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)

Flowing Timeline

After watching "Lincoln" a few years ago, I wasn't too impress with the movie. I remember falling asleep for most of it because there was too much dialogue and not enough action. It wasn't the movie that I was expecting. I haven't done much reading on our 16th President and the Civil War other then in school.

"Team of Rivals" was suggested to me because I wanted a longer read. The hours in this book went by quickly. I really thought that I would have a hard time getting into the materials, and would be spending weeks at trying to get to the last minute, but I would never had thought that Lincoln's story would be interesting and sad at the same time. I've read my fair share of great figures in our history, but I never went in depth of Abraham Lincoln's life and his power.

Doris Kearns Goodwin wrote this book with vast information, and her timeline of the President's life just flows with every spoken word. I have found my next favorite historian, second to David McCullough. Her style of writing is passive, but her flow of storytelling and introducing new detail facts are appropriate to each chapter.

Moving and amazingly told

Extremely comprehensive story of Lincoln’s life and those closest to him. It seemed too long but I wanted more.

winner

very long , but very well written. For me there were times I didn't want to quit listening and then other times I was hoping it was over. Pulls you into all the surroundings of Lincoln and the times

Best book I’ve listened to thus far!

The author and narrator have teamed up to deliver an outstanding performance in recounting the life of one of our nation’s greatest leader. I can’t say enough about how well this biography is put together. Download it and be prepared to journey through some of America’s greatest moments of triumphs as well as bitter moments of sorrow in American history. Enjoy!

Amazing.

A fantastic book and I encourage everyone that has an interest in history, presidents or great leaders to read.

Good...and long

I enjoyed the book, but 41 hours makes remembering details difficult. Maybe my commute is too short.

a master piece

a litle hard to follow but eventually developes into a vivid and rich image of this great man.

A man for the ages

any present day politician who attempts to draw a comparison to Lincoln, regardless of their political party, is a fraud.

Excellent!

What an amazing history of and tribute to Abraham Lincoln! The reader is animated and articulate. I highly recommend it.

Outstanding in every way!

The history is thoroughly reseached. The writing is compelling. And the reading performance was excellent. Money and time was well invested in listening to this book.