Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln

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Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln

4.4 of 5 stars 4.40 · rating details · 33,936 ratings · 3,628 reviews

Winner of the Lincoln Prize
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 wait...more

Hardcover, 916 pages

Published October 25th 2005 by Simon & Schuster (first published 2005)

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Feb 25, 2008 Ellis rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: biography, history, nonfiction, politics, pulitzer, war

I would have given this book more stars if I could have. I think I loved this book so much because Abraham Lincoln was such an absolutely amazing person. We are all taught that Lincoln was one of America's great presidents, and we know that he issued the Emancipation Proclamation, but he is so much greater of a man than I ever knew. Lincoln was super smart, wise, and incredibly compassionate and empathetic. While unsure of his own faith, Lincoln, through his own care for others, was so much more...more I would have given this book more stars if I could have. I think I loved this book so much because Abraham Lincoln was such an absolutely amazing person. We are all taught that Lincoln was one of America's great presidents, and we know that he issued the Emancipation Proclamation, but he is so much greater of a man than I ever knew. Lincoln was super smart, wise, and incredibly compassionate and empathetic. While unsure of his own faith, Lincoln, through his own care for others, was so much more of a Christ-like person than the overtly pious self-righteous Salmon Chase (Lincoln's former rival and Secretary of the Treasury who, while disparaging of others characters, allowed himself to be uncritical of his own unethical actions [much like our current president - in my opinion]).

This book showed Mary Lincoln in a better light than I had expected. I had always had the impression that Mary was a real stinker, and while she definitely had her faults that must have been caused real difficulties for the president, she also had many good qualities. One thing that impressed me is how she personally gave service to soldiers while not allowing any of her kind actions to be made known to the Washington social elite. While Mary may not have always been easy to live with, I felt kind of bad for her since she suffered from such severe migraines and depression. Who's to say for sure, but this book left me with the impression that Mary probably really tried to be a good gal despite her mental/physical problems.

I did like the point of view of this book. Telling the history of Lincoln's political and personal life inclusive with the lives of his opponents-turned-collaborators not only gave a more complete view of the times and happenings of the mid 1800s, but it demonstrated in a few cases what Lincoln did so widely, humbly, and deftly; turn those against him into believers and supporters of his work.

One interesting thing that Lincoln did that I loved about him, and can't stand about George W. Bush, is that Lincoln, while not being dishonest, again unlike our current president, used much political slide-of-hand to get things done. I guess the biggest difference between Lincoln and some of our modern politicians is that while this technique is used today to cover up wrongdoings or cheating, Lincoln used it to help bring unity back to the nation and freedom to all people.
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Jan 10, 2009 Sue rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Put aside whatever you're reading now--yes, even those compelling vampire/romance books--and pick up this book. It's that good. Even though Goodwin is writing about Lincoln's cabinet, her work is eerily contemporary, given Obama's situation. Everyone but a handful of people thought Lincoln had risen too fast and was too untried to take charge of a desperate crises facing the country. Goodwin uses the main characters' diaries, letters, journals, and speeches to show how that opinion gradually cha...more

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Dec 26, 2012 Chrissie rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: bio, history, race, audio, leaders

ETA: Lincoln's death in 1865 is covered, but not in detail. I will now read "They Have Killed Papa Dead!": The Road to Ford's Theatre, Abraham Lincoln's Murder, and the Rage for Vengeance

I think the book IS good. But Lincoln was much more of a shrewd politician than an honest, moral individual and a fun loving storyteller. I did come to admire him. With talent he got people of opposing views to work together toward a common goal. This was no small accomplishment. His lack of malice is exceptiona...more

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Jul 17, 2011 Dana Stabenow rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I heard Goodwin talk about this book on NPR, and she sounded like she'd been an eyewitness to the events. Sold me the book.

On June 17th--I've been a hundred pages from the end for ten days. I don't want Abe to die.

July 7th -- Okay, I finally made myself finish. Abe's dead and I'm a wreck.

In this book Goodwin puts Abraham Lincoln in the the context of his peers, many of whom ran against him for the first Republican nomination for president (remember they'd just invented that party) and one of who...more I heard Goodwin talk about this book on NPR, and she sounded like she'd been an eyewitness to the events. Sold me the book.

On June 17th--I've been a hundred pages from the end for ten days. I don't want Abe to die.

July 7th -- Okay, I finally made myself finish. Abe's dead and I'm a wreck.

