The Great Abolitionist: Charles Sumner and the
Fight for a More Perfect Union, by Stephen Puelo
The remarkable and sometimes overlooked story of Charles Sumner, Massachusetts Senator and Boston abolitionist, is brought vividly to life in this new biography by Puleo. A complex and courageous figure, a man of brilliant intellect and fierce moral clarity, Sumner endured ridicule, ostracism, and even a violent and debilitating caning by a fellow Congressman on the Senate floor in 1856, yet he remained steadfast in demanding that the nation abolish slavery and fulfill its democratic ideals of equality truly for all.
Born and educated in Boston, Sumner became a leading figure in the city’s vibrant antislavery movement. His ties to Boston’s reform networks helped him build the moral and political base that gave his voice such power on the national stage. Local author and historian Puleo captures this atmosphere vividly, reminding readers how central Boston was to the abolitionist cause.
The book also emphasizes Sumner’s influence on President Abraham Lincoln. Though the two men had very different temperaments, Sumner’s clarity of principle pushed Lincoln to take stronger steps toward emancipation. Their partnership — one pragmatic, the other uncompromising — illustrates how moral conviction and unwavering dedication can shape political action at critical moments.
Puleo does not shy away from Sumner’s flaws, nor did our book group. His aloof manner and unwillingness to compromise sometimes alienated allies. Yet these same traits ensured that the call for freedom and equality could not be watered down or delayed. In this sense, Sumner’s steadfastness served and can continue to serve as a moral compass for the nation.
Sumner’s story resonates today, as noted by our group. His insistence that America live up to its founding ideals speaks directly to current debates about equality, justice, and the health of democracy. The Great Abolitionist is both a stirring history of a truly remarkable Boston statesman and a timely reflection on the enduring power of conviction to effect change.
--Jessie von Hippel