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Team Of Rivals
The Political Genius Of Abraham Lincoln
by Doris Kearns Goodwin


9.3

based on 16 reviews
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based on 39 votes
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The Pulitzer-winning historian examines--in typically lengthy fashion--the political career and leadership abilities of Abraham Lincoln by focusing on his cabinet and its unusual inclusion of three of the President's former rivals for the job.

Simon & Schuster, 944 pages
10/25/2005
$35.00

ISBN: 0684824906

Nonfiction
Biographies & Memoirs
History

All reviews are classified as one of five grades: Outstanding (4 points), Favorable (3), Mixed (2), Unfavorable (1) and Terrible (0). To calculate the Metascore, we divide total points achieved by the total points possible (i.e., 4 x the number of reviews), with the resulting percentage (multiplied by 100) being the Metascore. Learn more...

Booklist Brad Hooper

The knowledge gained here about these three significant figures who well attended Lincoln gain for the reader an even keener appreciation of the rare individual that he was. [15 Sep 2005, p. 4]

Boston Globe Douglas Brinkley

A brilliantly conceived and well-written tour de force of a historical narrative.

Los Angeles Times John Rhodehamel

This splendid, beautifully written biography is the best book on Lincoln's Cabinet ever written and one of the very best on Lincoln as a man and president. [25 Oct 2005, p. E1]

The New York Times Book Review James M. McPherson

Doris Kearns Goodwin has written an elegant, incisive study of Lincoln and leading members of his cabinet that will appeal to experts as well as to those whose knowledge of Lincoln is an amalgam of high school history and popular mythology.

Wall Street Journal Jay Winik

Ms. Goodwin's affection for Lincoln bursts forth on every page. But in this lovingly rendered and masterfully fashioned book, her story-telling gifts are most on display when she tracks the satellites around the presidency.

The Globe And Mail [Toronto] Andrew Cohen

In Team of Rivals, the political genius of Abraham Lincoln meets the historical genius of Doris Kearns Goodwin. [26 Nov. 2005, p. D22]

Washington Post Allen C. Guelzo

This immense, finely boned book is no dull administrative or bureaucratic history; rather, it is a story of personalities--a messianic drama, if you will--in which Lincoln must increase and the others must decrease.

Chicago Tribune David W. Blight

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. [11 Dec. 2005]

New York Observer Ted Widmer

It's true that Team of Rivals is more a chronicle than a biography, and that Ms. Goodwin is more in love with politics than metaphysics. But she does politics very well, and no story of Lincoln should stray too far from the roar of the crowd. [14 Nov 2005, p. 25]

Publishers Weekly

Goodwin supplies capable biographies of the gentlemen on whom she has chosen to focus, and ably highlights the sometimes tangled dynamics of their "team." [26 Sep 2005, p. 74]

San Francisco Chronicle Sanford D. Horwitt

Goodwin serves as an engaging, insightful chronicler of Lincoln's Civil War presidency, although she strays from time to time from her stated intention of keeping the lens focused on Lincoln and his 1860 rivals, who, in turn, were often feuding with others in Lincoln's Cabinet.

Chicago Sun-Times Debra Bruno

Goodwin tells us it took her ten years to finish this book. And it appears to have paid off.

Christian Science Monitor Randy Dotinga

In this immense and immensely readable work, Ms. Goodwin uncovers how Lincoln's unusual combination of forgiving human spirit and savvy political instincts converted his enemies into (mostly) loyal friends and advisers.

Kirkus Reviews

Illuminating and well-written, as are all of Goodwin's presidential studies; a welcome addition to Lincolniana. [1 Oct 2005, p. 1062]

Library Journal Gayla Koerting

Goodwin's use of primary-source materials is exhaustive (120 pages of notes and no bibliography), but her overuse of exact quotes often detracts from the flow of her analysis. [15 Oct 2005, p. 63]

The New York Times Michiko Kakutani

After so many recent books focusing on narrow personal aspects of Lincoln's life (his moods, his sexuality, his marital difficulties), after so many books dwelling on negative aspects of his philosophy and politics, it is refreshing to be reminded of the myriad challenges he faced in waging the Civil War and holding the Union together, and his palpable if incomplete achievements in helping to reinvent the nation and set it on a more just course.

The average user rating for this book is 9.3 (out of 10) based on 39 User Votes
Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.

glenda r gave it a10:
Magnificent book-beautifully written-informs one not only about Lincoln and his rivals but about the horror of the civil war and its continuing legacy. I could not put it down.

Dorothy Y gave it a10:
This was an amazing, engaging, satisfying and deeply moving work that proves real events and people are more remarkable than those imagined. The premise is unique, the detaill exhaustive yet the narative style so skillfully crafted that it reads like a novel you can't put down yet you don/t want to end. I loved it!

adam p gave it a10:
Fabulously written...the finest book ove ever read

Kevin P gave it a10:
An encapsulating and, to some, an inspirational story about the genius and the faults of America's greatest president. For those who think Lincoln had a perfect life, the story provides an insight into his imperfections and his depression which shaped Lincoln's demeanor, as well as his ambition and genius, throughout his life. For those who thought the Civil War was only about slavery, the book provides the complex political and social realities that result in the Civil War, the end of slavery, and the subtle shifts in attitudes towards minorities in America. Overall, it's a great read. However, the length of the book might be a bit long for those who want the writer to be more direct in her thoughts. Those readers should get the abridged version. However, you will not be disappointed if you have the patience to read the unabridged version!

Joan gave it a10:
I cried when Lincoln died - yes I knew it was coming but I felt the sorrow of the country and in particular the loss for the south of Lincon's compassion. A wonderful book!

Ramona B gave it a10:
informative, news I'd never considered or read

Shan S gave it a10:
It is a great book. I enjoyed very much by reading this book.

Team Of Rivals The Political Genius Of Abraham Lincoln by Doris Kearns Goodwin

Team Of Rivals
The Political Genius Of Abraham Lincoln
by Doris Kearns Goodwin