Summers with Lincoln: Looking for the Man in the Monuments by James A. Percoco – A Captivating Historical Travelogue on

Introduction

In Summers with Lincoln: Looking for the Man in the Monuments, acclaimed educator and historian James A. Percoco takes readers on an unforgettable road trip across America to uncover the hidden stories behind the statues of one of the nation’s most revered leaders. This meticulously researched hardcover, published by Fordham University Press, blends travelogue, history, and education into a single compelling narrative. For Indian readers fascinated by American history, public art, or the power of memorials, this book offers a unique lens through which to understand how a nation remembers its heroes.

Book Overview

Spanning four summers of exploration, Percoco and his diverse group of teenage students visit seven emblematic Lincoln monuments across the United States—from the iconic Emancipation Group in Washington, D.C., to lesser-known statues tucked away in quiet squares. Each chapter delves into the monument’s creation, the political and social climate of its unveiling, and its evolving meaning in contemporary America. The book is not merely a guide to statues; it is a meditation on how we construct memory, identity, and history in bronze and stone.

Key Highlights

• Seven Monumental Journeys: Focuses on seven carefully chosen Lincoln statues, each representing a different era and perspective.
• Student Perspectives: Features insights from Percoco’s multi-ethnic group of teenage historians, offering fresh, youthful viewpoints.
• Historical Context: Reveals the untold stories of the artists, donors, and communities behind each monument.
• Personal Narrative: Combines rigorous research with the author’s own reflections, making history feel alive and accessible.
• Bicentennial Relevance: Written ahead of Lincoln’s 200th birthday, the book captures a nation in reflection.

Inside the Book

Readers will travel from the steps of the U.S. Capitol to the quiet streets of small towns, learning how each statue came to be. Percoco unpacks the symbolism of Lincoln as the Great Emancipator, the frontier lawyer, and the martyred president. Along the way, his students grapple with questions of race, memory, and patriotism, turning a simple road trip into a profound classroom. The narrative is enriched with archival photographs, historical documents, and the author’s own field notes.

Key Topics

• Abraham Lincoln’s legacy in American public memory
• The role of monuments in shaping national identity
• History of public sculpture and commemorative art
• Race relations and the evolving meaning of emancipation
• Experiential learning and history education
• Travel and place-based historical discovery

Reader Benefits

• For History Enthusiasts: Gain deep insights into Lincoln’s life and posthumous influence.
• For Students and Teachers: Discover innovative ways to teach history through monuments and field trips.
• For Travel Lovers: Enjoy a vivid travelogue that inspires curiosity about America’s cultural landmarks.
• For Art Lovers: Appreciate the artistry and politics behind public sculptures.
• For Indian Readers: Understand how another democracy commemorates its leaders, offering parallels to India’s own monumental heritage.

Learning Outcomes

By reading Summers with Lincoln, you will learn to critically analyze public monuments, understand the historical context of commemorative art, and appreciate the dynamic relationship between a nation’s past and its present. The book encourages readers to ask: Who gets memorialized, and why? What stories do these statues tell—and which ones do they silence?

Who Should Read

• Students of American history and political science
• Teachers and educators seeking engaging classroom resources
• Travel enthusiasts planning cultural tours of the United States
• Art historians and lovers of public sculpture
• General readers curious about Abraham Lincoln and American identity

About the Author

James A. Percoco is a celebrated history teacher and the recipient of numerous teaching awards, including the National History Day Outstanding Teacher Award. He has spent decades bringing history to life for his students through innovative fieldwork and experiential learning. His passion for Lincoln and public art led him on the four-year journey documented in this book.

About the Publisher

Fordham University Press, based in New York, is a distinguished academic publisher known for its contributions to American history, philosophy, and cultural studies. Their titles are recognized for scholarly rigor and accessibility, making complex subjects approachable for a broad readership.

Conclusion

Summers with Lincoln: Looking for the Man in the Monuments is more than a book about statues—it is a heartfelt exploration of how a nation remembers, learns, and grows. Whether you are a student, teacher, or lifelong learner, James A. Percoco’s journey will inspire you to look at monuments with new eyes and to seek the stories etched in stone. Order your hardcover copy today from Bookshops.in and embark on a literary road trip through American history.