Thaddeus Stevens

Nineteenth-Century Egalitarian

By: Hans L. Trefousse

Narrated by: Tom Weiner

One of the most controversial figures in 19th-century American history, Thaddeus Stevens is best remembered for his role as congressional leader of the radical Republicans and as a chief architect of Reconstruction. Long painted by historians as a vindictive “dictator of Congress”, out to punish the South at the behest of big business and his own ego, Stevens receives a more balanced treatment in Hans L. Trefousse’s biography, which portrays him as an impassioned orator and a leader in the struggle against slavery.

Trefousse traces Stevens’ career through its major phases, from his days in the Pennsylvania state legislature, when he antagonized Freemasons, slaveholders, and Jacksonian Democrats, to his political involvement during Reconstruction, when he helped author the 14th Amendment and spurred on the passage of the Reconstruction Acts and the impeachment of Andrew Johnson. Throughout, Trefousse explores the motivations for Stevens’ lifelong commitment to racial equality, thus furnishing a fuller portrait of the man whose fervent opposition to slavery helped move his more moderate congressional colleagues toward the implementation of egalitarian policies.

©1997 the University of North Carolina Press (P)2013 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Critic reviews

“Thaddeus Stevens has long deserved a discerning, fair-minded, knowledgeable, meticulous biographer; he has finally found him.” (James M. McPherson, Pulitzer Prize–winning author of Battle Cry of Freedom)

“This book is well researched and engagingly written and is likely to become the standard biography.” ( Choice)

“An especially valuable addition to Civil War literature. This is now the definitive work on Stevens.” ( Library Journal)

Great Reviewer

Thaddeus Stevens became the most visionary white politician in the history of this nation! He had the foresight to understand America could never truly prosper, unless all citizens experienced freedom, justice and equality!

complex character, good explanation

Thaddeus Stevens was ahead of his time ...an Abolitionist who was in the House. Great.

Informative

very well done, informative and well worth my time to learn about this country.

Wow! Ashamed for not knowing this until I became almost 79 years old. Thanks

Mark twain said history may not repeat itself but it does rhyme. Hopefully we will find something that rhymes with the great commoner Thaddeus Stevenson. It’s a shame this was stressed and taught more in high school.

Captivating History

Thaddeus Stevens is a character of debate, while this book is excessively favorable to him, it at least points out a number of foul things about him. The whole thing was done really well & thus I offer no scathing criticisms. It's just that some matters are up for interpretation. They're things that none of us could truly know not knowing him personally and being so far removed through the passing of time.