The Lincoln-Douglas Debates of 1858 for the U.S. Senate seat in Illinois are among the most famous in U.S. history. In listening to Norman Corwin’s The Rivalry take a front row seat as challenger Abraham Lincoln and incumbent Senator Stephen A. Douglas debate some of the time’s most controversial topics including slavery and the American concept of freedom. Douglas’ young wife, Adele will be your guide from debate to debate providing a sense of who is gaining the upper hand in this fierce rivalry.

L.A. Theatre Works offers this recording directed by Academy Award-winner Eric Simonson. It stars David Strathairn as Abraham Lincoln and Paul Giamatti as Stephen A. Douglas.