Harold Holzer Books

"An award-winning presidential historian offers an authoritative account of American presidents' attacks on our freedom of the press. "The FAKE NEWS media," Donald Trump has tweeted, "is not my enemy. It is the enemy of the American people." Never has ourfree press faced so great a threat. Yet the tension between presidents and journalists is as old as the republic itself. From George Washington to Trump, presidents have quarreled with, attacked, denigrated, and manipulated the fourth estate. Washingtongroused about his treatment in the newspapers, but his successor, John Adams, actually wielded his executive power to overturn press freedoms and prosecute critical reporters. Thomas Jefferson tapped a reporter to find dirt on his rival, Alexander Hamilton, only to have the reporter expose his own affair with his slave Sally Hemings. (Jefferson denied the reports out of hand-perhaps the first presidential cry of "fake news.") Andrew Jackson rewarded loyal newspapers with government contracts; Abraham Lincoln shuttered critical papers and imprisoned their editors without trial. FDR and JFK charmed journalists in order to protect their personal secrets, while Nixon cast the press as a public enemy for daring to investigate his own. In this remarkable new account, acclaimed scholar Harold Holzer guides readers through the clashes between chief executives and journalists, showing how these battles were waged and won, while girding us for a new fight to protect our nation's greatest institution: a free and functioning press"-- Provided by publisher

Focusing on a pivotal moment in American history, the book delves into the critical four months between Lincoln's election and inauguration. It highlights Lincoln's firm stance against any compromise regarding slavery and the secession of slaveholding states, a decision that would shape his presidency. Enhanced by 16 pages of black-and-white photographs, the work offers a detailed exploration of the political landscape and challenges faced during this transformative period.

Focusing on Civil War history, this guide offers unprecedented access to the extensive collections of the New York State Archives and other institutions, showcasing manuscripts, newspapers, maps, and artifacts. It highlights New York's significant role in the Civil War and includes eleven unique appendices that enhance research opportunities, featuring previously unpublished and hard-to-find information. This resource stands out for its comprehensive approach, making it an essential tool for historians and enthusiasts alike.

Focusing on New York's pivotal role in the Civil War, this compilation features papers from a symposium that explored the state's contributions and challenges. It highlights the diverse perspectives of women, blacks, Native Americans, and European immigrants, reflecting the complex social dynamics of the time. The discussions also delve into Abraham Lincoln's struggles to maintain support in New York, the significant military sacrifices made, and the treatment of Confederate soldiers at Elmira Prison Camp. This work offers a nuanced understanding of New York's historical context during the war.

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.