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)

great book

I loved learning insight into the life of Lincoln. I would recommend this to anyone wishing to learn more about the beginnings of our country.

Amazing man and amazing team

An incredible book that describes how the magnanimity, generosity, and kindness of Abraham Lincoln helped him accomplish and overcome the trials of the civil war and slavery. Inspiring!

Now I understand

I have always been big on history and have always wondered why Lincoln has been romanticized to such an extreme in our society... so much so that one starts to get skeptical about who he really was. Much like several key figures in the book - I was wrong to think that. The way this story describes his emotional generosity engrossed me. His lack of literally any desire to be petty in circumstances where it would be more than justified is not something that should be exclusive to the political arena. It gives you this sort of warm feeling knowing someone of this mental fortitude was there leading at the country's most difficult time. So many people of different fervent ideologies, personalities, and races spoke nothing short of seemingly god-like praise for the "sad looking creature".

As for the audiobook - I initially thought I would not enjoy nearly 50 hours of the woman's voice - But she quickly reels you in much like a captivating bed time story from when you were young.

Amazing Leader

Amazing book for lovers of history. The insight it has given me on one of our greatest presidents and his leadership style are beyond measurable. Great book for anyone who is a part of a high functioning team.

just a spectacular book

Doris Kearns Goodwin is the best. I was really impressed with the narrator for this book as well.

Well performed, well written, an excellent Pentabiography.

Would definitely recommend this book to anyone who likes history, is interested in Abraham Lincoln or the civil war, or is interested in leadership. Personally, this is a MUST-read or listen.

It is a little slow in the beginning, but after a few chapters it picks up. Initially, I did not care to learn about the other cabinet members but understanding them is essential to understanding the brilliance of Lincoln.

Fantastic biography

I had no idea how detailed this book would be when I started it. Fantastically done. Quite long for audio, but a fantastic writing of history.

Longest Audiobook to date, but oh so riveting!

"Now, he belongs to the ages..." (said by Secretary of War Edwin Stanton moments after Abraham Lincoln's assassination and subsequent death)
Wow! I mean, wow! Not sure I have ever felt as proud of finishing a book as I am of this one. Took me almost 2 full months, but I can honestly say, I so enjoyed it!
Yes, it is dense. Yes, it is historical. Yes, it has lots of characters and events and letters and conversations. Yes, you have to have patience. But, it is absolutely fascinating and you get such a glimpse into the life and legacy of a great man and how he rallied rivals and personal political enemies even to his side and to serve their country as part of his cabinet.
Goodwin carefully crafts a masterpiece of non-fiction that reads a little more novel-like and I will certainly return to her work again for other presidential biographies or historical works.

Great character, great story

Well written, well read, a beautiful story about an amazing person. I didn’t know Lincoln before this and I’ve been moved and impressed. I wish there were more politicians like him.

Beautifully told, beautifully read

I feel a great reverence for Abraham Lincoln after reading this book. And now I am inspired to learn more about another great man of that time, Seward.