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)

One of the best I have ever listen

This is very strong and deep history of the great period of US foundation. It worth reading for all who eager to become political leader.

Political Understanding of Lincoln

A detailed learning experience through the how & why Lincolns Political Success became. Understanding the history timeline reveals how Lincolns Political life unfolds by evaluating his rivals history. I personally learned more about Lincoln through hearing in great detail of those who were dedicated in becoming president during this time. The writer sets the tone up for readers to picture each character in relation to the time and Lincolns Political life.

Wonderful story

Tremendous work of literature Goodwins descriptions vividly animate history. Recommend highly to all who enjoy history and want a better understanding of Lincoln.

Fascinating read

Well read. Eye-opening information about history not taught in school. Could not stop listening!

Phenomenal

This book is long, and slow to start, but I was truly sad when it was over. A great story of an amazing man and the people around him. You can learn a lot about history and a lot about human nature reading this book.

We'll Written and Moving Account of a Great Man

Lincoln's humble greatness is remarkably portrayed in Team of Rivals. With numerous excerpts from first-hand accounts, letters, diaries and memoirs, you are drawn back into the 19th Century and the incredible challenges Lincoln had to overcome. Having personally grown up in the South, where too many continued to hold grudges against this great wrongly maligned President, after reading this book I was nevertheless convinced that Lincoln's assassination was truly the worst thing that could have happened for the South, as he truly loved all people, and I was left wondering how much better the citizens of this country might have been reconciled to each other had Reconstruction been guided by Lincoln's hand instead of others'. We will never know.

Well Researched and In-Depth Exploration of Lincoln

This epic historical coverage of Lincoln’s time in office. I found myself really looking forward to my time with this book.

Not to be Missed

Very long, but very good. Worth the 41+ hours, this is a magnificent deep dive into Lincoln. I don’t think the movie has much to do with this, but that doesn’t matter. Sit back, try not to be in a hurry, and enjoy being a fly on the wall to an indelible part of history.

Occasionally, the pacing feels a little slow. At times the narration sometimes suffers from a tone of fussy superiority. Still, it’s a solid reading and a plausible substitution for the author.

The book itself is an astounding achievement. By cleverly examining each member of Lincoln’s team, the book reveals the genius and character of the man himself. Not to be missed.

Excellent book for CEOs

The methods for managing strong personalities, including when to intervene and when not to, and how to resolve nuanced issues is very compelling and contemporary.

Wonderful

A very long read but great character development. A must read for anyone who is interested in Lincoln.