Biographies aren't always boring tomes. Doris Kearns Goodwin does a magnificent job of detailing how Abraham Lincoln, a lesser known and ill-positioned candidate captures the Republican party's nomination, goes on to get elected President, and leads America through the tumult of the Civil War.

While most of us know Lincoln as "honest Abe" and the President who emancipated slaves, Kearns-Goodwin offers a portrait of a man who took many of the men who'd he'd beaten out as the republican nominee into his Presidential Cabinet. His offering them positions of significance in his Administration--positions that had the power to ruin his presidency--seemed, at least initially, to many as the act of a political neophyte or backwater bumpkin. As the Civil War is being prosecuted, readers get to see how strategic Lincoln’s use of man's personal ambitions and commitments to country made them effective members of the Cabinet.

Kearns-Goodwin's narrative offers timely reminders how a nation at war undergoes philosophical and political tensions that will takes years to heal. In reading the book, there were times when the circumstances or politicians involved in the civil war could just as easily have been the circumstances and politicians involved in the war in Iraq.

The book does an admirable job of showing the nuances of the internal conflicts that Lincoln faced abut social and political issues of the times. While he believed slaves should be free, he was slow to adapt that they should be granted suffrage. At the same time he welcomed Frederick Douglass into the White House, argued the merits of equal pay for black and white soldiers, and offered the first African American attorney the opportunity to argue before the Supreme Court.

Great history lesson that was also surprisingly readable.

I've long admired Abraham Lincoln, but this book increased that admiration by leaps and bounds.

It's almost ridiculous how politically adept Lincoln was - especially given his childhood, self taught, etc. It made me (the book) long for another president like Lincoln. He picked the men of his cabinet by their merits and by their spheres of influence. He had people from differing parties and people who flat out hated him. He was unswerving when he made up his mind - and 9 times out of 10 he was correct.

He consistently did what was best for the country, gave his whole heart and soul, but was no simpleton as his enemies would have people believe. People who hated him in the beginning often grew to admire and love him. What a genuinely good man, and genius.

It was very interesting to read more about his views on slavery and what motivated a lot of his policy. I can't say enough about this book and the man himself...


I cried when I finished this book - a lot.

It might be something of an overstatement to say that I “lusted after” wanting to read this book. But maybe not by much. I have wanted to read it since shortly after it was published in 2005 so it took me nearly ten years to get around to it. And part of the reason I finally read it is because several months ago I got an iPhone and could finally synchronize listening to the audio and reading the eBook. This is a thick book, something that I do not generally do that well. Long books wear me out. And this one comes across as over 900 pages! Now that I have read it, I have to say that the last couple hundred pages are photos and footnotes and an extensive index. But since I was reading a Kindle, I couldn’t flip to the back of the book and see that. And there is no surprise ending: Lincoln is assassinated. No spoiler there.

I am also not much of a history buff although I do find myself hooked up with a lot of historical fiction. But real history with an emphasis on primary source research is outside my normal wandering. But I liked this book a lot although I wonder how well I would have done without the Audible text pulling me along. Sometimes I read too fast and miss a lot of the content. But when someone is reading you each and every word and you are trying to follow along at the same time, the details really have a chance to soak in. For me at least that is the case. But it does require some patience since taking over a month of pretty steady effort to read a book is a long time for me. My Kindle kept telling me how many hours I had to go in the book and it was slightly overwhelming. Of course, those footnotes were hiding back there at the end and I was not dedicated enough to really look at those impressive inclusions that proved the extreme work of the author.

I learned a lot by spending a month with this book. One of the things I learned is that nineteenth century politics is really not much nicer than twentieth century politics. I thought that politics had gotten nasty in my lifetime but discovered that nastiness goes way back. Lincoln was a politician and the Civil War was a nasty war that was probably just as divisive as Vietnam. What a realization that was for me! There was a lot of maneuvering and deceit. Disgusting stuff. It is true that you really don’t want to know what happens so you can end up with sausage.

