"In the hyper-politicized world we inhabit today, where Democrats and Republicans are tribal in their fanaticism for their respective parties and antipathy toward their opponents, Lowe’s recounting of Abram’s life offers a welcome reminder that public servants once did have values that trumped partisan politics. There may not be another Morris Abram, but his largeness of spirit and ability to stay on a consistently principled path serves as an inspiration to future public servants."—Jay P. Lefkowitz, Commentary Magazine
"Throughout Touched With Fire, Lowe ably shows how legal victories do not happen through mere force of moral suasion, but as campaigns, carefully coordinated and stage-managed with other stakeholders."—Sean Keeley, American Interest
"David Lowe provides valuable information on the life and times of Morris Abram; this talented man from the South who made a major contribution to putting an end to a voting system that discriminated against African Americans, an advocate for civil and human rights and a spokesperson on behalf of American Jewry."—Braham Dabscheck, Industrial Relations
"In Touched with Fire: Morris Abram and the Battle Against Racial and Religious Discrimination, David E. Lowe illuminates Abram’s multifaceted career, giving him the lasting recognition he deserves. . . . Touched with Fire is a good read and Morris B. Abram is well worth remembering."—Janice Blumberg, Southern Jewish Historical Journal
"David E. Lowe's Touched with Fire: Morris B. Abram and the Battle against Racial and Religious Discrimination effectively brings to life the details and the delegations, the triumphs and the failures, and the challenges and the changes that are associated with the life and legacy of Morris B. Abram."—Mary Catherine Mueller, Journal of Contemporary Antisemitism
“David Lowe brings Morris Abram to life, vividly describing Abram’s powerful intellect and his passionate, effective pursuit of noble causes.”—George Shultz, former U.S. secretary of state
“A long overdue biography of a Southern white civil rights pioneer, American Jewish leader, Brandeis University president, U.S. ambassador, and human rights activist who ended up on the wrong side of the 1960s and whom history has unjustly forgotten. This is an instructive tale of liberalism’s swerve and of roads not taken.”—Jonathan D. Sarna, University Professor and Joseph H. and Belle R. Braun Professor of American Jewish History at Brandeis University
“Morris Abram will always be remembered at the American Jewish Committee as a towering Jewish leader of the twentieth century. David Lowe compellingly traces his career as advocate extraordinaire for civil and human rights, Israel, and Soviet Jewry. Abram’s model of effective leadership continues to be instructive, as this impressive volume highlights.”—David Harris, CEO of American Jewish Committee