Ronald C. White, Jr.

Update on My Forthcoming Book, A. Lincoln: A Biography

Today, April 7, is the day my new biography on Abraham Lincoln (titled A. Lincoln: A Biography) is presented for the first time to a meeting of key people convened by the publisher of Random House. My editor, David Ebershoff, will present the book. Each person has been given a ten page section of an early chapter from the biography. David asked Dr. James M. McPherson, our foremost Civil War historian, to offer his evaluation for the meeting. This is what he wrote:

"Ronald C. White's A. Lincoln is the best biography of Lincoln since David Donald's Lincoln (1995). In many respects it is better than Donald's biography, because it has incorporated the scholarship of the past fourteen years and is written in a fluent style that will appeal to a large range of general readers as well as Lincoln aficionados. The special strengths of A. Lincoln that lift it above other biographies include a brilliant analysis of Lincoln's principal speeches and writings, which were an important weapon in his political leadership and statesmanship, and on which Ron White is the foremost expert, having written two major books on Lincoln's speeches and writings. Another strength is White's analysis of Lincoln's evolving religious convictions, which shaped the core of his effective leadership, his moral integrity. White's discussion of Lincoln's changing attitudes and policies with respect to slavery and race is also a key aspect of this biography. Amid all the books on Lincoln that will be published during the coming year, this one will stand out as one of the best."
--James M. McPherson, author of Battle Cry of Freedom and This Mighty Scourge

A. Lincoln: A Biography will be published by Random House in January 2009.

Photos from the Congressional Prelude Program to the Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial

Diane Liesman, Ron White, Jennifer Rosenfeld, Fr. Clete Kiley


Ron White signing copies of Lincoln's Greatest Speech

The Abraham Lincoln Bicentenial began in Kentucky in February. Although the event at Lincoln's birthplace on February 12 was snowed out -- Laura Bush was to be the speaker -- I appreciated the opportunity to speak about "Abraham Lincoln's Journey of Faith" in Louisville.  The event was jointly sponsored by the Faith and Politics Institute and the Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission.  On February 10, I spoke about the public Lincoln as we explored the meaning of his Second Inaugural Address.  On February 11, I spoke on the private Lincoln by exploring the meaning of his "Meditation on the Divine Will," a private memo he wrote for his eyes only that was discovered after his death.  The photos above give a sense of the two meetings.  To see additional photos from the event click (here). 

Lincoln Bicentennial Events

In collaboration with the Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Comission, The Faith & Politics Institute is facilitating a "prelude retreat" program to the National Opening Ceremonies of the Lincoln Bicentennial Celebration.  I will be speaking at this retreat, for members of Congress and their spouses, on February 10 and 11.  The theme of the event is "Lincoln's Journey of Faith" and I will be speaking on Lincoln's Second Inaugural Address and the Meditation on the Divine Will.  Click (here) to read more about the event and the Faith and Politics Institute.

The Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial officially kicks off on February 11-12 with events in Kentucky, the state where Lincoln was born. It promises to be a year filled with celebration of and scholarly reflection on Lincoln's life, work, and legacy. Click (here) for more information about the official Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Kick-Off. 

A Look Ahead to My New Biography of Abraham Lincoln...

I am working on a new biography of Abraham Lincoln which will be published by Random House in January 2009, the year of the Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial.  Presently, I'm  writing a chapter on Lincoln as commander in chief.  What is fascinating is the way Lincoln, beginning with almost total deference for his generals in the spring of 1861, begins to question their assumptions.  By the fall of 1861 he is checking books out of the Library of Congress determined to teach himself about military strategy.  The lesson Lincoln learns is that national policy must always govern military strategy.  In the process he will redefine what it means to be commander in chief. 

Visit to the White House

(from left) Cynthia White, George W. Bush, Ron White

Ron and Cynthia White visit with George W. Bush in the Oval Office

(from left) Peter Wehner, Cynthia White, George W. Bush, Ron White, and Bill Allman chat on the White House lawn.

In planning the research for my forthcoming Lincoln biography, I envisioned how helpful it would be to see the living quarters of the White House, especially the Lincoln bedroom, which was actually the Lincoln office.  I submitted a standard request and was greatly surprised when President George W. Bush invited Cynthia and me to meet with him in the Oval Office on May 3, before the tour.  Our ten minute appointment turned into a thirty-five minute meeting.  It turns out that during the summer of 2006, President Bush read Lincoln's Greatest Speech on his summer vacation and wrote a thoughtful thank you letter.  At our meeting in May, we talked a great deal about many facets of Lincoln's leadership. 

