Team of Rivals

The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln

By: Doris Kearns Goodwin

Narrated by: Doris Kearns Goodwin (introduction), Richard Thomas

Length: 9 hrs and 28 mins

Publisher's summary

Acclaimed historian Doris Kearns Goodwin illuminates 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 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.

Listen to an interview with Doris Kearns Goodwin on The Bob Edwards Show.

©2005 Blithedale Productions, Inc. (P)2005 Simon and Schuster Inc. All rights reserved.

Critic reviews

• 2006 Quill Award Nominee
• National Book Critics Circle Award Finalist, Biography or Autobiography, 2005

"The knowledge gained here about these three significant figures who well attended Lincoln gain for the reader an even keener appreciation of the rare individual that he was." (Publishers Weekly)
"An elegant, incisive study of Lincoln and leading members of his cabinet that will appeal to experts as well as to those whose knowledge of Lincoln is an amalgam of high-school history and popular mythology." (The New York Times)

An extraordinary life cut short

This is the first autobiography that I've downloaded. I listened to "Good to Great" by Jim Collins and how he said Lincoln was a Level 5 leader. Then I recently listened to "Think and Grow Rich" by Napoleon Hill and how Lincoln was part of his Master Mind Group. The universe was telling me to get to know Lincoln.

I did not want this book to end. It reads like a novel and is seamless in its history. This book gives you great insight into why Lincoln is one of the greatest men that have walked this planet. I felt sorry when the book ended and Lincoln could not reap the rewards for all of his hard work and sacrifice. Lincoln deserves every word of admiration that he's ever received.

The narrator was excellent. His tone fit every moment. I've listened to books where the narrator is a robot and detracts from the experience. Not once do you hear him licking his lips or hear the saliva in his mouth when he speaks (listen to Stephen Covey read "The 7 Habits..." and you'll know what I mean).

I'll probably wait a week or 2 and then listen to it again. Excellent!

Wish they had unabridged version

I very much enjoyed this book, however, the abridged version left me wanting. Many of the details are left out to allow for a smooth storyline, and many of the historic events are glossed over quickly. Overall, i think i would have rather read the full version than listened to the abridged. I am bias however, mostly preferring full listens.

History comes alive in this excellent work

In this book, the characters of Lincoln and his cabinet are fully revealed through the writings and observations of those who knew them best. The characters almost jump off the page and the events are described in such detail as to have the listener wanting more. Richard Thomas does a great job of narrating. I am recommending this book to everyone.

Rivoting on the Road

A great audio book. The narrator was excellent and kept my attention around every curve. Learned a great deal about Lincoln the influencer and mediator among his influential American brothers. The behind the scenes commentary and insight was great too.

Stimulating

Anyone who has been involved in office politics will immediately understand Lincoln's dilemma. Not only did he have a union that was dissolving but he also felt the need to keep his enemies (or at least competitors) close. Although his actions seem logical in hindsight, it was my sense that the author overstated the affection between the protagonists and understated the confusion that reigned during the tumultuous Civi War years. Despite the flawed premise of the book, it was a very interesting read (listen). The author imbued each of the main characters with a personality. I will listen to this again.

A biography written in multiple views

Loved it. Told me the importance of being humble, being surrounded by the right people and driven by a higher purpose.

Intriguing new insights

A unique perspective, and well beyond the short blurbs on Lincoln given in school… well worth the listen.

Worth Every Minute

The story is inspiring and the narration was excellent. This book should be required reading for any student of American history.

Sorry, John Boy.

Why is there no one in the recording studio with sufficient education to correct the distracting and inexcusable mispronunciations in the reading of this remarkable telling of such remarkable tale? Has the English speaking world no concern for such matters? Have we such little regard for the simplest standards of the language?

The BEST

This is one of the great "legacy" stories of all time, perfectly written, and perfectly narrated. It brings Lincoln and his gentle brillance and folksy common sense to life...we need another Lincoln today...and for tomorrow-perhaps the lessons captured here will resonate with today's and future leaders...and be helpful in our world of today and tommorrow.