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 book opened up a part of US history I had never given much thought to. If you want to know the truth about Lincoln instead of middle history book fluff, read this book.
Superbly written account of Lincoln’s diverse and improbable cabinet, and the nature of his interactions with these men.
As someone who has read extensively on both Lincoln and the Civil War, Ms Kerns Goodwin opened up an entirely new and fascinating aspect of both for me. Lincoln’s advisors were a group of knowledgeable men with individual opinions who expressed them freely and passionately. Lincoln gave equal merit to each one, and in the end decided based on …
Kearns Goodwin puts you in the world of Abraham Lincoln. She absolutely breathes life into his fellow characters in the great drama of the period before and during the Civil War. This is a tremendous book, a tremendous accomplishment. It is a great read.
Anything that Doris writes needs to be read. BEST HISTORIAN
One of the best books I’ve ever read! Made Lincoln my hero!
I loved this book. Very informative, I got a little bogged down with all the details, but the details are important in portraying the depth genius that Lincoln and the men in his cabinet possessed. This book has me made appreciate the intellect, compassion and the lively personality of Lincoln. The civil war era is brought to life through the …
Good read. Recommend our president Donald Trump read or have read to him.
Cocksucker !
I feel like I definitelyhave better understanding and appreciation for the man and his place in history.
Very interesting account of Lincoln’s cabinet members. I learned a great deal that I didn’t know about the conflicting personalities and how Lincoln was able to govern.
Excellent!
A great history but also a great guide to working with and managing a group of strong personalities who are out for themselves
Very informative
Very well written but not for the faint of heart. Must be read slowly since there is so much information that needs time to really sink in. Long book – best read in about 40 page chunks. However, it is a book I really did not want to end!
One of the best books that I have ever read. The author’s presentation of the story was perfection. I plan to read it again.
I love reading books about presidents of the U.S. and this one is my favorite of all I’ve read. It includes so many details about the characters and time period and does so in a captivating manner. I can’t imagine all the research that went into writing this book. It’s a long book, but it kept my interest on every page.
One of the best I have ever read on Lincoln and the times he lived in. The political happenings were fascinating.
This book forever establishes Lincoln as one of America’s greatest presidents and greatest people. Not only did he invite some of his most vitriolic opponents to be in his cabinet, his personality and integrity made them over time into his most staunch supporters. Wonderfully and clearly written, this is a book that every American should read; …
There is a reason Team of Rival’s has received the awards that it has. Insightful, informative, and extraordinarily well written. A creative approach to studying Lincoln’s war years.