In this book Goodwin puts Abraham Lincoln in the the context of his peers, many of whom ran against him for the first Republican nomination for president (remember they'd just invented that party) and one of whom, Stanton, had treated him with outright contempt in a law case years before. Seward accepted the job of Secretary of State thinking Lincoln would be his puppet, and Chase literally ran his second campaign for president out of the Department of the Treasury. Lincoln understood them all, tolerated them all, put them all to work for the nation that needed them so badly, and jollied, coaxed, cajoled and reasoned them all to victory. A friend remonstrated with him at taking all these vipers to his bosom and Lincoln replied that these were the best and most able men available and their country needed them, and that he wouldn't be doing his job if he didn't put them to work for it. There can't be anyone who has ever occupied the Oval Office more selfless than Abe.

This book is wonderfully written, accessible even to the most casual reader, full of humor and choler and kindness and vitriol, and wisdom. Goodwin has that ability known only to the best historians (David McCullough does, too) to pluck the exact quote necessary from the record to illuminate the scene she is describing, and make the transition from past to present seamless. Listen to Goodwin on Lincoln in his 1862 state of the union address (pp. 406-7):

...he closed his message with a graceful and irrefutable argument against the continuation of slavery in a democratic society, the very essence of which opened "the way to all," granted "hope to all," and advanced the "condition of all." In this "just, and generous, and prosperous system," he reasoned, "labor is prior to, and independent of, capital." Then, reflecting upon the vicissitudes of his own experience, Lincoln added: "The prudent, penniless beginner in the world, labors for wages awhile, saves a surplus with which to buy tools or land for himself; then labors on his own account another while, and at length hires another new beginner to help him." Clearly this upward mobility, the possibility of self-realization so central to the idea of America, was closed to the slave unless and until he became a free man.

The American Dream, articulated, in words guaranteed to be understood by everyone. You close this book knowing not just about these people, you actually feel like you know them, especially Abe.

Impossible, after reading this book, not to wonder what our nation would look like had Lincoln survived his second term. Impossible not to grieve his loss.

It is my habit when reading histories to read the author's prologue last. The author always gives too much away in a summing up of what is to come. I recommend it strongly in this case, especially if you're old enough to have forgotten most of the Civil War section in American History 341. Let the events unfold in real time for you. And keep a box of Kleenex nearby when you get to the end.(less)

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Mar 28, 2013 Karen Canova rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I've always thought Abraham Lincoln was the greatest president in U.S. history, and now, after reading Team of Rivals, I'm convinced of that. His political genius allowed him to harness the talents and tame the “lesser angels” among his many rivals – the political and social cream of the crop in the 1840s-50s. This very humble, self-deprecating man, who lacked formal education and experienced so much sorrow early in life, was pitted against tough competition his entire life -- part of his greatn...more I've always thought Abraham Lincoln was the greatest president in U.S. history, and now, after reading Team of Rivals, I'm convinced of that. His political genius allowed him to harness the talents and tame the “lesser angels” among his many rivals – the political and social cream of the crop in the 1840s-50s. This very humble, self-deprecating man, who lacked formal education and experienced so much sorrow early in life, was pitted against tough competition his entire life -- part of his greatness is that he never succumbed to bitterness or resentment when he lost an election (and there were many more losses than wins). Goodwin’s depiction of the nomination process of 1860 at the Republican convention is nothing short of spellbinding – who knew that a political process could be so riveting (even when you know the outcome!)

For me, the true brilliance of the book is the unremitting theme of slavery woven through every chapter and behind almost every political move that Abe and his rivals made during that period of American history. While it’s true that Lincoln is not the unapologetic abolitionist many think he was, his genius is in knowing how to keep the many factions in his party and in the Union on his side during the crisis of secession and the resulting Civil War. Ultimately, it’s a heartbreaking story, but it makes me appreciate more than ever our 16th President and how he preserved the union and our very frail democracy. It sounds trite to write that “he preserved the union,” but in the hands of Doris Kearns Goodwin, the story behind the preservation of our fledgling country is compelling, gripping, and extremely frightening.

I love this quote from Leo Tolstoy in the frontispiece of the book -- it doesn't seem like hyperbole after reading this incredible biography: "The greatness of Napoleon, Caesar or Washington is only moonlight by the sun of Lincoln. His example is universal and will last thousands of years . . . . He is bigger than his country -- bigger than all the Presidents together . . . and as a great character he will live as long as the world lasts."
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Jun 01, 2008 Sydney rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Recommended to Sydney by: Book review

Biographies aren't always boring tomes. Doris Kearns Goodwin does a magnificent job of detailing how Abraham Lincoln, a lesser known and ill-positioned candidate captures the Republican party's nomination, goes on to get elected President, and leads America through the tumult of the Civil War.

