THE GREAT ABOLITIONIST: Charles Sumner & the Fight for a More Perfect Union

In the mid-nineteenth century, as slavery consumed congressional debate and America careened toward civil war and split apart, Charles Sumner’s voice rang strongest, bravest, and most unwavering. Where others preached compromise and moderation, he denounced slavery’s evils and demanded that it be wiped out of existence. More than any other person of his era, he blazed the trail on the country’s long, uneven, and ongoing journey toward realizing its full promise to become a more perfect union.

At great personal sacrifice – which included enduring a vicious beating that nearly killed him – Sumner was the conscience of the North and the most influential politician fighting for abolition. Throughout Reconstruction, no one championed the rights of emancipated people more than he did.

Through the force of his words and his will, he moved America toward the twin goals of abolitionism and equal rights, which he fought for until the day he died. He laid the cornerstone arguments that civil rights advocates would build upon over the next century as the country strove to achieve equality among the races.

THE GREAT ABOLITIONIST: Charles Sumner and the Fight for a More Perfect Union is the first major biography of Charles Sumner to be published in over fifty years. It tells the story of one of the most influential non-presidents in American history – a leader who exhibited true courage and authenticity.

Stephen Puleo is an author, historian, teacher, public speaker, and communications professional. He has published eight narrative history books, taught college-level history courses, made more than 700 speaking appearances, and created writing workshops for both students and adults.

This program is made possible by a generous bequest from Stella and Frank Ricciardi to the Friends of the Goodnow Library.

Event is free and seating is first come, first served. No ticket is required.

In case of inclement weather, please check https://www.friendsofgoodnow.org for updates.

Host or Publisher The Friends of Goodnow Library