Jeffrey Manber

Two Books and Counting

I've had a great time taking on a number of fascinating projects, from a modern look at Lincoln's relationship with the press to the influence of Russia on our own space program.

Lincoln's Wrath was a difficult project, as it required readers and fans of Abraham Lincoln to learn of his actions in suppressing freedom of the press during the worst moments of our Civil War.

As during the Bush administration, the public was torn over the merits of suspending our most cherished freedoms in a time of war. Personally, I loved writing about the stubborn, angry yet patriotic John Hodgson, the 19th century publisher of a small newspaper who hated Lincoln, hated the war, believed in State's right, but loved his country. The climax of the true story is a forgotten trial, that pitted Hodgson against the president of the United States. The outcome was, for me and my co-author Neil Dahlstrom, a shocker.

Now, I'm excited as I prepare for my second book, "Selling Peace, the Inside Story of the Soviet Conspiracy to Transform the American Space Program." This is my recounting of my 15 years working with the leading Russians as we fought to introduce open markets and competition to the international space programs. The book tells how the Russians forced NASA to introduce American-style market reforms. I've packed the book with great anecdotes, and hope readers enjoy learning a lot more about the mysterious Russians--and a bit more about ourselves.

I like very much writing Op-Ed pieces. It is a discipline and a skill I enjoy and hope to do more of, as "Selling Peace" is published this fall.