Afterwards, White House Curator, Bill Allman, led us on a one hour tour of the living quarters of the White House.  Although the living quarters were completely renovated during the Truman years, I found it incredibly illuminating to experience, firsthand, the places where Lincoln lived and worked.

Upcoming Speaking Dates, 2008

I'm hard at work on my new biography, A. Lincoln.  But check back later for Fall 2008/Spring 2009 speaking dates.

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Civic Clubs and National Organizations that Ron has addressed over the years. (Opens as an MS Word document.)

Ron's 2006 Speaking Schedule.  (Opens as an MS Word document.)

Ron's 2005 Speaking Schedule.  (Opens as an MS Word document.)

Photos and Free Podcast of the Lincoln Leadership Series Keynote Address

Ron White speaking at the historic Willard Hotel in Washington D.C.

Ron White and Congressman Bobby Rush chatting after Lincoln Leadership Series event.

On May 1, I delivered the keynote address at the "Lincoln Leadership Series: Wisdom For Our Times" event sponsored by the Fetzer Institute.  Click (here) to listen to a free podcast of my speech--many thanks to the Fetzer Institute for making it available to the public!  The purpose of the series is to try to bring to bear the ideas and lessons of Lincoln's life for politics today.  The dinner was attended by nine members of Congress as well as many others who are active in the political life of our nation.  One of the Congressional Representatives who spoke was Bobby L. Rush, former Black Panther, who represents the 1st Congressional District of Illinois.

About The Eloquent President

The fact that Abraham Lincoln is now universally recognized as America’s greatest political orator would have surprised many of the citizens who voted him into office.

Ungainly in stature and awkward in manner, the newly elected Lincoln was considered a Western stump speaker and debater devoid of rhetorical polish.

Then, after the outbreak of the Civil War, he stood before the nation to deliver his Message to Congress in Special Session on July 4, 1861, and, as a contemporary editor put it, “some of us who doubted were wrong.”

Reviews of The Eloquent President

"Unlike any [book] you've ever read on our 16th president. . . White paints an illuminating portrait of Lincoln's presidency that is multidimensional, intimate, and inspiring, charting his growth as a leader, a communicator, and a man who believed in his destiny--and the destiny of the nation. . . This is a book that will inspire and transfix you on every page."
―Gary Jansen, executive editor, Book-of-the-Month Club

"More than perhaps any other president, Lincoln led and persuaded by the words of his speeches and writings.

"In this important book, Ronald White shows how Lincoln clothed his ideas and proposals in carefully chosen words of surpassing eloquence.

"All those who are interested in American political history as well as the Civil War will find this book indispensable."
―James M. McPherson, Pulitzer Prize-winning author of Battle Cry of Freedom

"A sheer pleasure... It's hard to say what's more edifying; reading Abraham Lincoln's words or reading Ronald C. White's illuminating take on Lincoln's words."
―The Sunday Oregonian

"Splendid...The Eloquent President is an insightful, highly readable exploration of literary genius."
―The Washington Post

"Lincoln's eloquence was of . . . a rare kind.  Ronald C. White captures its qualities admirably...in this outstanding book."
―The Wall Street Journal

"[The Eloquent President] shows how each of [Lincoln's] major speeches developed--from the play of syntax and practical political considerations to the lyrical, otherworldly poetry of America's 16th president."
―Chicago Tribune (Editor's Choice)

About Lincoln's Greatest Speech

After four years of unspeakable horror and sacrifice on both sides, the Civil War was about to end. On March 4th, 1865, at his second inauguration, President Lincoln did not offer the North the victory speech it yearned for, nor did he blame the South solely for the sin of slavery. Calling the whole nation to account, Lincoln offered a moral framework for peace and reconciliation. The speech was greeted with indifference, misunderstanding, and hostility by many in the Union. But it was a great work, the victorious culmination of Lincoln's own lifelong struggle with the issue of slavery, and he well understood it to be his most profound speech. Eventually this "with malice toward none" address would be accepted and revered as one of the greatest in the nation's history. Ronald C. White's compelling description of Lincoln's articulation of our nation's struggle and the suffering of all — North, South, soldier, slave — offers new insight into Lincoln's own hard-won victory over doubt and his promise of authority and passion. These words, delivered only weeks before his assassination, were the culmination of Lincoln's moral and rhetorical genius.

Available in paperback, hardcover, large print hardcover, audio CD, and audio cassette.