Team of Rivals

The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln

By: Doris Kearns Goodwin

Narrated by: Doris Kearns Goodwin (introduction), Richard Thomas

Length: 9 hrs and 28 mins

Publisher's summary

Acclaimed historian Doris Kearns Goodwin illuminates Lincoln's political genius in this highly original work, as the one-term congressman and prairie lawyer rises from obscurity to prevail over three gifted rivals of national reputation to become president.

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, Goodwin demonstrates, was the result of a character that had been forged by experiences that raised him above his more privileged and accomplished rivals. He won because he possessed an extraordinary ability to put himself in the place of other men, to experience what they were feeling, to understand their motives and desires.

It was this capacity that enabled Lincoln as president to bring his disgruntled opponents together, create the most unusual cabinet in history, and marshal their talents to the task of preserving the Union and winning the war.

We view the long, horrifying struggle from the vantage of the White House as Lincoln copes with incompetent generals, hostile congressmen, and his raucous cabinet. He overcomes these obstacles by winning the respect of his former competitors, and in the case of Seward, finds a loyal and crucial friend to see him through.

This brilliant multiple biography is centered on Lincoln's mastery of men and how it shaped the most significant presidency in the nation's history.

Listen to an interview with Doris Kearns Goodwin on The Bob Edwards Show.

©2005 Blithedale Productions, Inc. (P)2005 Simon and Schuster Inc. All rights reserved.

Critic reviews

• 2006 Quill Award Nominee
• National Book Critics Circle Award Finalist, Biography or Autobiography, 2005

"The knowledge gained here about these three significant figures who well attended Lincoln gain for the reader an even keener appreciation of the rare individual that he was." (Publishers Weekly)
"An elegant, incisive study of Lincoln and leading members of his cabinet that will appeal to experts as well as to those whose knowledge of Lincoln is an amalgam of high-school history and popular mythology." (The New York Times)

Team of Rivals

I consider myself a minor Civil War buff. I have read a number of Civil War related books. I am always surprised when I find a new take on a subject. I recently thoroughly enjoyed "Manhunt".I enjoyed Team of Rivals also, although there was some new ground for me, but not a lot. I wish the audiobook was not abridged. I may have to read the hard copy and see what i might have missed.

Well written

This was an excellent review of the history of ole Abe's administration. The writing was clear and interesting. I learned more about Abraham Lincoln in this book in a few hours than an entire lifetime! He was a facinating man who seems to be truly one of the great presidents that wished the best for the country and could put aside his political differences to do what was best for the nation. Lincoln was definately a great man, no just for what he did but how he treated anyone he came in contact with. One of the best historical books I have listened to so far.

Great insight!

Would you listen to Team of Rivals again? Why?

Yes, I will listen to Team of Rivals, again. It is an educational and entertaining piece of work.

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

The vivid account of the reactions to Lincoln's death are poignant and memorable.

Which scene was your favorite?

The description of Lincoln's assassination at Ford's. Beautifully vivid and touching.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

An unexpected journey.

Excellent Book and Excellent Listen

I have read this amazing book a few years ago. But, to listen to it, brought it all to like. Could not recommend it more.

Relevant for These Troubled Times

“Team of Rivals” should be required reading for every fool that invaded our Capital. Elegantly narrated, by a voice familiar with the rhythm of the language from that most dangerous time in our history, moment by moment, I found myself deeply moved by the story. But most importantly, I finally understood the passion with which Abraham Lincoln was so adored and admired. The greatest lesson of all is that the path to true peace lies only within the hearts of the reasonable and most compassionate of souls willing to forgive, and work together to mend broken fences. Peace is only found in magnanimity. Abraham Lincoln showed us the path to being the best Americans we could hope to be.

Proof that politics have always been dirty

What made the experience of listening to Team of Rivals the most enjoyable?

Amazing that Lincoln accomplished so much in such a short time when so many worked against him. A very, very interesting biography.

Superior

Excellent and moving. Narrator was right on the mark with tone and delivery. I've already listened to it twice and enjoyed it greatly both times.

Engaging reading

It is rare for me to stick with a history book--so many "characters," events, dates to keep track of by ear. But Goodwin does not clutter her writing, and helps keep tbings coherent--and deeply engaging.

Team of Rivals - a great listen!

Would you listen to Team of Rivals again? Why?

This book was a great listen--easy to understand. They covered the history of Lincoln's election to his assassination.

What did you like best about this story?

I enjoyed learning about Lincoln and was surprised to learn about the grizzly attack on Mr. Seward and his family by a conspirator who agreed to assassinate Mr. Seward at the same moment that John Wilkes Booth planned to assassinate Lincoln.

WITH Malice Toward None

The only part of this book that I will mot listen to repeatedly, is Abraham's assassination. Amazing, divine story of one of the greatest men to ever live. Get it.