Pulitzer Prize History Winner
The Fiery Trial: Abraham Lincoln and American Slavery
by Eric Foner
Summary
Foner examines how Abraham Lincoln's views on slavery developed across his political life, from cautious lawyer to author of emancipation. He shows a leader who responded to events, pressure, and his own evolving conscience rather than acting on fixed beliefs. The book matters for offering a clear, evidence based account of how Lincoln came to support the end of slavery.
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Historical Context & Significance
Eric Foner won the 2011 Pulitzer Prize for History along with the Lincoln Prize and the Bancroft Prize for this book.