While most of us know Lincoln as "honest Abe" and the President who emancipated slaves, Kearns-Goodwin offers a portrait of a man who took many of the men who'd he'd beaten out as the republican nominee int...more

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Jun 10, 2008 Carol rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Recommended to Carol by: Patty Johnson

Team of Rivals was a big undertaking for me at over 750 pages. What a treasure of a book. I had the feeling that you get with a good piece of fiction where you hate for the book to end. I felt like I was there, that I knew Lincoln. What a marvelous man, a moral man, a patient man. There were lessons between the covers of this book I would feel comfortable including in a talk in church. I have read other books about Lincoln and other books about the civil war, but to see Lincoln through the eyes...more

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Jan 17, 2009 Samantha rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Don't get me wrong. This is a good book, but it's not as good as I thought it would be or had heard it would be. I expected more from Doris Kearns Goodwin. It didn't go into the political genius as much as I wanted. It details the four men in Lincoln's cabinet that play a major role. It's more about them and their interactions than it is about Lincoln's political moves. There is a lot of interesting descriptions of the generals, but I got tired of the McClennan drama being detailed. I definitely...more

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May 31, 2008 Kelly rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: biography

An elegantly crafted epic that is as gripping of a read as a novel: history can be eminently entertaining. I heard Goodwin interviewed on Radio West and she describes researching this book for 10 years. She utilizes a richness of primary sources to give the reader the opportunity to know well not just Lincoln but the many who surrounded him.

I dreaded reaching the last pages of this book--there was only one way for it to end. The death of Lincoln, although foreshadowed, comes as abruptly in this...more

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Jan 30, 2009 Barbara rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: non-fiction

I read this book for my history book club. When we chose it last year, we had no idea how timely our choice would be. We read it during the 2008 election and I saw the author interviewed on several TV news programs. This turned out to be Barack Obama's handbook.

I have always held Abraham Lincoln in high esteem, and this book did nothing to destroy that. In fact, more than ever I believe him to have been "God sent." If this is Pres. Obama's handbook, I truly hope he follows Mr. Lincoln's amazing...more

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Mar 23, 2013 Caroline rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: favorites, american-civil-war, american-history

I can honestly say this is one of the best historical biographies I've ever read. Abraham Lincoln is such a giant of a man, such an incredible figure, and this book really does him justice. The phrase 'cometh the hour, cometh the man' is such a cliche, but it almost seems to ring true for Lincoln. He arose from practically nowhere to take the Republican nomination, won the Presidency, steered his country through the perils of war, and when that war was over and won, he died. It almost seems as t...more

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Mar 04, 2011 Cindy rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Recommended to Cindy by: Dad

Shelves: biography, non-fiction, history, female-authors, own, does-my-book-look-big-in-this, 2011-best-reads

(I thought it would make sense to start this while I'm still reading Gone With the Wind.)

This isn't a straight-up biography of Lincoln. And it's certainly not a history of the Civil War. Instead it's a portrait of Lincoln, defined by the diverse men he surrounded himself with on his Cabinet. In particular, Goodwin focuses on the 4 major contenders in the Republican national convention: Lincoln, Seward, Chase and Bates. The better part of the book takes place leading up to Lincoln's 1860 election...more (I thought it would make sense to start this while I'm still reading Gone With the Wind.)

This isn't a straight-up biography of Lincoln. And it's certainly not a history of the Civil War. Instead it's a portrait of Lincoln, defined by the diverse men he surrounded himself with on his Cabinet. In particular, Goodwin focuses on the 4 major contenders in the Republican national convention: Lincoln, Seward, Chase and Bates. The better part of the book takes place leading up to Lincoln's 1860 election to his death in 1865.

It's a fascinating, fabulous look at the politics behind the man. I'll be honest: politics - the rhetoric, the deal-making, the personal wrangling - bores me to tears. In addition, the details and minutia of war generally bores me silly. (I'm looking at you War & Peace!) Although quite necessarily, this book is mostly about these two things, politics and the U.S. Civil War, I was enthralled. Never before had details of when, where and how to make decisions seemed to be more vital to elucidate the nature of a man.

