Team of Rivals

The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln

By: Doris Kearns Goodwin

Narrated by: Suzanne Toren

Length: 41 hrs and 32 mins

Publisher's summary

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 was the result of a character that had been forged by life experiences that raised him above his more privileged and accomplished rivals. He won because hepossessed an extraordinary ability to put himself in the place of other men, to experience what they were feeling, to understand their motives and desires.

This capacity enabled President Lincoln to bring his disgruntled opponents together, create the most unusual cabinet in history, and marshal their talents to preserve the Union and win the war.

©2006 Doris Kearns Goodwin (P)2011 Simon & Schuster

Critic reviews

"An elegant, incisive study....Goodwin has brilliantly described how Lincoln forged a team that preserved a nation and freed America from the curse of slavery." (James M. McPherson, The New York Times Book Review)

"Goodwin's narrative abilities...are on full display here, and she does an enthralling job of dramatizing...crucial moments in Lincoln's life....A portrait of Lincoln as a virtuosic politician and managerial genius." (Michiko Kakutani, The New York Times)

"Splendid, beautifully written....Goodwin has brilliantly woven scores of contemporary accounts...into a fluid narrative....This is the most richly detailed account of the Civil War presidency to appear in many years." (John Rhodehamel, Los Angeles Times)

Wonderful content, cold and unengaging narrator

Would you listen to Team of Rivals again? Why?

I am halfway through this book, one that I've been wanting to read for years but decided to get on Audible because I drive so much and I love audiobooks. Unfortunately, I am giving up on the audiobook despite the wonderful content because I just can't stand the narrator. She sounds cold, dissengaged and uninviting. This is doubly disappointing, given that Lincoln was both fascinating and approachable and known for his storytelling and humor. Doris Kearns Goodwin is so warm and engaging, and I am so disappointed that the narration does not do justice to her work.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Lincoln is fascinating, through and through.

What do you think the narrator could have done better?

This narrator was just a bad choice for this book. Her voice would better serve a religious treatise -- competent but not warm or humorous or engaging.

Great book on leadership!

Lincoln can teach the leaders of today! Building teams while still maintaining control. Giving team members decision making authority while still making the ultimate decisions.

Breathtaking!

What a gripping story! Wonderfully written, and Suzanne is an excellent narrator. I never thought that I would get through a 40+ hours audiobook...

Incredible life & lessons from Lincoln

Absolutely loved this! It is a daunting undertaking, but the hours fly by listening. The life & story of Lincoln & his team, is enthralling.

Republicans 1860/2016

Just about the best read and a reminder what our democracy is really all about. It is a classic and best company, spending time with Lincoln via Audible. Doris Kearns Goodwin is truly remarkable.

Tremendous story about a larger than life leader.

Let me start by saying I quit listening to this book. Twice. Not because of the content, but my attention span struggled with how in depth this book is. I'm sure it's completely fine in paperback, but the audio version had me losing patience early on.

With that said, I'm so glad I picked this up again. Abraham Lincoln was one of the greatest leaders in the history of man. His genius is evident in the Herculean decisions he was confronted with on a regular basis- and how he was able to look at the challenges he faced as a humanitarian first.

The content is on point, the message is inspiring, and the story is an emotional roller coaster. I will be recommending this book to those interested in politics, history, and leadership.

great book

It was an amazing story. I liked how she compared the men. learned a lot from reading it.

this is an amazing book!!!

Starts off slow but is captivating, powerful read. I wish we had learned more about Lincoln in school

A fantastic book

This book was everything I hoped it would be. It’s a powerful and detailed description of the civil war from the perspective of Lincoln and his cabinet and gives you an immense respect for the incredible person that Lincoln was. The performance was excellent too.

Great, Great Book

Yes, this was a long book. But it was so well written and superbly narrayed that you can feel Lincoln' s concernt and connect with his attributes. I laughed, got angry at traitors, and yes choked with emotion. If your looking for a great read about a very great man. Then this is tbe book for you.