Harold Holzer Books

An award-winning presidential historian provides an authoritative account of American presidents' attacks on press freedom. The phrase "fake news" has been weaponized, with Donald Trump declaring the media an enemy of the American people. This ongoing tension between presidents and journalists dates back to the founding of the republic. George Washington expressed frustration over newspaper coverage, while John Adams used his executive power to suppress press freedoms and prosecute dissenting reporters. Thomas Jefferson engaged a reporter to dig up dirt on Alexander Hamilton, only to have his own affair with Sally Hemings exposed, prompting perhaps the first instance of a presidential denial of "fake news." Andrew Jackson rewarded supportive newspapers with government contracts, whereas Abraham Lincoln closed critical publications and jailed their editors without trial. FDR and JFK skillfully charmed journalists to shield their secrets, while Nixon labeled the press a public enemy for investigating his administration. This compelling account by acclaimed scholar Harold Holzer explores the historical clashes between presidents and the press, illustrating how these battles have shaped the landscape of American journalism and emphasizing the ongoing struggle to protect a free and functioning press.

The book explores President Abraham Lincoln's evolving moral perspective on slavery, detailing his journey to recognizing it as fundamentally wrong. It highlights his strategic efforts in January 1865, just months before his assassination, to galvanize support for the Thirteenth Amendment. Through historical analysis, it uncovers the political maneuvers and personal convictions that drove Lincoln to advocate for the abolition of slavery, providing insight into his leadership during a pivotal moment in American history.

The book offers an authoritative exploration of a prominent visual artist whose works in stone and bronze have become integral to America's historical narrative. Harold Holzer, a respected scholar on Abraham Lincoln, combines engaging prose with accessible insights, making it suitable for both professionals and general readers. Praised for its clarity and depth, the work is recognized as a significant contribution to understanding the intersection of art and history, earning accolades from notable figures like Ron Chernow and The Wall Street Journal.

The narrative explores Abraham Lincoln's complex relationship with immigration during the Civil War era, highlighting the significant influx of ten million foreign-born residents that transformed American demographics and politics. As immigrants fueled the economy, they also sparked nativist sentiments and political strife, contributing to the decline of Lincoln's Whig Party. The Civil War ultimately underscored the crucial role immigrants played in society, revealing both the challenges and the contributions they brought to the nation during a tumultuous period.