And it's really hard not to fall in love with Lincoln. The focus of the book, that Lincoln chose to surround himself with opposing personal advisers in Washington and Generals on the battlefield, not only shows his self-assured character to deal with warring factions but also shows his wont and need to ponder all sides of an argument before reaching a decision. What struck me the most about Lincoln, however, is his ability to let criticisms roll off his back, maintain his composure, and disarm people with a quick joke or story. If only I could have met Lincoln to hear some of these retorts in person!

I should mention that Goodwin doesn't shy away from Lincoln's mistakes or lapses in judgment. Particularly surprising was his gathering of free black leaders from the North at the White House to propose a plan of resettling all blacks residing in the U.S. to a new settlement somewhere in Central or South America. Luckily that proposal didn't go much further than that meeting. He occasionally let the temper get the best of him, but was quick to mend the broken fences.

I also appreciated Goodwin's inclusion of the women behind and beside Lincoln and his leaders. She presents quite a balanced portrait of these remarkable and distinguished women. It's quite clear that many of the men relied on their wives and daughters for council at work and with personal relationship. Mary Todd Lincoln was something else. Despite her wild mood swings, Lincoln by all accounts remained calm and kind to her. It's a pretty fascinating relationship, and not one I can understand or relate to.

After finishing the book, my first reaction is to immediately pick up other Lincoln books. (By the way, the page count is a bit deceiving - in the paperback edition, there's 'only' 757 pages of text. The rest are index and extensive bibliography.) The natural one to go to would be John Nicolay and John Hay's Abraham Lincoln: A Biography, but it's a 7 volume work! There are many condensed copies out there. Hay and Nicolay were Lincoln's personal secretaries/assistants who slept in the White House, and were quite intimate with Lincoln. The other book I'm dying to get to - because it's subject isn't really covered in Team of Rivals is Manhunt: The 12-Day Chase for Lincoln's Killer. Likewise, I'm eager to read Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass. And I think Battle Cry of Freedom: The Civil War Era would round out my Civil War education nicely. Feel free to throw any other suggestions my way!(less)

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May 10, 2011 Matt rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

As a history lover, I'm a bit of a snob. While everyone is rushing to purchase the newest warm-milk entry from David McCullough, I make a show of purchasing turgid, poorly edited treatises put out by university presses about some guy who did something long ago that doesn't really matter anymore. Of course, as every snob eventually learns, being snobbish is like slamming a hammer down on your thumb: you only hurt yourself; and everyone thinks you're an idiot.

When it was published, Team of Rivals...more

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Jan 24, 2010 Arminius rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: presidents

Team of Rivals

Team of Rivals refers to Abraham Lincoln’s choice of prior adversaries as his presidential cabinet. The first was the most famous Republican candidate for the 1860 presidential race. This was William Seward, the Governor of New York. Seward was a very bright, good story teller and ardently opposed to slavery. He was, in all likelihood, too liberal to get the Republican nomination. The Republican Party was made up of former Whig party, Know-Nothing party and anti-slavery democrats....more Team of Rivals

Team of Rivals refers to Abraham Lincoln’s choice of prior adversaries as his presidential cabinet. The first was the most famous Republican candidate for the 1860 presidential race. This was William Seward, the Governor of New York. Seward was a very bright, good story teller and ardently opposed to slavery. He was, in all likelihood, too liberal to get the Republican nomination. The Republican Party was made up of former Whig party, Know-Nothing party and anti-slavery democrats. The know nothings were against immigration. This hurt Seward because he was very pro-immigration.

The second rival is former Ohio Senator and Governor Chase. He made a lot of enemies in Ohio with a shady political deal to obtain a Senate seat. The third was Bates. Bates was a Missouri Judge. One of the reasons that Lincoln defeated these three is because he was a relatively unknown former congressman and lawyer. Lincoln was however a very hard working, great debater, great speech giver and writer as well as a magnificent story teller. He also had a hard dedicated team which worked tirelessly to ensure Lincoln’s victory. They were so dedicated because Lincoln was such a nice fellow as well as great story teller.

When Lincoln wins the nomination the South begin secession talks and quickly secedes. One of Lincoln’s most important decisions was to pick all of his former rivals for top cabinet positions. Seward was picked for Secretary of State, Chase for Treasury and Bates for Attorney General. He did this with full knowledge that each rival considered himself more qualified than him to be president. He also knew that there would be internal strife amongst such big personalities.

When confederate forces struck Fort Sumter the Civil War began. This is where Lincoln makes his only major mistake. The mistake was picking George McClellan to head the Union Army and his delay in replacing him. McClellan’s delays in engaging confederate forces are well documented and may very well have prevented a quick Union victory.

