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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a fantastic piece of historical research
Interesting history and applicable to today
Terrific book about Lincolns unusual approach to forming and utilizing a cabinet
after you have read the story of the war, read the story inside Washington DC This is a well-written history
History, but not how I learned it. Amazing how they all worked together.
An interesting look into Presidential realpolotic with honorable men of differing political interests.
Informative. This was recommended to me.I was never interested in history but like very much to read about historical perple
One of the best books I’ve ever read. I hated to be done with it. A masterpiece.
This is the best of Goodwin’s books that I’ve read.
Wonderful job of putting Lincoln in context and lessons for today as well.
Great Historical perspective and insight in to Lincoln. Loved it.
Doris Kearns Goodwin does excellent work!
Great research that is well presented. Marvelous story.
Every USA citizen should read this book.
This is a very difficult read – but well worth the effort! She does a great job following Lincoln’s putting together his cabinet, and then working with them, even though several of them despised him. The book helps us see a side of Lincoln that we don’t spend much time thinking about. He was willing to do whatever was best for our country! …
Another master piece from Doris Kearns Goodwin. I book that I think about often and has influenced my decision making process as I examine those to include and exclude in my inner circle.
Good fascinating book about Lincoln and his strategy to hire rivals and keep themclose. Author takes liberties with Actual history.
a very good perspective on this time. I read after reading another book on Lincoln and gave a slightly different slant.
Very interesting.
Excellent history; well done.
Cathy R.