In Team of Rivals, Doris Kearns Goodwin draws parallels between Abraham Lincoln’s time in office and modern-day politics. She argues that Lincoln was a genius in the way he brought together political rivals to form his cabinet, thus allowing him to effectively govern during the Civil War. The book is full of interesting anecdotes and insights into Lincoln’s character and decision-making process.
For who is this book for ?
Team of Rivals is a great book for anyone interested in history, particularly the American Civil War. Goodwin does an excellent job of explaining complex political concepts in an easy-to-read manner, and her insights into Lincoln’s thought process are fascinating.
Pros :
- It provides an in-depth look into Abraham Lincoln’s political decision-making process.
- It offers interesting insights into Lincoln’s character.
- It is well written and easy to read.
Cons :
- The book is quite dense and may be difficult for non-historians to follow
- It can be dry at times
- Lincoln’s political tactics may not be as relevant in modern politics
Learn more about the author
Doris Kearns Goodwin is a noted historian and author. She has written extensively about Abraham Lincoln and the American Civil War, as well as other historical figures such as Franklin D. Roosevelt and Lyndon B. Johnson.
Reader Reviews
“Anyone who wants to understand Lincoln–or politics in general–should read this book. Goodwin has a way of making history come alive, and she provides many examples of how Lincoln’s political skills enabled him to achieve great things.”
“This is one of the most outstanding books I have ever read. Goodwin does an amazing job of comparing Lincoln’s cabinet to modern day politics and telling us why they were such a successful team. She also gives great insight into Lincoln as a person, which makes this book even more interesting.”
“An astonishing book-the best I’ve read in years.”
“This is one of the best books I have ever read. Goodwin does an amazing job of making history come alive, and her analysis of Lincoln’s political genius is absolutely brilliant.”
