In this episode we sit down with award-winning author Brad Ricca to discuss his new book, Lincoln’s Ghost: Houdini’s War on Spiritualism and the Dark Conspiracy Against the American Presidency. Ricca takes us into one of the strangest and most gripping chapters of American history—when Harry Houdini waged a crusade against fraudulent mediums, séances, and a Spiritualist movement that reached all the way to the White House.
In this special live-recorded episode of the Lincoln Log Podcast, host Joshua Claybourn moderates a fascinating discussion from the 2025 Abraham Lincoln Association Symposium with two distinguished guests: historian Jonathan W. White and researcher William J. Griffing.
Their new book, A Great and Good Man: Rare, First-Hand Accounts and Observations of Abraham Lincoln, brings to light over 200 previously unpublished accounts of Lincoln from those who knew him during the Civil War era. These rare narratives offer an intimate, unfiltered look at the 16th president—revealing new dimensions of his character, leadership, and legacy.
White, an award-winning historian and author of A House Built by Slaves, and Griffing, a dedicated researcher of first-hand Civil War-era accounts, discuss how these discoveries challenge long-standing narratives and humanize Lincoln in unexpected ways.
Join historian Joshua Claybourn as he delves into the life and legacy of Nancy Hanks Lincoln, mother of Abraham Lincoln. Discover her impact on the 16th president, her life in Indiana, and her enduring influence on American history. A compelling look at an often-overlooked figure in Lincoln's story.
Acclaimed historian Nigel Hamilton previews his 2024 keynote presentation at the Abraham Lincoln Association's 215th Birthday Banquet in Springfield, Illinois.
Prolific Lincoln author Jonathan White discusses his engaging and compelling new children's book titled My Day with Abe Lincoln.
Nathan Raab, a renowned expert in historical documents and a prominent figure in the world of Americana collectibles, delves into the fascinating realm of Abraham Lincoln's manuscripts, offering unique perspectives on historical autographs and documents. He shares intriguing stories behind some of the most significant documents and artifacts, providing listeners with a deeper understanding of this important and growing field.
Prolific Lincoln scholar Jonathan W. White discusses his most recent book about Appleton Oaksmith, a swashbuckling sea captain whose life intersected with some of the most important 19th century moments.
Author David Kent discusses his scholarship concerning Abraham Lincoln's approach to science and technology.
Prolific Lincoln scholar Jonathan W. White discusses two of his recent books about the forgotten story of how President Lincoln welcomed African Americans to his White House during America’s most divided and war-torn era.
Steven Smith, Professor of Political Science and Philosophy at Yale, discusses Lincoln's political philosophy.
Allen Guelzo, Senior Research Scholar in the Council of the Humanities at Princeton University and Director of the James Madison Program’s Initiative in Politics and Statesmanship, discusses his forthcoming biography of Robert E. Lee.
Law professor Michael Gerhardt discusses his new book titled Lincoln's Mentors: The Education of a Leader.
Attorney and historian Richard Hart addresses Abraham Lincoln's Springfield, original research, and changing views of Lincoln's roots.
Lincoln historian Joshua Claybourn appears by himself to discuss Lincoln's birth and Nancy Lincoln's ancestry.
Bancroft Prize-winning author David S. Reynolds discusses his popular new biography, Abe: Abraham Lincoln in His Times.
Elizabeth Mitchell, author of Lincoln’s Lie, discusses a 1864 newspaper article to reveal how Lincoln manipulated the media during the Civil War.
Liz Varon, author of Armies of Deliverance: A New History of the Civil War, discusses her sweeping book about the Civil War and interpretation of Union and Confederate war aims.
Harold Holzer, one of the country’s leading authorities on Abraham Lincoln and the political culture of the Civil War era, discusses his new book titled The Presidents vs. the Press: The Endless Battle between the White House and the Media—from the Founding Fathers to Fake News.
Dan McLaughlin, pundit and attorney, discusses his views on the Confederacy's influence on the administrative state.