Jon Meacham's And There Was Light is praised for its meticulous research and compelling narrative, shedding new light on historical events. However, some readers feel it occasionally lacks depth in character analysis. Overall, it’s a well-crafted and insightful read, appealing to both history enthusiasts and general readers alike.

Readers who enjoy And There Was Light by Jon Meacham are typically history enthusiasts, particularly those interested in well-researched biographies and American history. They may also appreciate works like Ron Chernow's Alexander Hamilton and David McCullough's John Adams. This audience values depth, context, and narrative style in historical writing.

And There Was Light by Jon Meacham traces Abraham Lincoln's journey from his modest beginnings in Kentucky to his presidency and eventual assassination, detailing his moral and political evolution amidst the challenges of slavery, democracy, and the Civil War. The narrative highlights Lincoln's personal struggles and dedication to moral and spiritual growth as he navigated the turbulent political landscape of 19th-century America. The book documents a racism-dominated era with historical depictions of pervasive racist sentiments.

Informative / Inspirational / Emotional / Hopeful

**Jon Meacham**  
A writer, historian, and political commentator who holds the Chair in the American Presidency at Vanderbilt College and serves as a canon historian at the Washington National Cathedral. He is noted for his biographies of American presidents and his involvement in promoting unity and democracy.

**Abraham Lincoln**  
The 16th president of the United States who led the Union during the Civil War and is known for the Emancipation Proclamation and his dedication to preserving the nation. His speeches and leadership are highlighted as instrumental in the fight for liberty and equality.

**Henry Clay**  
A Whig and Republican politician known as the "Great Compromiser" for his role in the Missouri Compromise of 1820. Lincoln admired him and considered him a political hero.

**Mary Todd Lincoln**  
Abraham Lincoln’s wife and First Lady during the Civil War, she came from a politically connected family and influenced her husband’s political career. Her life was marked by personal tragedies.

**Frederick Douglass**  
A Black American abolitionist leader and former slave who escaped to become a prominent voice for progressive causes. He held mixed views on Lincoln's policies regarding abolition.

**Stephen Douglas**  
A Democratic Senator from Illinois who was a political rival of Abraham Lincoln. Known for the Lincoln-Douglas debates and his role in the Kansas-Nebraska Act.

**Charles Sumner**  
A Massachusetts Senator and radical Republican who pushed Lincoln toward abolition, known for his progressive views. A key ally to Lincoln during the presidency.

**Jefferson Davis**  
The president of the Confederacy during the Civil War who believed in states' rights and challenged Lincoln's actions as despotic. A former Senator and Secretary of War before the Civil War.

**Ulysses S. Grant**  
The 18th president of the United States and commanding general of the Union Army who led the Union to victory during the Civil War. His post-war presidency focused on Reconstruction policies.

**George B. McClellan**  
A Union general known for his ambition and mixed record during the Civil War. He ran as the Democratic nominee for president in 1864 and later served as Governor of New Jersey.

**John Bright**  
A British politician admired by Lincoln, known for his progressive views and support of the Union cause, whose portrait Lincoln displayed in his office.

**John Wilkes Booth**  
A stage actor who assassinated Abraham Lincoln at Ford’s Theater in 1865. He sympathized with the Confederate cause and attempted to continue their fight through his actions.

Study Guide

Book Brief

Explore And There Was Light reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

Book Brief And There Was Light

title

content

Overview

Get ready to explore And There Was Light and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

And There Was Light Summary and Study Guide

Background

And There Was Light Background

chapter

chapterType

section

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1, Chapters 1-5

And There Was Light Part 1, Chapters 1-5 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 6-12

And There Was Light Part 2, Chapters 6-12 Summary & Analysis

Part 3, Chapters 13-16

And There Was Light Part 3, Chapters 13-16 Summary & Analysis

Part 4, Chapters 17-21

And There Was Light Part 4, Chapters 17-21 Summary & Analysis

Part 5, Chapters 22-24

And There Was Light Part 5, Chapters 22-24 Summary & Analysis

Part 6, Chapter 25-Epilogue

And There Was Light Part 6, Chapter 25-Epilogue Summary & Analysis

keyFigure

Key Figures

And There Was Light Key Figures

theme

Themes

And There Was Light Themes

Index of Terms

And There Was Light Index of Terms

quote

citation

character

Important Quotes

And There Was Light Important Quotes

primaryCharacter

Essay Topics

And There Was Light Essay Topics

Jon Meacham

Adult

Biography

Nonfiction

Guide

and-there-was-light

And There Was Light: Abraham Lincoln and the American Struggle

Book Brief

And There Was Light

Super Short Summary

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read And There Was Light?