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.
more
In one word FANTASTIC!!!
Moving, in-depth account of the political dynamics and growth of respect for the President within the Lincoln cabinet.
…Lincoln’s leadership qualities stand out like a beacon of hope in a sea of incompetents; past and present
Such a tremendous book!
If you have not read this, why not? Top notch.
One of my favorite books of all time.
Outstanding
Every well written. Could not put it down.
Thoroughly researched
none better than DKG
Wonderful book that opens up the Lincoln presidency by focusing on the key figures involved.
I learned so much about Lincoln and the Civil war era from this book. Sometimes history is a slog to read, but this author makes it very real and gripping
Great history…
Great book for the background of Lincoln’s cabinet members and their interaction during the Civil War.
One of the best books I’ve ever read on Lincoln and right up there as one of the best historical books I’ve read period.
Excellent in-depth look at the cast of characters that Lincoln had to work with during the civil war.
I have extensively studied President Lincoln. This was very informative
A truly great book. If you are interested in the Civil War and Abraham Lincoln, this is a book you need to read. Okay it’s long, but thoroughly engrossing.
An incredibly good volume by a wonderful historian who brings Lincoln and his rivals to new life.
Great insight into the roles of various cabinet officials during the presidency of Abraham Lincoln.