Doris Kearns Goodwin’s Team of Rivals tells the story of Abraham Lincoln’s improbable ascent from humble beginnings to become one of America’s most beloved presidents. Facing an untested political novice in the 1860 presidential election, Lincoln put together a team of rivals—including his long-standing political foes William Seward and Salmon Chase—to run his campaign. After he was elected, Lincoln appointed these men to key positions in his cabinet, where they helped him steer the Union through Civil War and into Reconstruction. Nearly 160 years after its initial publication, Goodwin’s book remains relevant as ever; Barack Obama notably drew upon it while shaping his own administration.
For who is this book for ?
Doris Kearns Goodwin’s Team of Rivals is a must-read for anyone interested in American history, presidential politics, or the Civil War era. The book provides an in-depth look at Abraham Lincoln’s rise to power and his relationships with some of the most influential figures of his time.
Pros :
- The book provides a detailed look at Abraham Lincoln’s rise to power and the formation of his cabinet.
- Goodwin draws upon extensive research to provide an in-depth account of these political figures’ lives.
- The story is told in a narrative style that makes it easy to follow.
Cons :
- The author takes a lot of liberties with the historical record.
- The book is very dense and can be difficult to read.
- It’s not particularly well written.
Learn more about the author
Doris Kearns Goodwin is a Pulitzer Prize-winning American historian, author, and television commentator. She is best known for her work on the biographies of Abraham Lincoln and Franklin D. Roosevelt.
Reader Reviews
“A masterpiece of American history.”
“A masterpiece of presidential history.”
“Goodwin has a gift for finding the human story in political history. . . She brings to life Lincoln’s cabinet, as well as the great figures of the Civil War era, with novelistic detail and precision. . .”
“Goodwin writes with admiration and deep insight about Lincoln’s mastery of politics and the art of compromise. . .”
