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

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

Excellent book

This is an excellent book on Lincoln and although I was hesitant to commit to such a long audiobook, It was well worth the time.

Some interesting facts

Some interesting facts but a bit slobbering love fest. No one is that perfect
Too much adoration

inspiring!

In a world of insular sectarianism, Lincoln's example of leadership, grace, and willingness to not only consider opposing viewpoints, but rather to surround himself with them is something we all should take to heart.

Wonderful biography

Team of Rivals provides wonderful insight into the man Lincoln was, his motivations, and important political and life lessons he exemplified.

An excellent listen from start to finish

This book was very well done and often found it difficult to hit pause. Excellent work!

An astounding work.

This is an astounding work that weaves together from countless sources a picture of the life and times of Abraham Lincoln that I will never forget.

A Leader for the Ages

An amazing story that couldn’t have been better written. This work is well worth your time.

Epic work intimately capturing a crucial juncture and the remarkable historical legacy of Lincoln.

Stellar read. Allows a palpable sense of the greatness and uniqueness of Lincoln as well as Stanton, Bates, Chase, Seward and the crucible they were thrust into and how they delivered emancipation and an intact union. My appreciation of how much different Reconstruction would have proceeded in the absence of the assassination is greatly enhanced.

Thank you for a great book

Very detailed and intellectually absorbing. Narrator had good diction and pleasant voice, but pronunciation of individual words was strange at times. Overall, well-worth the time invested.