Team of Rivals

The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln

By: Doris Kearns Goodwin

Narrated by: Richard Thomas

One of the most influential books of the past fifty years, Team of Rivals is Pulitzer Prize–winning author and esteemed presidential historian Doris Kearns Goodwin’s modern classic about the political genius of Abraham Lincoln, his unlikely presidency, and his cabinet of former political foes.

Winner of the prestigious Lincoln Prize and the inspiration for the Oscar Award winning–film Lincoln, starring Daniel Day-Lewis, directed by Steven Spielberg, and written by Tony Kushner.

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

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.