Lincoln’s wife Mary is discussed a lot in this book as is Treasury Secretary Chase’s daughter Kate. Mary was a very driven woman who loved the big fancy balls that she would host. She enjoyed flirting with men and Abe never minded. However after the death of their son she fell into deep depression. When she finally pulled herself out she devoted herself to secretly caring for wounded soldiers in the hospital. Kate Chase was known as the prettiest lady in Washington and she would host elaborate balls on behalf of her father. She would marry the wealthy William Sprague. Although they seemed like the all American couple she had a miserable married life which ended in divorce.

Kate’s father however was actively pursuing the Republican nomination for the presidency in 1864 while being the acting Treasury Secretary. He did a stellar job financing the war and Lincoln appreciated that. So after confronting him without malice he offered him the recent Supreme Court justice position vacated by Judge Roger Taney.

Lincoln was often criticized by the anti-slavery radicals as being overly cautious but history tells us that Lincoln seemed to understand the mood of the country and make decisions based on that. For example, the Emancipation Proclamation was not enacted until he felt that it would be acceptable in the Border States.

When the war ends everything looked rosy in a way. We had a great President who planned a lenient approach to Southern reintegration while guaranteeing colored equality.
That was stymied when John Wilkes Booth pulled the trigger in Ford’s Theater.

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Dec 21, 2008 MacK rated it 4 of 5 stars

I, like many young people, was often frustrated by history class. No matter what how hard I worked, or how much I studied we always seemed to run out of time to cover the really interesting parts of history, and I always felt short changed.

Few time periods frustrated me as much as the Civil War. We would spend weeks going over Manasses, and Shiloh and Sherman's march and I invariably felt that something was missing. Was it really just General v.s. General? What was Lincoln doing that made him so...more I, like many young people, was often frustrated by history class. No matter what how hard I worked, or how much I studied we always seemed to run out of time to cover the really interesting parts of history, and I always felt short changed.

Few time periods frustrated me as much as the Civil War. We would spend weeks going over Manasses, and Shiloh and Sherman's march and I invariably felt that something was missing. Was it really just General v.s. General? What was Lincoln doing that made him so great? And when it all ended with Lee's sudden surrender at Appomatox, and Lincoln's assassination in the next paragraph, I kept looking around for more details. But I could never find any.

For anyone like me, anyone who wishes they could have figured out the complexities of the great struggle for America's soul, anyone who seeks advice from the past to inform their lives for today and tomorrow there is Team of Rivals.

Kearns Goodwin has created a compelling and comprehensive portrayal of the men who led America through the crucible of the Civil War, she turns the president from the static caricature of "Honest Abe" with the stove pipe hat and chinstrap beard into a dynamic and endearing hero. His wit and charm flow from first hand sources and innumerable anecdotes. His devotion to his wife and young sons, his humor, his faith, all of it makes Lincoln so much more accessible.

But even more engaging than the accounts of the commander in chief are the equally dynamic supporting characters who populate Lincoln's life and times. From his family and the frantic Mary Todd to the armed services and the craven General McClellan, from the titular Team of Rivals [including the corrupt, the pure, the powerful and the power-hungry] to society celebrities the reader is immersed in another America, at once novel and yet familiar.

Any work of this scope, must, by necessity, be long. Very long. [Long enough to preclude me from reading anything else for 5 months] So, while the depth of research is remarkably engaging, it's also remarkable dense. True scholars won't have a problem with it, those of us who seek more knowledge to enhance our understanding, will. Still, any opportunity to encounter and understand a truly great president, a man whose temperament, acumen and eloquence were the perfectly prescribed tonic for a nation in turmoil, is worth an occasionally disconcerting density. It's engrossing, engaging and utterly remarkable, even over five months.(less)

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May 27, 2009 Sarah rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2009

I sort of knew how this book was going to end (spoiler alert!), but I was still sad when Lincoln died. I picked it up because of all of the Obama hype, and I now understand why a president would want to emulate Lincoln. But it's one thing to say, this is the kind of man I want to be, and another, to not learn from his mistakes. Some of Lincoln's cabinet picks (and former rivals) worked out well -- Edwin Stanton and William Seward, for example. But things didn't work out so well with Salmon P. Ch...more

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Feb 21, 2009 Mahlon rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Everyone

