Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln by Doris Kearns Goodwin was recommended to me at the polls by one of the people working there. She had just finished it and wanted to share with everyone what a wonderful book it was. I picked up this audio version from the library book store a few days ago.
Started: 9/28/2013
Completed: 10/25/2013
Recommendation: Wonderful addition to a Lincoln biography
Recommended By: A woman working the polls several election cycles ago.
Review:
Wow. This is the book that served as a basis for the movie Lincoln. It does not strive to tell Lincoln's whole life, but focuses on Lincoln's acumen and accomplishments as a politician. I always wondered why Seward was attacked on the day that Lincoln was killed and this book explains that clearly. More to the point, this book explains how a perceived bumbling back-woods lawyer (who shared a bed with Seward when the two first met as a matter of boarding convenience) managed to become such a strong president. Goodwin takes you inside the nominating process of the day and demonstrates the steps that Lincoln took to go from also-ran to nominee. In addition, she details the collection of events that inadvertently helped forward his cause.
Lincoln's presence comes through sharply revealed through letters and actions and Goodwin does an excellent job of describing how his almost comical outward appearance belies his fierce intellect and deft ability to build consensus. Lincoln's life and politics are fairly well known, but if you aren't familiar with the impact of Seward and Chase on Lincoln's White House years, then this book is fantastically informative. Additionally, if you are aware that Lincoln was unhappy with the way his generals pursued the Civil War, this book offers insight into some of his thinking and how he handled his frustration--in particular, it explains how someone who is not a soldier can still be an effective leader of the entire military.
This book is not a substitute for a biography, but is a wonderful addition to a biography and I heartily recommend it.
Review:
Wow. This is the book that served as a basis for the movie Lincoln. It does not strive to tell Lincoln's whole life, but focuses on Lincoln's acumen and accomplishments as a politician. I always wondered why Seward was attacked on the day that Lincoln was killed and this book explains that clearly. More to the point, this book explains how a perceived bumbling back-woods lawyer (who shared a bed with Seward when the two first met as a matter of boarding convenience) managed to become such a strong president. Goodwin takes you inside the nominating process of the day and demonstrates the steps that Lincoln took to go from also-ran to nominee. In addition, she details the collection of events that inadvertently helped forward his cause.
Lincoln's presence comes through sharply revealed through letters and actions and Goodwin does an excellent job of describing how his almost comical outward appearance belies his fierce intellect and deft ability to build consensus. Lincoln's life and politics are fairly well known, but if you aren't familiar with the impact of Seward and Chase on Lincoln's White House years, then this book is fantastically informative. Additionally, if you are aware that Lincoln was unhappy with the way his generals pursued the Civil War, this book offers insight into some of his thinking and how he handled his frustration--in particular, it explains how someone who is not a soldier can still be an effective leader of the entire military.
This book is not a substitute for a biography, but is a wonderful addition to a biography and I heartily recommend it.
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