Team of Rivals

The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln

By: Doris Kearns Goodwin

Narrated by: Suzanne Toren

Length: 41 hrs and 32 mins

Publisher's summary

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 was the result of a character that had been forged by life experiences that raised him above his more privileged and accomplished rivals. He won because hepossessed an extraordinary ability to put himself in the place of other men, to experience what they were feeling, to understand their motives and desires.

This capacity enabled President Lincoln to bring his disgruntled opponents together, create the most unusual cabinet in history, and marshal their talents to preserve the Union and win the war.

©2006 Doris Kearns Goodwin (P)2011 Simon & Schuster

Critic reviews

"An elegant, incisive study....Goodwin has brilliantly described how Lincoln forged a team that preserved a nation and freed America from the curse of slavery." (James M. McPherson, The New York Times Book Review)

"Goodwin's narrative abilities...are on full display here, and she does an enthralling job of dramatizing...crucial moments in Lincoln's life....A portrait of Lincoln as a virtuosic politician and managerial genius." (Michiko Kakutani, The New York Times)

"Splendid, beautifully written....Goodwin has brilliantly woven scores of contemporary accounts...into a fluid narrative....This is the most richly detailed account of the Civil War presidency to appear in many years." (John Rhodehamel, Los Angeles Times)

The backstory of the Civil War

It's difficult to find a perspective on the Civil War and Lincoln that hasn't already been exposed. However, Kearns Goodwin manages to do just that. It's the backstory that hasn't been told in one complete narrative. She stays remarkably on track by focusing on the players in the cabinet and Lincoln. There are also sub-characters she provides with remarkable interest - like Chase's daughter and the two secretary's to Lincoln. There are other small players who add to the story but Kearns Goodwin never strays from from the main thread. This book is a phenomenal listen.

My only criticism is for the reader. Toren, while fitting the narrative with a fine, strong, persuasive voice, at times is too precious with her pronunciation. The read is sometimes stilted and stiff seeming to try to give gravity to the story where her natural voice already accomplished the task. I don't think Lincoln would have tried to be so reverent.

Worthy of the pulitzer.

I always get to these books late and after much fanfare. Often my expectations reach too high and I am left disappointed. Not so in this case. Like all great books I want more when finished than before I started. More histories and biographies of these men, and women,and thier time. I did not notice the narration, which I feel is the highest praise I can give to a narrator. It seemed no different than reading. With a book as long as this one is I may not have ever read it, but listening to it turned otherwise tedious and menial tasks into a pleasure.

Brilliant Account Of The Man Who Balanced It All

The narration was excellent as it contributed so well to the task of such a story. The story on the other hand was well crafted, it made me feel as if I was at the table in those tense cabinet meetings deciding upon some of the most important issues facing the nation. It conveyed with much detail the mind of a man that must juggle the tasks at hand consequently determining the future of the nation. The book lives up to its name as it allows the listener to see clearly how Lincoln must navigate the egos and pride of his cabinet while also solidifying respect for himself, not easily given to a man believed to just be a farmer.

I appreciate the books analysis of the core issue of slavery from the Missouri Compromise to Dred Scott and the broader build up to dis-union. However, I would have preferred a little more depth of the relationship between Lincoln and Fredrick Douglass. Particulary Fredricks sometimes dissatisfaction with the president yet his enormous respect for him.

Licoln's love for his family was not overlooked and well conveyed. Excellent book!

oh that all historical writers could write as well

What made the experience of listening to Team of Rivals the most enjoyable?

Godwin is so committed to her topic- the parallel biographies of Lincoln and those men who rose to preeminence through the same turbulent time period- the reader is kept riveted from person to person, story to story. Although the reader doesn't do " voices", she speaks so clearly has enough inflection to not be monotonous.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Team of Rivals?

Lincoln , as portrayed by Goodwin really was a giant among men-self-effacing,street-smart, yet compassionate and forgiving. I was impressed how Lincoln was able to win many hearts through his honesty and willingness not to assess blame, malign, or back-bite his peers or subordinates- truly knightly virtues in this day and age. It must have impressed the author as well because it is a point she makes often as she weaves Lincoln's story with others throughout his lifetime.

Great lesson on how to be an Effective Leader

What made the experience of listening to Team of Rivals the most enjoyable?

As expected this book provides insight into the historical aspects of Lincoln and his cabinet, but what I didn't expect was the lessons in leadership that it provides. Lincoln's political savvy shines through in the telling of how he shrewdly managed not only his campaign and administration, but more importantly how he lived his very life. Known for his intellect and homespun charm, he was also kind and magnanimous, always building bridges even with those who have opposed or slighted him. (We could use a leader like him today). Throughout his life he collected friends, who became important allies in time of need.

The listener also gets to know the supporting cast, Mary Lincoln, Sewards, Chase, Bates and so on, as well as gain knowledge into everyday life at that time and the Civil War. What was politically correct then is certainly not the same today. Even some of Lincoln's sentiments are surprising, such as how he supported returning slaves and freed men to Africa. Although this book conveys facts collected through diaries, letters and other historical documents, it flows like a well-told story. Listening to this book makes my long commute more bearable.

An excellent historical story.

A great story about the Lincoln administration. A great story and educational account of his presidency.

Well Done!

So grateful to learn so much about Abraham Lincoln. Fantastic man. Excellent book! Great performance!

Great Story... Too Long

I learned a great deal while listening to Team of Rivals. However, there were so many characters and events that it was hard to take it all in with one book. It is interesting how we all learn about Abraham Lincoln and the Civil War in school; but this book really did highlight some details that you will never learn from your k-12 classroom. You will learn the details of how the civil war started; you will get a sense of the Republican primary and how Lincoln got the nomination against many odds. Quite different than today's primary elections. And you get a great sense of how Abraham Lincoln changed while in office. This is not talked about in most history books. It is great to contrast the Presidency then to now and see how so many current presidents could do so much better if they would take Lincoln's lead.

Fantastic Book!

I learned more about US History in this book than all my history classes combined. It was amazing to read what made Lincoln so great and just how devistatting his assassination was!

Amazing Insight

This book is so detailed that you cannot walk away from it feeling that you don't know President Lincoln. He was a truly special human being and probably the only man who could have ensured or country survived the civil war.