In some ways I feel like I gave up a month of my life to read this book. And now that I am finished I am glad I did it and have a lot a respect for those who write real history books. But we still needed Howard Zinn to keep us honest. I will appreciate Doris Kearns Goodwin a lot more the next time I see her on some PBS program.

I tend to think that Goodreaders are pretty generous with their stars. I am going to give Team of Rivals three stars and feel that I am not gushing over it. It is a really good book but not easy reading at all. I might have given it four stars if it was four hundred pages! I was exposed to a lot of new information and some of it I even managed to absorb. That feels good to me. My big discovery: Lincoln was a politician whose story surprised me frequently as he tiptoed around the issue of slavery and mid nineteenth century race and political relations.

”Of all the men I ever met, he seemed to possess more of the elements of greatness, combined with goodness, than any other.”

-William T. Sherman on Lincoln, p. 713


“I have no doubt that Lincoln will be the conspicuous figure of the war,” predicted Ulysses S. Grant. “He was incontestably the greatest man I ever knew.” p. 747


“Washington was a typical American. Napoleon was a typical Frenchman, but Lincoln was a humanitarian as broad as the world. He was bigger than his country—bigger than all the Presidents together.”

-Leo Tolstoy, p. 748


Lincoln is widely considered to be the greatest President in American history. Read this book to see why. The end brought me to tears. I really don’t know what else to say…

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This book made my top 10 nonfiction list of 2021! Check out the video here: https://youtu.be/TByaMqiy4JQ

Let me first say that I listened to the abridged version of this book, which was MUCH shorter than the whooping 900 plus pages in the unabridged version. I think this was for the best as I don’t have much interest in politics. However, I am interested in Abraham Lincoln, and his role in a key part of America’s tumultuous and sordid history.

Goodwin writes clearly and succinctly and lets the story be told by the key characters whenever possible, which is both a credit to her commitment to research and a credit to the authenticity and flow of the story.

In the abridged version you get the run-up to the election that gained Lincoln his first presidency, the meaning behind the title of the book, his struggles navigating the civil war, and of course his tragic demise. There is also backstory and character work dedicated to many of the major players in his cabinet and in the Union army staff.

I did enjoy learning more about other key figures during this time period. William Seward, in particular, is interesting to learn about. A potential president in his own right, he begins as a staunch rival and ends as a dedicated supporter and friend to Lincoln. This is a repeating theme, as Lincoln’s singular personality wins over all of his rivals. I also enjoyed learning about George McClellan, who I think is the worst person in this book. He’s an arrogant, selfish, overly ambitious, conniving, and irresponsible general who is quick to blame everyone around him, and do whatever it takes to achieve the lofty positions he thinks he deserves. I always remember thinking that the Union army had weak leaders and generals compared to the Confederates, and McClellan is a shining example of that.

No matter how interesting the role players are in this book, Lincoln, of course, steals the show. His humanity, patience, morality, cleverness, and leadership are on full display. He’s not perfect; he clearly is a politician which insinuates some amount of chicanery, but I do think he’s as good a president as the country has, and will ever see.

His strategy of filling up his cabinet with his rivals was executed brilliantly; it’s a powerful message about how politics could, and should work. He was smart enough to know that he needed brilliant men to help him, and delegating responsibility is a key aspect of leadership. He masterfully balanced volatile egos during the most stressful times for the good of all.

Anyone interested in American history or presidents will enjoy this book as it covers arguably the best president, and arguably the most significant period of American history with candor and objective grace. It is said that those who don’t know history are bound to repeat it. If that were true I hope everyone forgets this period of time, as the world would be lucky to see another Abraham Lincoln.

Story-9, Language-8, Ideas-9, Characters-9, Enjoyment-8, Overall-8.5

How many political leaders would select some of those who had been competitors for power to serve with them? This book explores just that question--with Abraham Loncoln as the leader who seated some of his top opponents for the Republican nomination for President in 1860 in his Cabinet. This is a multiple biography, demanding a well organized volume to keep the five key characters' lives and actions in focus. The key players who served on Lincoln's Cabinet whom Goodwin examines include Edwin Stanton, Salmon Chase, William Seward, and Edward Bates--as well as Lincoln himself.

