Steve Inskeep Knihy

Steve Inskeep narrates the compelling story of John and Jessie Frémont, a husband-and-wife duo pivotal to the westward expansion of the United States in the 1800s, becoming America’s first great political couple. John Frémont, born in 1813 out of wedlock, faced family tragedy and began working at thirteen to support his family. Despite his humble beginnings, he emerged by the 1840s as a celebrated wilderness explorer, bestselling author, and army officer, leading the U.S. takeover of California from Mexico in 1846. His fame was such that mountains and towns were named after him. A crucial factor in his ascent was his wife, Jessie Benton Frémont, daughter of a U.S. senator, who sought to engage in politics and exploration, traditionally male domains. Frustrated by societal constraints, she dedicated herself to promoting John's career. As he mapped the Oregon Trail, Jessie crafted dramatic accounts of his journeys, which gained widespread attention. She became his political adviser and a significant figure in her own right. In 1856, they strategized as John became the first presidential nominee of the newly formed Republican Party, which opposed slavery. The Frémonts represented key social movements of their time—westward settlement, women’s rights, and anti-slavery—offering a modern narrative of ambition and fame amid the challenges of their era. Their adventures reflect the early American spirit.

From journalist and historian Steve Inskeep comes a compelling exploration of Abraham Lincoln's political acumen through sixteen encounters before and during his presidency. This examination reveals not only the strategies of a great politician who faced a divided nation but also offers lessons relevant to our own tumultuous times. In 1855, Lincoln, then a lawyer, wrote a note to a friend from a slaveholding family, challenging his views on slavery while asserting, "If for this you and I must differ, differ we must." Throughout his career, Lincoln exemplified the necessity of agreeing to disagree, recognizing that democracy required engagement with adversaries. Known as the sixteenth president, Lincoln was unapologetically a politician who engaged with critics, compromised, and advanced only as swiftly as public opinion allowed, enabling him to lead a social revolution. Inskeep highlights Lincoln's life through various encounters, each significant in its own right. While it’s uncertain if Lincoln changed his critics' beliefs, he learned to make his own actionable through storytelling and oratory. Inskeep, an experienced interviewer, applies his skills to illuminate Lincoln's ability to navigate political factions while adhering to his moral compass, ultimately uniting a nation.