By Wendy Swanson
Washington, D.C.
Friday, July 22, 2022
Lincoln Group President David J. Kent’s latest book, Lincoln: The Fire of Genus, will be published soon - the release date is September 1. The subtitle of the book – How Abraham Lincoln’s Commitment to Science and Technology Helped Modernize America – provides a preview of the approach David uses in blending the themes of science and the history of Abraham Lincoln. David himself is an award-winning scientist as well as a Lincoln historian – in short, the perfect person to tell this part of the Lincoln story.
In an interview for the Lincolnian newsletter, David described why he was inspired to write a book combining two of his favorite topics.
Here are a few selected excerpts from the interview with David. He begins by noting that:
Over my long career as a scientist, I noticed the scientific way Abraham Lincoln approached problem solving. As I dug deeper, I could see the thread of science and technology running through his life. The book extracts this thread and we see how fundamental it became to his overarching goal of “bettering his condition” as well as giving everyone – not just the wealthy elite – an equal chance in the race of life.
I want readers to appreciate how science and technology helped drive progress during the 19th century, and how Lincoln’s appreciation for them helped not only to improve his own life but the lives of all Americans.
He thought scientifically in such a way to become a strategic thinker far beyond most of his peers. His focus was to bring science and technology to the masses.
The interview will appear in its entirety in the next edition of the Lincolnian newsletter, which members will be receiving later this month. Therein, David also discusses his writing and scientific careers as well as his thoughts on the Lincoln Group as we move forward following the successful Lincoln Memorial Centennial. This edition also will include upcoming events (including information on our annual picnic/tour in October), an Antigoni Ladd article on teaching Lincoln leadership, other Lincoln news and features, and a few surprises.
More news on David's book: if you follow the Goodreads site, you have a chance to win a free hard cover copy of David’s book. For those not yet acquainted Goodreads, this is a social cataloging website that allows people to track their reading, search its vast database of books, and, you guessed it, win free books. Click here to learn more and to win a free hardcover copy on Goodreads! If interested in the giveaway, do respond quickly - entries must be in by July 31.
Meanwhile, don't forget to RSVP for the official Lincoln Group sponsored book launch at Maggiano's Little Italy restaurant on September 13, 2022. Check out more information here, and RSVP now to save your spot. All paid in-person attendees will receive a free "Swag Bag" of goodies and raffles.
And if you don't win the giveaway, can't make the dinner, but want the book as soon as possible. you can also pre-order it on the websites of Rowman & Littlefield, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, your favorite independent bookstore, and everywhere else books are sold.