The chemistry among these players was sometimes problematic. Chase's ambitions sometimes drove him to near mutiny against Lincoln. Seward began by thinking that Lincoln should, in essence, defer to him. Bates was an elder statesman who had some presidential ambitions in 1860. And, of course, the workaholic Edwin Stanton.

The book revolves around the interaction of these characters in what is akin to a fine drama. It also displays Lincoln's ability to get the most out of this set of powerful political actors, to keep them moving forward as a team (even when there were clear differences and tensions). It made good political sense for Lincoln to reach out to this disparate group of people--but it also brought some of the most capable leaders into his Cabinet.

In short, an illuminating volume that informs the reader in some detail about the unique set of characters who had to work together to maintain the Union.

"This war is eating my life out. I have a strong impression that I shall not live to see the end." (Abe Lincoln)

My word...what would have happened to the United States of America if Abraham Lincoln hadn't been elected at the right moment in time? Stunning. As an average reader, my knowledge of Lincoln was standard, that is, he was the Great One who saved the Americans from their own absurdity. But this book took me on a whole new journey, showing an embattled President who had to deal not only with a divided country, but with a divided cabinet. And what a cabinet!

Salmon P. Chase - Treasury
Chase very much wanted to be the President himself. He was a strong member to have on a team but watcheth thy backeth. Lacked any wit and couldn't even win his own state.

William H. Seward - Secretary of State
He wanted to be the President, also. But he had a clearer understanding of Lincoln's greatness, grew close to the tall dude, and became a loyal friend. He barely survived the assassination attempt on his own life.

Edward Bates - Attorney General
Democrat leaner...Southern sentiments. Isolated himself from most, but a strong family man.

The other cabinet members, such as Stanton and Welles, did not think much of Lincoln at first. But as the President grew into his greatness, they became much valued teamplayers. And then there was the arrogant Union general, McClellan (hiss, boo), who thought he was the bee's knees. A terrific administrator, he was unable to initiate a battle and bad-mouthed Lincoln at every opportunity.

This is a wonderful read. So much information in every area. Bio details on Lincoln and each cabinet member. Information on the pre-Civil War elections. Mary Lincoln's crazed emotions as her sons died. The fine line Lincoln had to walk between the progressive abolitionists and the butt-hurt Democrats. It's all here. Just marvelous.

Most of all, I would recommend this book for any corporate leader. Lincoln didn't hire yes-men, he hired the best minds he could find even though the members of the team fought and connived. Lincoln did what was best for the country and his amazing patience and ability to forgive meant he was able to lead a high-performance ensemble. This could very well be the best business book one can read to learn how to be a true leader.

The writing is superb, the transitions are smooth, and the details utterly amaze. For anyone wanting to add this to their to-read lists, I suggest either getting the hardcover or getting an e-read. This is because I made the mistake of buying the softbound copy and the cover is so thin and flimsy, I tore it apart fairly quickly. A mere quibble.

Greatness. Thank you, Mr. Lincoln. Wow.

Book Season = Year Round (mystic chords of memory)

If you're looking to read a book about our 16th President, Wikipedia tells us: "There have been 16,000 books and articles published on Lincoln—125 on the assassination alone—more than any other American." 

I haven't read nearly that many. I've only read this one. If you're going to read only one book about this amazing person, it may be safe to say this is the one to read. 

I came to it in a roundabout way. I'd been reading Philip K. Dick's novel 'We Can Build You' - in which android versions of Lincoln and his U.S. Secretary of War, Edwin Stanton, appear as characters. Silly, yes - but the thought popped into my head that I wanted to know more about Lincoln in particular. (As Howard ZInn's 'People's History of the United States' showed me, my high school history education was kind of pathetic. That included Abe Info.) 

This exhaustive work is 916 pp., about 150 of which are notes / index. To say the least, the text itself is remarkable; the experience of learning about Lincoln unfolds as stunning storytelling. 