Recommended to Mahlon by: Lincoln coverage on TV

Most readers would question the need for another Lincoln Biography at this point. After 200 years and numerous Biographies, is there anything new to learn about the man? In Team of Rivals, Doris Kearns Goodwin answers that question with a resounding yes. Her focus is mainly on Lincoln as political operator. She explores this theme by looking at Lincoln through the eyes of his three greatest political rivals(and later cabinet members) William Seward, Salmon Chase, and Edward Bates. Goodwin begins...more Most readers would question the need for another Lincoln Biography at this point. After 200 years and numerous Biographies, is there anything new to learn about the man? In Team of Rivals, Doris Kearns Goodwin answers that question with a resounding yes. Her focus is mainly on Lincoln as political operator. She explores this theme by looking at Lincoln through the eyes of his three greatest political rivals(and later cabinet members) William Seward, Salmon Chase, and Edward Bates. Goodwin begins her narrative at the 1860 Republican convention where all 4 were vying for the nomination. Lincoln was thought to be a long shot, but thanks to some adroit maneuvering on the part of his management team, he managed to position himself as every delegation's second choice, and managed to secure the nomination as a compromise candidate. The rest of the book focuses on the way in which Lincoln managed the Civil War, and the way in which various cabinet members influenced policy, and helped shape his evolving view of slavery. Lincoln was also a master at massaging his team's ego's when political in-fighting threatened to break the cabinet apart. He also had an incredible capacity for forgiveness. For example, when Chase crossed him one too many times, he finally accepts his resignation as head of the treasury, only to later appoint him Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. Can you imagine a President giving a major rival a post with a lifetime appointment today?!

I was captivated by the portrait of William Seward, sadly he is remembered today only for his purchase of Alaska, much derided at the time as "Seward's Folly" I had no idea he was one of the leading political figures of his generation.

A complex portrait of Lincoln emerges from Team of Rivals, one that forever shatters the myth that he was a blundering backwoods political neophyte who could be easily influenced.

Fair warning: This book requires a significant investment of time but you'll be well rewarded. It took me almost a month reading a chapter a day. It ended up being my #2 book of 2005, and my #4 book of the decade.(less)

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Apr 01, 2008 Dustin Allison rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Ever since going to Officer Canidate School in Alabama, I've had a profound desire to learn more about the Civil War, and Abraham Lincoln in particular. Having grown up in the West, I was shocked by all the animosity exihibited towards Lincoln by my Southern neighbors. This book, more than any other I've read so far, brings Lincoln's genius and character to life in such a way that arguments against him look mostly foolish.

Politicians are often disparaged for their self-serving ambition coupled...more

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Brayden That PBS series was really interesting huh? Bush's handling of the war, if it weren't so political, would be a perfect case of information mismanageme...more
Apr 02, 2008 07:00am

Dustin Allison What really amazes me is how truly clueless our country's leadership can be. I think a lot of us make ourselves feel better by believing that those in...more
Apr 18, 2008 12:16pm

May 09, 2008 Chuck rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Team of Rivals is a first-rate and captivating narrative, which portrays Lincoln's humanity, warts and all. Although focusing on the Civil War period, this book does not provide any extensive battlefield accounts or descriptions of military strategy, but those accounts are available elsewhere. Rather, in this work the author shows how a relatively inexperienced "rail-splitter" Lincoln gradually attained the stature of a beloved and enormously impressive president. He did not start out as an eman...more

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Sep 08, 2007 Rae rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Everyone

This is one of the best historical non-fiction books I've ever read. Doris Kearns Goodwin, who won the Pulitzer, tells the story of perhaps the most unlikely Presidential cabinet ever assembled: that of Abraham Lincoln. He not only brought his own political rivals into the Cabinet, he brought men who would never have willingly worked together (or even been on the same planet) under any other conditions but for the national emergency of the Civil War. I think the best thing for me in this work is...more

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Apr 29, 2008 Michelle rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: politics-history, autobiography-biographies, my-favorite-books

I've long admired Abraham Lincoln, but this book increased that admiration by leaps and bounds.

It's almost ridiculous how politically adept Lincoln was - especially given his childhood, self taught, etc. It made me (the book) long for another president like Lincoln. He picked the men of his cabinet by their merits and by their spheres of influence. He had people from differing parties and people who flat out hated him. He was unswerving when he made up his mind - and 9 times out of 10 he was co...more

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Apr 06, 2008 Bill rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: every man-jack of you

I suspect I am now in love with Lincoln.

The book convincingly places him in the context of his peers and rivals for the 1860 Republican presidential nomination, then shows how he cannily and selflessly coaxed masterful performances out of each of these men as cabinet members during the civil war.

