Play Audiobook Sample
Team of Rivals (Abridged): The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln Audiobook
Play Audiobook Sample
(4.29) - 14 listener ratings
Quick Stats About this Audiobook
Total Audiobook Chapters:
Longest Chapter Length:
Shortest Chapter Length:
Average Chapter Length:
Audiobooks by this Author:
Publisher Description
Winner of the Lincoln Prize
Acclaimed historian Doris Kearns Goodwin illuminates Abraham Lincoln's political genius in this highly original work, as the one-term congressman and prairie lawyer rises from obscurity to prevail over three gifted rivals of national reputation to become president.
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.
Download and start listening now!
"The similarities between Lincoln and Obama are startling. Very readable history - am enjoying this book very much - but I wish I had purchased it for Kindle. The book is so heavy, I can barely support it while I read - my only complaint. "
— Poppy (5 out of 5 stars)
Quotes
-
“A remarkable study in leadership.”
— Barack Obama -
“Endlessly absorbing…[A] lovingly rendered and masterfully fashioned book.”
— Wall Street Journal -
“Goodwin’s narrative abilities...are on full display here, and she does an enthralling job of dramatizing...crucial moments in Lincoln’s life....A portrait of Lincoln as a virtuosic politician and managerial genius.”
— New York Times -
“An elegant, incisive study Goodwin has brilliantly described how Lincoln forged a team that preserved a nation and freed America from the curse of slavery.”
— New Times Book Review -
“Splendid, beautifully written…Goodwin has brilliantly woven scores of contemporary accounts...into a fluid narrative…This is the most richly detailed account of the Civil War presidency to appear in many years.”
— Los Angeles Times -
“The task the popular historian Doris Kearns Goodwin has set for herself in writing the history of Abraham Lincoln and his cabinet in Team of Rivals is neither easy nor immediately attractive. But this immense, finely boned book is no dull administrative or bureaucratic history; rather, it is a story of personalities—a messianic drama, if you will—in which Lincoln must increase and the others must decrease.”
— Washington Post -
“Richard Thomas sheds his ‘good old boy’ persona to deliver the strategies and party politics of Abe’s public office with strength and vigor and the great sorrows of his private life in a subdued, anguish-filled tone. There are a few dry patches, cataloging historic events, but Thomas never gives in to the boredom. The Civil War is presented in vividly dramatic detail, capped by an inspiring Gettysburg Address and a dignified account of Lincoln’s assassination. A masterful bio, read by a master storyteller. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award.”
— AudioFile
Awards
-
A New York Times bestseller
-
A USA Today bestseller
-
Winner of the AudioFile Earphones Award
-
A Publishers Weekly bestseller
-
New York Times Book Review 100 Notable Books, 2005
-
Winner of the Lincoln Prize
-
A 2005 National Book Critics Circle Award Finalist for Biography
-
A 2005 Los Angeles Times Book Prize Nominee for Biography
Team of Rivals Listener Reviews
-
" This was a hard read, yet I learned so much. All I can say is wow! Abraham Lincoln was amazing. "
— Lorna, 5/20/2011 -
" A fantastic book that explores how tenuous the Union was and how fortunate we were to have Lincoln as our president. Can't recommend this book enough! "
— Joel, 5/3/2011 -
" Great book about pure political genius. "
— Brian, 4/26/2011 -
" An interesting take on Lincoln as politician. "
— John, 4/23/2011 -
" One of my favorite books. Goodwin does an excellent job bringing history to life. "
— David, 4/23/2011 -
" A decent book about the political side in Washington and the Lincoln administration during the civil war which isn't told as frequently as the more war centric stories. There wasn't as much insight into Lincoln's leadership strategy as I hoped though. "
— Dan, 4/12/2011
About Doris Kearns Goodwin
Doris Kearns Goodwin is a #1 New York Times bestselling and award–winning author of acclaimed works of nonfiction. Her work for President Johnson launched her career as a presidential historian. Her first book was Lyndon Johnson and the American Dream. She followed up with the Pulitzer Prize–winning No Ordinary Time: Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt: The Homefront in World War II. She earned the Lincoln Prize for Team of Rivals, in part the basis for Steven Spielberg’s film Lincoln. She won the Carnegie Medal for The Bully Pulpit, about the friendship between Theodore Roosevelt and William Howard Taft. Leadership: In Turbulent Times was the inspiration for the History Channel docuseries on Abraham Lincoln, Theodore Roosevelt, and Franklin Roosevelt, for which she was executive producer.
About Richard Thomas
Richard Thomas, a film and television actor, is best known for his role as John-Boy Walton on the CBS television series, The Waltons. His performance earned him a Primetime Emmy, as well as two Golden Globe nominations. Also an audiobook narrator, he has read numerous books, including John Grisham’s Theodore Boone series.