Part of that impression rests with the unique structure of Lincoln's political trajectory: election, then bang!: four years of a Civil War, then continued hope, then tragedy. It all seems like a bizarrely compact predestination, set for the purpose of one of those rare but genuinely spiritual shake-ups in humanity. 

There simply hadn't been anyone at all like Lincoln in the White House. With his passing, there wouldn't be again. Goodwin's biographical tribute makes repeatedly clear that Lincoln was practically preternatural as the guiding political spirit of his day. He reads as an almost other-worldly manifestation of divine wisdom. (Odd, considering that, early in his administration, he didn't necessarily cling to spiritual matters... though later in life he would.)

It's kind of freaky to read about it, actually - and it's not like it went unnoticed by those on the perimeter of his impact. Many were those who were continuously reassessing their underestimation of the man. He was often suspected of 'not being up to the task', only to prove himself capable of surpassing expectations. (Along the way, he could often, as a result, attract the loyalty of those who might be loath to give it.)

This document seems to progressively increase its momentum with each successive chapter. There's a 'dramatic' feel to much of the work, even though it's simply that there's a lot going on almost all the time... leading ultimately, of course, to triumph mixed inexorably with unthinkable sorrow. 

To Goodwin's immense credit, all of this comes strikingly, vividly alive. Her writing is evocative, unfussy and smooth. She takes an extremely large canvas of characters and depicts them in ways that mark them indelibly as individuals; there's little mistaking who's who. 

I don't often read historical works like this; if I read something of historical value, it will usually relate to a more-recent history. But 'Team of Rivals' appears to be a work apart; a uniquely captured time capsule that honors its subject much more than admirably.

Most readers would question the need for another Lincoln Biography at this point. After 200 years and numerous Biographies, is there anything new to learn about the man? In Team of Rivals, Doris Kearns Goodwin answers that question with a resounding yes. Her focus is mainly on Lincoln as political operator. She explores this theme by looking at Lincoln through the eyes of his three greatest political rivals(and later cabinet members) William Seward, Salmon Chase, and Edward Bates. Goodwin begins her narrative at the 1860 Republican convention where all 4 were vying for the nomination. Lincoln was thought to be a long shot, but thanks to some adroit maneuvering on the part of his management team, he managed to position himself as every delegation's second choice, and managed to secure the nomination as a compromise candidate. The rest of the book focuses on the way in which Lincoln managed the Civil War, and the way in which various cabinet members influenced policy, and helped shape his evolving view of slavery. Lincoln was also a master at massaging his team's ego's when political in-fighting threatened to break the cabinet apart. He also had an incredible capacity for forgiveness. For example, when Chase crossed him one too many times, he finally accepts his resignation as head of the treasury, only to later appoint him Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. Can you imagine a President giving a major rival a post with a lifetime appointment today?!

I was captivated by the portrait of William Seward, sadly he is remembered today only for his purchase of Alaska, much derided at the time as "Seward's Folly" I had no idea he was one of the leading political figures of his generation.

A complex portrait of Lincoln emerges from Team of Rivals, one that forever shatters the myth that he was a blundering backwoods political neophyte who could be easily influenced.

Fair warning: This book requires a significant investment of time but you'll be well rewarded. It took me almost a month reading a chapter a day. It ended up being my #2 book of 2005, and my #4 book of the decade.

Doris Kearns Goodwin's style in this well-researched biography isn't as smooth as in her previous books. I wondered if the taint of implied plagerism restricted her prose and influenced her writing. As always, everything is well-cited, but there is a dryness not present in her other books. The style is more McCullough/Ellis like than her usual clear Goodwinesque voice.
Nonetheless, in these times, it is amazing to imagine a President appointing his political rivals to his Cabinet. I learned far more about the unrest leading to the Civil war than i ever knew and have a new admiration for the cast of characters in the "team" many of whom I had scant knowledge about.

DKG is a genius. No other words needed.

I was given this book by one of my mentors. Lincolns ability to unite people under one common goal was a great lesson in leadership.