Once Goodwin gets to Lincoln's presidency, the book becomes more disciplined, treating major battles and even Booth's assassination conspiracy as peripheral. Rather, she focuses on Lincoln's steadfast...more

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Mar 01, 2013 Barbara rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Fantastic. Solid 5 stars. Can I give it more?

Served as a great primer for seeing the film "Lincoln", which expounds on just the last few chapters (and was SO brilliantly acted!).
To paraphrase Ulysses S. Grant, there's never been such an example of greatness, coupled with such goodness. What a brilliant man!

This is a must-read for any history or poly-sci buff. If it wasn't for its length and excessive peripheral characters, I'd say it was a must-read for any American.

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Aug 02, 2011 Eric Peterson rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I'm not a reader of history, typically - I read for pleasure and wouldn't enjoy anything that reads like a textbook. But after having the pleasure of hearing Doris Kearns Goodwin speak, I figured that if the book was half as entertaining and enlightening as she is, it would be a good investiment of time. To my surprise (and delight), TEAM OF RIVALS doesn't read like a textbook at all. Though packed with quotes (mostly from letters) and obvious research, it unfolds like a really good story. As so...more

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Nov 22, 2008 Judy rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I first read this book the year of its publication, but given the attention that Barack Obama has given it, I decided to reread it. Still loved it. There are so many interpretations of Lincoln that it seems impossible that another interpretation could be fitted on the shelves, but Goodwin's view of Lincoln is revealing. Wrestling the Republican nomination for President from candidates who were more qualified than he, Lincoln went on to include many of his political rivals in his Cabinet. This pr...more

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Mar 03, 2013 Bettie rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: film-only, north-americas, politics, spring-2013, war, civil-war-american, slaves, published-2006, nonfiction, history, biography

Let's see what all the raves are about ;OP

Brilliant man. Great film. Fantastic acting.

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Aug 21, 2008 Meg rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: the politically inclined

Probably only a three star for most people--but I love Lincoln so much that it got bumped up. There are innumerable Abe books out there, but I recommend this one to those of you with an interest in politics. It's amazing how Lincoln treated his enemies. Most would destroy them politically. HE PUT THEM IN HIS CABINET!! Gotta love a man with that much respect for intelligence that happens to disagree with his own.

If you haven't read anything about Lincoln before, choose a book NOW. So many people...more

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Dec 26, 2012 Eveningstar2 rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

"Now he belongs to the ages," said Edwin M. Stanton at the death of President Lincoln. Lincoln's life, his legacy, his iron resolve in the face of terrible hardship, his masterful statesmanship and exemplary stewardship of our country have endeared him into legend. He has achieved, in a way, a national apotheosis. Not a man, but an ideal.

Doris Kearns Goodwin has taken upon herself a seemingly impossible task of restoring humanity to a monumental man, such that Abraham Lincoln the Man does not di...more "Now he belongs to the ages," said Edwin M. Stanton at the death of President Lincoln. Lincoln's life, his legacy, his iron resolve in the face of terrible hardship, his masterful statesmanship and exemplary stewardship of our country have endeared him into legend. He has achieved, in a way, a national apotheosis. Not a man, but an ideal.

Doris Kearns Goodwin has taken upon herself a seemingly impossible task of restoring humanity to a monumental man, such that Abraham Lincoln the Man does not disillusion us to Abraham Lincoln the Monument, but the two strengthen one another; those qualities that made Lincoln an object of our reverence--his courage, his brilliance, his willpower and his moral character--become illuminated in the familiar light of his humanity, as a man of empathy and compassion, capable of great magnanimity and yet suffering great pain, filled with doubt and yet resolute in his determination.

And in making Lincoln a man whom we understand, with whom we relate and share our own empathy, Mrs. Goodwin belongs to the highest order of historians.

Her writing is sharp and perspicacious, yet her presence invisible. She resides where a historian should stay, in the shadows of human drama, translating the action for the reader, unraveling its insidious complexities, yet living vicariously through history itself. Her eloquence is the eloquence of Lincoln, Seward and Stanton; supported by exhausting historical research, Goodwin's prose is seemingly interwoven with an almost endless supply of quotations, letters, speeches, memoirs. So much of this book belongs, literally, to the characters who embody it. Goodwin never lectures; she shows. And the history of Abraham Lincoln and his political milieu become alive with their own voices.

