a clear-sighted, carefully researched account of two surprisingly parallel lives and how they intersected at a critical moment in U.S. history.

Waiting for Mr. Lincoln -- Born into slavery -- Soul on fire -- Nothing but plenty of friends -- A house divided -- Debating the future of slavery in America -- Emancipation -- "Mr. Douglass...I am glad to see you" -- Lincoln's secret plan -- "My friend Douglass" -- Appendix: Dialogue between a master and slave -- Historic sites.