Measuring the Man explores Frederick Douglass’s writings on Abraham Lincoln, featuring rare documents with insights from scholars Jonathan W. White and Lucas E. Morel.
(PRUnderground) October 6th, 2025
On October 1, 2025, acclaimed scholars Lucas E. Morel and Jonathan W. White published Measuring the Man: The Writings of Frederick Douglass on Abraham Lincoln (Reedy Press), a landmark collection that sheds new light on the relationship between the Great Abolitionist, Frederick Douglass, and the Great Emancipator, Abraham Lincoln.
Drawing on Douglass’s speeches, essays, private letters, and editorials, some of which have not been seen in more than 160 years, Measuring the Man traces Douglass’s evolving view of Lincoln from skepticism and frustration during the early years of the Civil War to his deep respect for the martyred president in the decades that followed.
Among the highlights of this volume are a dozen newly discovered documents that illuminate Douglass’s thinking about Lincoln with fresh nuance and reshape how Americans think about the relationship between these two important leaders. These findings have already attracted attention from major outlets, including Smithsonian Magazine, Civil War Talk Radio, History Unplugged, and the New Books Network.
“His measure of the man who would become the savior of the Union and emancipator of slaves presents a civic education of the highest order,” write Morel and White in the book’s introduction.
“Although Douglass and Lincoln never saw eye to eye on all political matters, Douglass’s critiques and celebrations of Lincoln will enlighten readers as they consider two giants of American political oratory who addressed the greatest crisis to face the American republic.”
The editors bring distinguished credentials to the project. Jonathan W. White is a professor of American Studies at Christopher Newport University, vice chair of The Lincoln Forum, along with being an author and editor of over 20 books, including A House Built by Slaves, which won the Gilder Lehrman Lincoln Prize. Lucas E. Morel is the John K. Boardman Jr. Professor of Politics at Washington and Lee University, former president of the Abraham Lincoln Institute, author of Lincoln and the American Founding, and currently serves in the U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission.
Sameer Somal, Board Member of the Abraham Lincoln Long Nine Museum and founder of LegalExperts.ai, headquartered in Springfield, IL, expressed his enthusiasm for the release. “It gives me real joy to see a work that brings the voice of Douglass into clearer light upon Mr. Lincoln,” he said. “Professors White and Morel have rendered a labor both noble and useful, gathering a collection that shall instruct the learned and hearten the common reader alike.”
About Sameer Somal
Sameer Somal is the CEO of Blue Ocean Global Technology and Co-Founder of Girl Power Talk. A testifying expert witness and frequent speaker at conferences, Sameer’s active association memberships include the Abraham Lincoln Association, Academy of Legal Studies in Business, and Lincoln Group of DC. Recent articles authored include Abraham Lincoln: A Model for Ethical Leadership (American Bar Association), Honesty in the Halls of Justice: Lincoln’s Lesson for Lawyers (New York State Bar Association), Lessons from Lincoln for Legal Professionals (National Law Review), Navigating AI Ethics: Lessons from Abraham Lincoln May Hold the Key (Association of Corporate Counsel), and What Lincoln’s Team of Rivals Can Teach Leaders of the New Workplace (Her Conversation). Through his writing, speaking, and professional work, Sameer is committed to deepening public understanding of Lincoln’s life and legacy while illuminating their enduring relevance to contemporary leadership, law, and ethics.
About Girl Power Talk
Girl Power Talk strives to inspire youth with persistence, empathy, and confidence. We provide young people with opportunities to learn, grow, and achieve their full potential. Our team is committed to education, gender equality, and creating an environment where talent and hard work are recognized. Through a culture of mentorship and continuous learning, we accelerate personal growth and develop the next generation of leaders.
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