Mirroring Lincoln: The Cursed Existence of Paschal Beverly Randolph
by D. Amari Jackson

On the 200^th anniversary of his birth, the African American Literature Book Club presents the mystical account of a real-life figure that time erased…

Mirroring Lincoln: The Cursed Existence of Paschal Beverly Randolph explores the persistent rumors of a close relationship between Abraham Lincoln and Paschal Beverly Randolph, a Black mystic advisor, in the final years of Lincoln’s life. The narrative weaves historical fact with lore while depicting Randolph’s real-life status as a celebrated clairvoyant genius whose significant influence has been largely erased from history. Lauded by President Andrew Johnson for his “very rare and unusual attainments as a scholar and orator,” Randolph was known for his metaphysical abilities during a time of war, slavery, and spiritualism. Mirroring Lincoln captures the enigmatic life of Randolph, his murky parallels with America’s most beloved president, and the curse that hounded him until his mysterious death in 1875.