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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It is hard to say enough good about this book, precisely (and, strangely) because it was so popular and well-received and glowingly reviewed at first release. If you have’n’t read it, read it. If you have it, and have read it, read it again. If you don’t have it, buy it — it can’t cost very much, now, and nothing compared to its worth.
Excellent review of A. Lincoln’s character and problem solving capability. Should be a required reading of all politicians.
By surrounding himself with his political “enemies”, Abraham Lincoln created a team of advisers that would help him through one of the toughest times in our nation.
There is a lot of misinformation out there about Lincoln’s Presidency, so it was nice to get a broader look at his time in office. Even if you are not hip on all his decisions, you come out of it with respect for the man’s mind and controlled demeanor.
This is a good read. Full of interesting anecdotes and good history. Another of Lincolns attributes was he saw the need to build a cabinet that included the best men with a broad political base to secure wide support in the country. This book tells that story very well.
This historical book reads like a stunning work of fiction. I learned so much about Lincoln and the men he surrounded himself with. He was not one to appoint only “yes men” to his cabinet! Utterly fascinating.
Doris Kearns Goodwin is a marvelous historian. I try not to miss any of her writings. I admire her ability to create a historical narrative that educates without being mind numbing in facts and figures. Never dry, her historical subjects come to life in her writing.
Doris Kearns Goodwin has painted an honest and inspirational portrait of what a presidency can be. This Is politics as art. Her description of a flawed man who inspires everyone around him to become their “better angels” is a must read.
Detailed, interesting, occasionally long-winded account of Lincoln and his
Cabinet members. Goodwin does a good job of using her sources to help the reader imagine who these men were and what their relationships were like. The focus on Lincoln and Stanton was especially interesting.
I knew about Lincoln’s strategy of making helpers of enemies, but I didn’t know just how he did it. This book explains it. And it gives a new dimension to a person who’s been revered, perhaps, for the wrong reasons. He was a consummate politician, and knew exactly what he was doing. This was a good read.
Powerfully written and one of the best studies and best stories in American history. I reflect on it often.
This book was awakening to Lincoln’s brilliant mind. Kearns outstanding understanding and excellent presentation of the history of Lincoln’s administration makes her my favorite of all historians. I could not put the book down. Kudos to this great authoritarian!!!
Goodwin, an award-winning historian writes a well-paced and informative narrative describing just how Abraham Lincoln created his effective Cabbinet largely comprised of former adversaries who were his political and ideological rivals. It became a model for President Barack Obama to follow.
As a Lincoln aficionado, Ms. Goodwin offered a fresh, detailed look in the fascinating life of Abraham Lincoln. This is not a casual read, this is an in-depth look into the most tumultuous time, with minute detail presented in a wonderful manner. ,
Great way of learning how Lincoln managed the dire politics of his day by including competent, though adversarial politicians into his cabinet.
An outstanding biography of one of our most outstanding presidents
The author has, with the aid of her assistants, provides the reader with a thorough analysis of Lincoln’s genius in diverse decision making by keeping a variety of intelligent men around him who could otherwise sabotage his policies As a retired history teacher this is one the books which I wished had been published while I was working. The …
This book is super long, but was extremely fascinating. I got so much complex information that helped me understand the intricacies of the Civil War better than ever. It shows the Team of political rivals Lincoln brought together after he won the presidency in 1860, and how he masterfully brought them under his control and leadership to do what …
Her best work. Riveting informative non fiction
Wonderful insight– not only into Lincoln’s way of governing, but the wisdom he had in including his rivals in the cabinet– respecting their strengths (and being strong enough to deal with their egos and perhaps mixed motives. Helpful to see that Obama may have done something of the same in including Hilary Clinton as secretary of State in his …