Abraham Lincoln was a great man; this much goes without saying. But Mrs. Goodwin shows us that he is also a good one. And so are, at that, the men and women around him. Edwin M. Stanton, Salmon and Kate Chase, William H. Seward, Montgomery Blair, Mary Todd Lincoln. History has a way of relegating the past to unattainable myth, but Goodwin allows us to understand these people as they were: as human beings, human in their suffering, human in their greatness.

Perhaps it is no longer academically or intellectually vogue to admire our statesman, and to do so smacks of hero worship. But I don't care. Having finished a thousand pages of their intimate and political lives, I find myself impressed of the indelible feeling of sincere empathy, solemn regret, and genuine wonder.

Godspeed, Mr. Lincoln, and thank you, Mrs. Goodwin.(less)

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Jan 16, 2009 Malachi rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

A fantastic and long read. This book has everything to wanted to know about the rise and struggles Abraham Lincoln went through in his presidency. It mainly focuses on him and his cabinet that was filled with political enemies and how they and him helped steer the country during the civil war. The author especially points out the relationship between him and his secretary of state Seward. The book focuses on how Lincoln was forced to make several difficult choices while he was president and how...more

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Oct 03, 2012 David rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This is a wonderful biography, not just of Lincoln, but of the entire 'team.' It was full of revelations for me. I had always thought about slavery like Apu from the Simpsons, in the episode where he's applying for citizenship. The man administering the test asks him why the Civil War was fought, and Apu begins a long and complicated answer about the economics of the time and states' rights and such, and the testing guy waves him off and says, "Just say 'slavery.'" I knew that slavery was a big...more This is a wonderful biography, not just of Lincoln, but of the entire 'team.' It was full of revelations for me. I had always thought about slavery like Apu from the Simpsons, in the episode where he's applying for citizenship. The man administering the test asks him why the Civil War was fought, and Apu begins a long and complicated answer about the economics of the time and states' rights and such, and the testing guy waves him off and says, "Just say 'slavery.'" I knew that slavery was a big part of it, but I didn't understand how.

But slavery was a defining issue of the day. I had not realized that most of Lincoln's Republican rivals for the nomination in 1860 were much more staunch abolitionists than Lincoln was. Seward and Chase were heroes of the abolitionist movement and had spoken forcefully and courageously against it. Lincoln may have been against slavery personally, but he dealt with it in a very nuanced way. He wanted to oppose it strictly on constitutional grounds, and in so doing he was willing to be bound by the Constitution as well. His belief was that they could forbid slavery in new states, or in states that did not already have it, but that they could not, under the Constitution, take it from states that already had it.

Goodwin depicts Lincoln's evolving genius. He was animated by a deep reverence for the Constitution, and he also had instinct for when the country was ready for change, and when to hold back on an issue because to press to hard would be to turn people away from it.

Another delightful aspect of Goodwin's book is the human qualities she describes. You can see this tall, ungainly, unkempt man, too tall for his trousers and much of the furniture, and you can understand how the political class at the time would have completely underestimated him. But he considered his positions carefully, and once he took a position he owned it and never went back on his word. He was compassionate and magnanimous with everyone, from his cabinet secretaries (Chase) and generals (McClellan! the scoundrel), from whom he tolerated many affronts because they served a larger purpose; to court-martialed soldiers, whom he took any opportunity to pardon, if he could.

Goodwin observes at the end of the book that Lincoln's death was an irreparable blow to the _South_. I had not considered this. But Lincoln's compassion, and his desire to bring the South back into the Union as it was, and not break up the states in ways advantageous to the Union, or punish those who had served the Confederacy--these were what the battered and disgraced South needed. This was a sad irony I had not considered.

It's a massive book, but full of vivid detail and keen insight, and well worth the six weeks it took me to read it.(less)

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About Doris Kearns Goodwin

Also credited as "Doris Kearns" on the first editions of Lyndon Johnson and the American Dream.

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“Washington was a typical American. Napoleon was a typical Frenchman, but Lincoln was a humanitarian as broad as the world. He was bigger than his country - bigger than all the Presidents together.

We are still too near to his greatness,' (Leo) Tolstoy (in 1908) concluded, 'but after a few centuries more our posterity will find him considerably bigger than we do. His genius is still too strong and powerful for the common understanding, just as the sun is too hot when its light beams directly on us.' (748)” — 13 people liked it

“(from John Hay's diary) “The President never appeared to better advantage in the world,” Hay proudly noted in his diary. “Though He knows how immense is the danger to himself from the unreasoning anger of that committee, he never cringed to them for an instant. He stood where he thought he was right and crushed them with his candid logic.” — 6 people liked it

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