mourned for the first time a president they believed was theirs as well as for whites. White ends with the African American dynamics surrounding the Freedman’s Memorial in Lincoln Park, Washington, DC.

This is an exceptional and detailed look at a little discussed and often misunderstood aspect of Lincoln's presidency. The prolific White is known for his extensive research and this book is no exception. It's also eminently readable.

[Tamarah Walker · Rating 3 out of 5]

A mostly unknown story of President Lincoln's openness to African Americans in the White House. Meeting with them as advisors on topics important in the pursuit of ending slavery. It is not the typical biography; but, does share a lot of facts and figures. I listened to the audio of this book. The narrator was good but I found it hard to stay engaged with the book throughout. Recommend for those who like historical fiction.