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)

I know it had to be abridged, but...

Would you consider the audio edition of Team of Rivals to be better than the print version?

When a book is as voluminous as Doris Kearns Goodwin's "Team of Rivals", I know it would be nearly impossible NOT to abridge it. I hope someday, however, to read the book in its entirety. Goodwin's scholarship and insights make this a thoroughly educational and entertaining listening experience, however I was sure that a great deal had to be omitted. Richard Thomas' reading was strong and his voice soothing. This was my first purchase from Audible, and I am eager to purchase other audiobooks.

Would you recommend Team of Rivals to your friends? Why or why not?

I would recommend Team of Rivals without reservation. Lincoln is one of the most compelling personages in our nation's history, and Goodwin flawlessly demonstrates that he was a man of great intelligence, compassion, and cunning.

Interesting angle

I've read a few books on Lincoln and I Learned a lot more about him in this book. Highly recommend it!

Very glad I read it. loved it.

I loved it. I don't normally like war or political stories but this book kept me fascinated to the end.

A book everyone needs to read.

I have never been a big reader of history books but as a leadership and team development facilitator, I was curious to read about Lincoln from that aspect. The author did a wonderful job incorporating the story of Lincoln's presidency with his ability not only to lead during the darkest days of U.S. history, but how he created a team from those who had once been his rivals.

Even More Respect for Our Greatest President!

I have read multiple books on Lincoln and his handling of the Civil War. However, this extensive look at how he managed and got the best out of his cabinet shows the true leadership and genius that Abraham Lincoln displayed during his presidency. I only wish we would have had him to lead us through Reconstruction and maybe, just maybe, we may not have the issues we have now between the races. For anyone that calls themselves a historian, this is a must read!

wait for the unabridged version

It's my own fault, I assumed this would be unabridged. And didn't bother to check. It's not and the unabridged version is not available. Why on earth would someone want to read only a part of this story? The abridged version definitely leaves one with questions.

The way history should be taught

The author has a great knack for pulling out interesting facts along the way. This is a terrific listen, though I really wish it had been unabridged. There were times I wanted more information. This book is great just to fill in why the "Team of Rivals" description is being applied to Obama. It was impossible not to weigh what I was listening to with current presidential events. It seems that the more solid comparison is their common introvert thinker characteristic. Whatever the case, this certainly added to my understanding of Lincoln in a new way.

Team Of Rivals

I find the historical significance of this book fascinating. Doris Kearns Goodwin gives vivid insight into Lincolns thinking. I recommend this book for anyone who enjoys Abe Lincolns Presidency.

Moving portrait of Lincoln

Goodwin's approach proves there is always more to explore in the matter of great men & women in our nation's history. I chose the 9 hour version & think it was terrific editing.

Historic insight

Doris Kearns Goodwin is perhaps one of today's most descriptive and prolific writers to grace the written page.

"Team of Rivals" brings you to the time of civil unrest in our country's history replete with the Lincoln perspective, as well as his "Team of Rivals".

Wonderfully written, and Richard Thomas is a superb narrator.