Winner of the Lincoln Prize Acclaimed historian Doris Kearns Goodwin illuminates Abraham 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 … 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.
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Seriously high quality work from a historian of the first rank. A scholar’s book which can be read by a lay person for profit.
History at its best. Lincoln comes alive.
Beautifully written, a must-read for history buffs, especially if you are interested in Abraham Lincoln and/or the Civil War era. The book tells quite an interesting story about Lincoln and his Presidency which I’ve never read about anywhere else. Don’t let the 900+ pages scare you away, it’s not a difficult read and keeps the pages turning.
One of the best books I have read over the last several years. History provides us with many lessons that we do not learn as much as we should. This book provided insight from Lincoln that current day politicians could use to benefit America.
What an excellent book, an eye opening look at politics back then and all the players, especially Lincoln.
I have been a reader of everything about Lincoln for the past 60 years and this provided insight to him and his struggles that I had not previously thought of.
One of the best history books ever written. An incredible story.
Well told story of a great man great moments and the men he worked through.
The biographical portraits are done well. Doris has a gift for narrative history.
Very well written. Doris Kearns Goodwin is one of the best.
An exceptional book. Now I understand why Lincoln is considered by all historians a truly great man.
Lincoln, according to the book, is a president to be emulated. It was not particularly easy reading, but it was well worth the effort.