Professor Kenneth Winkle, an expert on Abraham Lincoln, and Professor
Jeannette E. Jones, an expert on 19th c. African American history,
discussed Eric Foner's book, The Fiery Trial: Abraham Lincoln and
American Slavery, with an audience of 85 participants, including
students and the public, at Walt Library on September 1, 2011. Mayor
Chris Beutler welcomed participants. Eric Foner will give the 16th
annual Governor's Lecture in the Humanities on October 5, 2011 in
Omaha at the Joslyn Art Museum. The lecture is free and open to the
public.

For the city-wide book discussion Professors Winkle and Jones gave
brief remarks and took questions from the audience. Questions and
discussion focused on Lincoln' leadership, the politics of the 1850s,
the dilemma of slavery in Lincoln's life, and the challenge of ending
slavery in the Civil War. The discussion was far-reaching and
engaging.

Professor Kenneth Winkle and Professor Jeannette Jones discuss Eric
Foner's book, The Fiery Trial, with the audience at Walt Library.

Mayor Chris Beutler welcomes participants to the book discussion.