Mrs. Hassig's Reviews > The Most Famous Man in America: The Biography of Henry Ward Beecher

Several years ago I was attending a Holocaust seminar in NYC and got to visit Plymouth Church in Brooklyn. I was blown away by its size and famous history. I had my photo taken in the pew spot where Abe Lincoln sat to listen to the crazy popular minister and brother of Harriett - Henry Ward Beecher! As a confirmed Congregationalist myself, I was mesmerized by Beecher's purchasing of slaves from the offering plate and particularly the story of Pinky. To make the visit even more special, our guide told us that the painting that Beecher had made of Rose the next day was now hanging in the front hallway of Don Hall's home in KC, MO. Don Hall as in Hallmark Cards! I lived in KC at the time, although born in a Lawrence, Kansas, and was thrilled to have even a small connection with Henry Ward Beecher. After reading this book, which I really enjoyed, my genuine affection for Henry is still strong regardless of his weaknesses! My 4 stars is not because of the book but because of Henry. I wanted him to be perfect and it turned out he was only human after all.