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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One of the best books I’ve ever read
Bloody great book! Doris Kearns Goodwin hits the balance between strict, serious history matters and thrilling storytelling. Her prose is so lively that you get sucked into the book and cannot put it down. Highly recommend it. Should be mandatory reading for our political class.
I like this author and the depth of her historical works.
IT is like reading multiple biographies at once. Excellent. A must read for all Lincoln/Civil War “fans”.
Still reading this one – but it does such a great job of describing the political scene at the time, and how Lincoln fit in, rather than making him the star of the show and ignoring everyone else. Also, it makes him and his “rivals” so human, enough that you feel like you’ve met them. Amazing!
An absolutely excellent work. This is one every American should read.
Serious history buffs may enjoy this book stuffed with the smallest details about the personalities, machinations, and operations of Linclon’s cabinet members. For the consumer of popular history a la Massie and Tuchman, Kearns may be too dry and overly inclusive of arcana.
They made a pretty good movie from this book title, but there was quite a bit more to it.
When one puts ego aside, this is how a great president thinks.
He wanted the best people, not just those who agreed with him.
Tremendous look at Mr. Lincoln and the Civil War. Pulls the curtain back to show the real genius of Mr. Lincoln. Highly recommend.
Do yourself a favor and don’t ever pass up a chance to read Doris Kearny’s Goodwin.
This book highlighted Lincoln’s genius for pulling together diverse people and philosophies for the betterment of the country. Doris Kearns is a great historical author.
Everyone should read this book, especially the politicians. As a history buff, this is my all time favorite book. It shows the genius of President Lincoln; how he kept his friends close and his enemies closer; and how he inspired America.
One of my favorite books of all time. Abraham Lincoln has now become “the one person from past history I would most like to meet”.
Lincoln can teach us a lot.
In his youth Lincoln had little formal education and yet his pursuit for knowledge led to his voracious reading and a lifetime ambition to make something of himself that left a lasting mark. He taught himself law and passed the state bar and began a successful career as a lawyer on the Illinois circuit where he gained notoriety for his memorable …
One of the best books I have ever read. This book takes you from Lincoln’s victory at the Republican National Convention in Chicago (May, 1860) over William H. Seward, Salmon P. Chase, and Edward Bates to the Civil War. Doris Kearns Goodwin highlights Lincoln’s talents to win over his rivals and convince them to be part of his administration, …
Doris Goodwin Kearns is an incredible writer. She brings history to life. Abraham Lincoln had such great insight into how to achieve his goals and bring people of different viewpoints together. Today’s politicians could learn lessons from him.
A story of the people around Lincoln and their contribution to the defeat of Confederates.
This book was simply terrific. I’ve yet to read a book from this author that I haven’t enjoyed.