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Team of Rivals

The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln

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Team of Rivals

Written by: Doris Kearns Goodwin
Narrated by: Suzanne Toren
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About this listen

 One of the most influential books of the past fifty years, Team of Rivals is Pulitzer Prize–winning author and esteemed presidential historian Doris Kearns Goodwin’s modern classic about the political genius of Abraham Lincoln, his unlikely presidency, and his cabinet of former political foes.

Winner of the prestigious Lincoln Prize and the inspiration for the Oscar Award winning–film Lincoln, starring Daniel Day-Lewis, directed by Steven Spielberg, and written by Tony Kushner.

On May 18, 1860, William H. Seward, Salmon P. Chase, Edward Bates, and Abraham Lincoln waited in their hometowns for the results from the Republican National Convention in Chicago. When Lincoln emerged as the victor, his rivals were dismayed and angry.

Throughout the turbulent 1850s, each had energetically sought the presidency as the conflict over slavery was leading inexorably to secession and civil war. That Lincoln succeeded, Goodwin demonstrates, was the result of a character that had been forged by experiences that raised him above his more privileged and accomplished rivals. He won because he possessed an extraordinary ability to put himself in the place of other men, to experience what they were feeling, to understand their motives and desires.

It was this capacity that enabled Lincoln as president to bring his disgruntled opponents together, create the most unusual cabinet in history, and marshal their talents to the task of preserving the Union and winning the war.

We view the long, horrifying struggle from the vantage of the White House as Lincoln copes with incompetent generals, hostile congressmen, and his raucous cabinet. He overcomes these obstacles by winning the respect of his former competitors, and in the case of Seward, finds a loyal and crucial friend to see him through.

This brilliant multiple biography is centered on Lincoln's mastery of men and how it shaped the most significant presidency in the nation's history. Elections & Political Process Historical Military Politics & Activism Politics & Government Presidents & Heads of State Wars & Conflicts War Abraham Lincoln Civil War American History Biography Suffrage
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Loved this beautiful story of the life of Abraham Lincoln. Very in depth and adds more than the movie based on it

Súper in depth and super interesting

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I loved this book. It puts you in history, lets you feel the emotions people going through the civil war felt, and gives you a chance to meet Lincoln. Heavy on details, and long winded, but worth your while if you are patient and interested.

Fascinating Story of a Great Leader

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It was a tough book to get through. The first half was the hardest as I had no background knowledge of all the major characters, but the chapters just flew by in the second half. An incredible story and absolutely recommended if you dare to get through the first chapters.

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Simply the best audiobook I’ve ever listened to. Lincoln is brought to life in a way that no other book has yet to accomplish.

Truly Great!

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This panoramic review of Lincoln’s life and challenges is informative, inspiring, and well told. Can see why it won a Pulitzer Prize. The narrator is very good as well. Persevere through the first few hours – where the leading characters are introduced, the background sketched, and the stage set for the drama – and you will find it is well worth it.

Incredible story, excellent narrators

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