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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An indispensable book on the Lincoln administration. You cannot understand the American presidency if you don’t know Lincoln and Washington. See the movie adaptation – appreciate how difficult it is to maintain a republic.
I enjoyed every minute of the audiobook edition … I fancy I know history so I was so surprised by story … Great non-fiction storytelling … don’t miss this one
Absolutely fascinating history. If you work on a team or build teams, this book could change the way you work.
The complex story of Lincoln’s election and his cabinet. Thoroughly researched and worthy of the prize.
The BEST Lincoln book I’ve EVER read, and I’ve read dozens. This is really five biographies in one, and it was a page-turner for me, and for my husband. The rivals are Lincoln’s cabinet, which included several of his opponents for the presidency. You hear about what this guy did, that guy did, but it is really helpful to see all this In Contest …
Excellent, interesting, informative. Reads like a novel. Probably the best history read I’ve ever had.
I loved this book for all the background information to the Lincoln we all think we know. I was also surprised to learn there were others who were progressive enough to want the slaves freed as well. Sometimes funny with the stories Lincoln would tell but overall sad in many ways. Generals were not what they appeared to be as in “brave men”: not …
The author shows a side of Lincoln that we don’t often think about, even though many books have been written on Lincoln. It is amazing that a president so involved in a Civil War could find the human resources to work so closely with leaders of the opposition party, even to the point of including them as part of his cabinet.
Great history of the 1860 campaign and how Lincoln co-opted his rivals into his administration.
Just great writing. Outstanding book,
A must-read for anyone interested in Abraham Lincoln, his presidency, and/or the Civil War. Loved it!
DKG nails it.
Great information well told. Lincoln clearly was more masterful as a leader than I thought. He is poignantly portrayed as loyal, discerning, clever, resourceful, artful, and hopeful.
Hard to read, over-written
another fascinating story written well
This is a marvelous history/biography not only of Abraham Lincoln but also of his political rivals who became his civil war cabinet colleagues. It is awe inspiring to learn how Lincoln with minimal national or executive experience learned to lead this disparate group and the nation to victory.
Excellent; exceptional; detailed and life-long riveting history brought to life!
Learns Goodwin history reads like fiction! Great!
A great book to read, not only for the history but also for those of us who work on teams. Different doesn’t mean wrong.
Highly recommend