Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln
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Overview
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 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.
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.
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 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.
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.
Reviews (12)
Fantastic
Written by Anonymous on November 6th, 2007
- Book Rating: 5/5
this is a great book. I was totally engrossed in all of the fascinating stories of these men and women during this most important era. Highly recommended
Outstanding Book
Written by Anonymous on September 29th, 2007
- Book Rating: 5/5
Terrific book. Extremely well written and it was fun to listen too. I immediately ordered another book from this author.
Great insights on a great man.
Written by Richard White on August 31st, 2007
- Book Rating: 4/5
Another fine book narrated by Richard Thomas, it highlights the political acumen of Lincoln and shows how he truly was one of our great presidents. Excellent in all respects , narration , pace and content a real pleasure to listen to with insights that you may not have considered.
Team of Rivals
Written by Zubin M. on August 4th, 2007
- Book Rating: 5/5
Well written and read. Anyone with an interest in history will enjoy this story. DKG has a genuine knack for turning history into compelling stories.
Team of Rivals
Written by Anonymous on May 31st, 2007
- Book Rating: 4/5
Nicely done. I enjoyed learning about the inner workings of Lincoln's cabinet, and now have a better insight into just how capable Lincoln really was. I can't imagine anyone who likes history not being satisfied with this selection.
Team of Rivals
Written by Bob Luder on May 14th, 2007
- Book Rating: 4/5
This was a very well written book by Ms. Kearns Goodwin, and was quite entertaining. However, it did not focus on Lincoln's relationships with the rival members of his cabinet as much as I expected it to. The first part of the book did focus on those relationships, and particularly on Lincoln's interactions with Seward, Chase and Bates. Approximately the last half of the book was more about Lincoln himself and historical developments of the Civil War, however. Overall I would recommend it to a friend.
Team of Rivals
Written by Tolan Brown on May 2nd, 2007
- Book Rating: 5/5
I loved this book and found the parallels with our current government fascinating. It was interesting to me that while the North was on the verge of winning the Civil War Lincoln’s democrat opponents in congress wanted to throw in the towel and bring the troops home. “This war is not worth another American life” they would say even on the verge of victory. I also didn’t realize just how much opposition there was in the North to the war, especially when it was going badly but even continuing after the North began to do better. The book is also a great lesson in management and leadership and reveals Lincoln’s political genius. Much like President Ronald Regan we learn that Lincoln was often underestimated by his opponents.
Lincoln Never Disappoints
Written by Michael Herb on November 2nd, 2006
- Book Rating: 5/5
This exploration of Lincoln as manager of people proved truly compelling. His political skill along with his humility, intelligence, and strength of character give us greater insight into the man behind the personna. The book has many takeaways the greatest of which for me would be the attempt to emulate Lincoln in my personal life.
OK Listen -
Written by RAnderson on October 20th, 2006
- Book Rating: 3/5
Great story but he repeats himself alot.. Very interesting group of people. We always focus on just the President and forget that it is group of folks running the country not just one man.
Well Done!
Written by Anonymous from , on June 15th, 2006
- Book Rating: 5/5
Hard to imagine a biographer plowing new ground with Lincoln, who has been the most written-about U.S. president. Goodwin focuses on Lincoln's ability to manage his cabinet, temper rivalries, and get what he needed from each leader in order to prosecute the Civil War. Goodwin does a good job of emphasizing Lincoln's gift of empathy, while using documents to bring to life the personalities and biases of each of the key players in Lincoln's administration -- Seward, Chase, the Blairs, McClellan and Grant.