Team of Rivals

The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln

By: Doris Kearns Goodwin

Narrated by: Doris Kearns Goodwin (introduction), Richard Thomas

Length: 9 hrs and 28 mins

Publisher's summary

Acclaimed historian Doris Kearns Goodwin illuminates Lincoln's political genius in this highly original work, as the one-term congressman and prairie lawyer rises from obscurity to prevail over three gifted rivals of national reputation to become president.

On May 18, 1860, William H. Seward, Salmon P. Chase, Edward Bates, and Abraham Lincoln waited in their hometowns for the results from the Republican National Convention in Chicago. When Lincoln emerged as the victor, his rivals were dismayed and angry.

Throughout the turbulent 1850s, each had energetically sought the presidency as the conflict over slavery was leading inexorably to secession and civil war. That Lincoln succeeded, Goodwin demonstrates, was the result of a character that had been forged by experiences that raised him above his more privileged and accomplished rivals. He won because he possessed an extraordinary ability to put himself in the place of other men, to experience what they were feeling, to understand their motives and desires.

It was this capacity that enabled Lincoln as president to bring his disgruntled opponents together, create the most unusual cabinet in history, and marshal their talents to the task of preserving the Union and winning the war.

We view the long, horrifying struggle from the vantage of the White House as Lincoln copes with incompetent generals, hostile congressmen, and his raucous cabinet. He overcomes these obstacles by winning the respect of his former competitors, and in the case of Seward, finds a loyal and crucial friend to see him through.

This brilliant multiple biography is centered on Lincoln's mastery of men and how it shaped the most significant presidency in the nation's history.

Listen to an interview with Doris Kearns Goodwin on The Bob Edwards Show.

©2005 Blithedale Productions, Inc. (P)2005 Simon and Schuster Inc. All rights reserved.

Critic reviews

• 2006 Quill Award Nominee
• National Book Critics Circle Award Finalist, Biography or Autobiography, 2005

"The knowledge gained here about these three significant figures who well attended Lincoln gain for the reader an even keener appreciation of the rare individual that he was." (Publishers Weekly)
"An elegant, incisive study of Lincoln and leading members of his cabinet that will appeal to experts as well as to those whose knowledge of Lincoln is an amalgam of high-school history and popular mythology." (The New York Times)

Fantastic!

I was so impressed with this book! I remember having an interest in the civil war era back when I was in middle school but have not done much reading or research since. I chose this book after hearing good things... I was not disappointed. My awe and respect for Lincoln increased twelve-fold after completing this book- what an inspiring story. I literally got choked up at the end of the book as I neared Lincoln's assassination. I'm now looking at starting 'Manhunt' as follow-up to this subject matter.

Bring history to life

With the ease of an eye witness, Doris Kearns Goodwin pulls facts from history that brings the experience of the civil war into a new perspective. The author tells the story in a new way that intrigues the listener who hopes for more. Other than too little information about John Wilkes Booth, this book filled my every interest. It includes many key characters from history in a riviting tale you won't want to end...even if you know what happens.

Brilliant in the telling

This book should be required reading for all future presidents. Ms. Goodwin's knowledge and research on Lincoln's skillful use of the brightest minds, through the human conditions that burden or hinder the tasks at hand was brilliant in the telling. The book left me with a better understanding of this critical period and the difficulty Lincoln faced in managing a country torn apart at every level of political office and authority. Superbly written and narrated.

Well written, interesting angle

The book definitely reveals the character of Lincoln, and I like the concept of highlighting Lincoln against those he had in his cabinet. Whether you know something of Lincoln or this would be your first read on him, I think you'll learn quite a bit.

I will likely listen to it again or even buy the written copy.

The narration was just average; not annoying, not fabulous.

Great book about a great man

Not sure how much more detail is in the unabridged but thought the abridged was very good and covered everything pretty well.

A great book for a great man.

I loved every minute. If you have any doubt about our greatest president, you won't after listening.

what you didn't know

a great read that covers the Lincoln Presidency like no other, recommended for all who marvel at this greatest of americans

Outstanding Historical Account

One of my top ten Historical books! I highly recommend to anyone who loves history.

Quick but thorough - Lincoln is AMAZING

Very very good book. Provides lots of great facts and backstory. Fantastic narration and a great start if you want to learn about Lincoln.

Doris Kearns Goodwin brings history to life.

Her research is astounding. Great read! Lincoln's talent to bring opponents together is amazing.