Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln

In 1860, in Chicago, Illinois, the Republican Party made a historic choice when it selected Abraham Lincoln to be its candidate for the presidency. The choice stunned each of Lincoln's three rival candidates--William Henry Seward of New York; Salmon P. Chase of Ohio; and Edward Bates of Missouri--all of whom were better known nationally and better connected politically--and each of whom thought he himself would win. Even more surprising, but indicative of his character, is that Lincoln asked these three rivals to join his cabinet, which they did--and they made it work. In a rich historical narrative, Doris Kearns Goodwin brings to life each of these figures, showing their significant individual contributions as well as how they challenged the president and sometimes stung him. What come across is a deep psychological portrait of Lincoln as a great conciliator and man of vision, always putting the greater good before expediency. And while much has been made of Lincoln's melancholy, it is also true that he was good in company, a born storyteller and jokester. Lincoln is perhaps the most written-about president in history, but in this group biography, Goodwin manages to find some new perspectives on Lincoln and his times. A New York Times Notable Book for the year 2005.

"...Ms. Goodwin's narrative abilities, demonstrated in her earlier books, are on full display here...." - John R. Oneal (New York Times, 10/25/05)

"[A]n enormous book possessed of a friendly grandeur and, against all odds, a considerable freshness." - Alger Morton Fitch (Atlantic Monthly, 11/1/05)

"Goodwin makes no apologies for a great man approach to history; this tome will reward lovers of biography, while it may annoy those readers who comprehend historical change through more than the acts of powerful individuals. But all will have a good read. Goodwin has a marvelous narrative gift....[W]hen it comes to political complexity and intrigue, Goodwin excels." - Albert Rabil (Newsday (Long Island, N.Y.), 12/18/05)

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