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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This is one of the Best books that I have ever read! You thought you knew Lincoln but this will tell you all you did not know. He was truly an amazing leader.
Great detail abot a great man and the free press just like today smeared him.
Kearns Goodwin did a marvelous job of researching and laying out these relationships and the machinations used to keep the team functioning. What a mind Lincoln had, and how lucky we are that these personalities all existed at the very time the country most needed them.
Should be a model for politicians today
I am a fan of Abraham Lincoln and this was well worth my time.,
Interesting picture of US politics during the Civil War. The best and the brightest cabinet in our history.
I read and enjoy anything she writes
She writes good histories. I think I have read them all..
The best book on Lincoln I have read.
I am very interested in the Civil War and what men in power thought and acted on during that time period
Marvelously instructive about Lincoln’s unique use of presidential power and influence.
Don’t let length of book scare you. This is important history.
History made easy with great writing and absorbing detailed profiles of the men involved and how sometimes the best people rise up at the right time in this country.
Absolutely one of the best histories I’ve read. Beautifully written book about Lincoln and his cabinet. Fascinating group of men in a very difficult time in history. It says a great deal that every day I couldn’t wait to get home to read more and eventually began taking the hardback with me to work every day on the train even though it was …
One of the best leadership books ever written.
Excellent portrait of Lincoln’s Cabinet
It reveals how Lincoln took his rivals and incorporated them into his administration. Interesting perspective, it did not prevent the war or divisions though.
Wonderful recounting of Civil War history from the Union view. Gives an understanding of the leadership and character of Lincoln and his cabinet members. This book makes these towering historical figures real as human beings with insights, faults and worries about doing the right things for the country.
Fabulous book about President Lincoln and his cabinet. Many lessons for us today!
Lincoln shows his political intelligence. Great man by a great author.