Forever Free: The Story of Emancipation and Reconstruction

Eric Foner and illustrations editor Joshua Brown talked about their book Forever Free: The Story of Emancipation and Reconstruction, published by Knopf. The book addressed the role blacks played during the time of Reconstruction, the era that immediately followed the Civil War. The speakers opened by pointing out that only 20 percent of today’s graduating high school seniors could identify and correctly define the Reconstruction era. In the book, Mr. Foner emphasized the centrality of the black experience to understanding the Reconstruction years, especially in the American South. He also discussed the changing politics of President Lincoln during this period. Mr. Brown showed slides and discussed the use of newspapers, tintypes, and portraits of the day that were used to both assist and deter reform efforts of blacks and the abolitionist movement. Following their presentations, the author and illustrator responded to questions and comments from members of the audience. close