“A Glorious Fate is a nuanced portrait of an ambitious Civil War officer who never sought the martyrdom he achieved after death. This beautifully written biography will be the definitive account of Robert Gould Shaw’s complicated life.”
In A Glorious Fate: The Life and Legacy of Colonel Robert Gould Shaw, historian Kevin Levin explores the remarkable story of the Union officer whose leadership of the 54th Massachusetts Infantry became one of the defining symbols of courage, sacrifice, and the fight for emancipation during the Civil War. Drawing on years of research, Levin examines Shaw's life, military service, and enduring legacy while tracing how his story has been remembered, interpreted, and commemorated for more than 160 years. His presentation offers fresh insight into one of the Civil War's most influential figures and the continuing significance of the 54th Massachusetts.
Kevin Levin is an award-winning historian, educator, and author specializing in the history and memory of the Civil War era. An honorary fellow of the Massachusetts Historical Society, he is the author of four books and the longtime publisher of the widely read Civil War Memory blog and newsletter. His work has appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Boston Globe, Smithsonian, The Atlantic, and numerous other national publications.
Our Speaker Series is free & open to the public! Light refreshments will be served.
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This series is made possible by our generous sponsor, Christine Mayer, and is presented in partnership with the Wellesley Free Library.