The Lincoln Miracle: Inside the Republican Convention That Changed History

Author Edward Achorn will discuss the vivid, behind-the-scenes story of perhaps the most consequential political moment in American history—Abraham Lincoln's history-changing nomination to lead the Republican Party in the 1860 presidential election.

Lincoln had a record of political failure. In 1858, he had lost a celebrated Senate bid against incumbent Stephen Douglas, his second failed Senate run, and had not held public office since one term in Congress a decade earlier. As the Republican National Convention opened in mid-May 1860 in Chicago, powerful New York Senator William Seward was the overwhelming favorite for the presidential nomination, with notables like Salmon Chase and Edward Bates in the running. Few thought Lincoln stood a chance—though stubborn Illinois circuit Judge David Davis had come to fight for his friend anyway.

A tense tense political drama unfolding over six days, The Lincoln MIracle explores the genius of Lincoln's quiet strategy, the vicious partisanship tearing apart America, the fierce battles raging over racism and slavery, and booming Chicago as a symbol of modernization transforming the nation.

Edward Achorn, a Pulitzer Prize finalist for Commentary, is also the author of the highly-praised Every Drop of Blood: The Momentous Second Inauguration of Abraham Lincoln, as well as two acclaimed books about nineteenth-century baseball and American culture: Fifty-nine in '84: Old Hoss Radbourn, Barehanded Baseball, and the Greatest Season a Pitcher Ever Had , and The Summer of Beer and Whiskey.

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