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)

Riveting story telling,

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes, very entertaining and well read

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

cry, so tragic, so crazy and so telling of the random power of guns to change history for the worse.

Any additional comments?

some mispronunciation, i.e. carotid and stirrup

fantastic account

A fantastic, thorough account of an interesting and pivotal life. Goodwin is a masterful storyteller.

Brilliant

Magnificent in its history, epic in scope. Couldn't stop listening to this master work. Must read.

Listened to every second!

Would you listen to Team of Rivals again? Why?

Yes, be reminded of Lincoln's values and of what it means to be a citizen in a democratic society.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Team of Rivals?

The leadup to and the reading of the Gettysburg Address. Despite my familiarity with the speech, hearing it presented in context and listening to Lincoln's simple, direct, and eternal message was inspiring all over again.

Which scene was your favorite?

Hard to say.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Yes, at many points.

Educational, yet entertaining.

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

I love reading a print page, so can't answer this. My husband and I listened to this book on a long car journey so it was perfect for that purpose.

What did you like best about this story?

We loved hearing the past history of all Lincoln's Cabinet, and how they made it to the White House.

Have you listened to any of Suzanne Toren’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Haven't listened to her before.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

It's very long. It had to be broken up over the course of several weeks.

Incredible book!!

What did you love best about Team of Rivals?

The story of Abraham Lincoln is fascinating and spellbinding.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Lincoln - a warm, compassionate, incredibly smart man who led our country through a very turbulent period.

Which character – as performed by Suzanne Toren – was your favorite?

Lincoln - Ms. Toren's reading was perfect for this book.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes, but way too long. I loved it all.

Any additional comments?

Highly recommended.

A brilliant way to tell the story of a great man

Any additional comments?

I have read several Lincoln biographies and this has to be one of the best. By telling Lincoln’s story by analyzing his rivals, you do gain a greater appreciation of how great a man Lincoln was. My overall all opinion is, that everyone should read this book at least once in their life. Simply put, it is very well written, in-depth without losing focus, brings historical accounts to life, and narration is superb.

Dense, but well worth it

Any additional comments?

This book is not for everyone. For those desiring only a cursory look at Lincoln's more famous moments, this book will feel like a burden with so much detail in between major events.

However, for those who really want to get into the mutli-faceted complexity that was Lincoln's genius, this book is the best I have encountered. Chock full of rich subtlety and supported throughout with first hand sources, I strongly recommend this book to anyone craving a long journey unwrapping lawyers and discovering the complex relationships that together constituted our greatest American hero.

It's a masterpiece

Highly recommend everyone to read this masterpiece. The audiobook version was dreary in the beginning but so addictive once you get used to the narration. I am getting a physical version of the book for my collection.

Great story and an insight into the civil war

Lincoln's wisdom and generosity of spirit made him a great president . The union was saved and slavery abolished because of his vision for the United States and his humanity to his fellow man.