TEAM OF RIVALS: THE POLITICAL GENIUS OF ABRAHAM LINCOLN REVIEW

REVIEW BY RON KINCAID

THE AUTHOR

DORIS KEARNS GOODWIN

Doris Kearns Goodwin is a celebrated American historian, biographer, political analyst and commentator.

She was born on January 4, 1943, in Brooklyn, New York and she grew up in Rockville Center, Long Island.

Her invalid mother encouraged her to read books. Her father took her to baseball games and she eventually came to love the game of baseball.

She graduated magna cum laude from Colby College. Later she earned her Ph.D. in Government from Harvard University where she also served as a teaching fellow. [8]

In 1967, Doris Kearns Goodwin, then a White House Fellow, co-authored an article for “The New Republic”. The article was titled "How to Remove LBJ in 1968".

This articled questioned the foreign policies of President Lyndon Johnson, especially the manner in which Johnson was running the Vietnam War. (1) (5) (7)

A few months after the publication of her article, President Johnson appointed Goodwin as his special assistant in spite of her criticism about his handling of the Vietnam War. (5) (7)

In 1969, President Johnson left the White House. Later, Goodwin began to help him write his memoirs[2][7].

The time she spent with Johnson and her experience in his administration gave her material for her first book, "Lyndon Johnson and the American Dream," published in 1977. [4] [2] [7].

Citations:

[1] https://foreignpolicy.com/2013/11/22/jfks-greatest-legacy/

[2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doris_Kearns_Goodwin

[4] https://www.jhiblog.org/2022/04/04/juxtaposing-liberal-nationalism-and-international-politics-lyndon-johnson-on-vietnam-war/

[5] https://www.k-state.edu/landon/speakers/doris-goodwin/

[7] https://achievement.org/achiever/doris-kearns-goodwin/

[8] https://www.britannica.com/biography/Doris-Kearns-Goodwin

After she left President Johnson’s administration, Goodwin spent a decade as a Professor of Government at Harvard where she taught a course on the American Presidency.

Goodwin has written several critically acclaimed works including:

1) "The Fitzgeralds and the Kennedys: An American Saga" (1987)

2) "No Ordinary Time: Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt: The Home Front During World War II" (1995)

3) "Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln" (2005)

4) "The Bully Pulpit: Theodore Roosevelt, William Howard Taft, and the Golden Age of Journalism" (2013)

In 1995, her book "No Ordinary Time" was given the Pulitzer Prize for History.

Steven Spielberg used her book "Team of Rivals" as the basis for his film "Lincoln,".

Goodwin is a frequent commentator on television networks MSNBC, CBS, ABC, and CNN

She has also served as a consultant for various documentaries on American presidents.

Goodwin's expertise and contributions to historical literature have earned her numerous accolades, including the Lincoln Prize, the inaugural Book Prize for American History, and honorary degrees from several institutions

Doris was married to the late Richard N. Goodwin, a speechwriter and advisor to presidents.

She has three sons and remains active in her community.

Goodwin continues to be a respected voice on presidential history and American politics.

WHY DOES GOODWIN HAVE THE AUTHORITY TO WRITE THIS BOOK?

Goodwin has dedicated years of her life to studying and documenting the lives of presidents of the United States.

Her expertise in American history and her ability to write historical facts in an interesting manner make her uniquely qualified to study and analyze Lincoln's political strategies and leadership during the American Civil War.

INTRODUCTION

“Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln” is an insightful and meticulously researched book by Doris Kearns Goodwin.

Published in 2005, her book examines how Lincoln’s leadership abilities helped him unite a cabinet of powerful adversaries in order to save the Union during one of the darkest days of this nation.

This may have been the key to his success in keeping the Union intact.

He formed a coalition of politicians who were competitors yet Lincoln was able to get them to work together in order to save the Union.

The book examines how Abraham Lincoln was able to convince the powerful men in his cabinet to work together for the sake of the country.

Its lessons offer insights into leadership, teamwork, and resilience through the leadership and wisdom of Abraham Lincoln.

Abraham Lincoln was elected as the 16th President of the United States.

He served as President from 1861 until his assassination in 1865 by John Wilkes Booth at Ford’s Theater in Washington D.C.

He was born on February 12, 1809 in a one-room log cabin with a dirt floor in Kentucky to Thomas and Nancy Lincoln. He experienced extreme poverty and hardship as a child.

Because he grew up in poverty, Lincoln had very little formal education.

It is believed that he had about 12 months of class time in a school.

Lincoln began borrowing books to read and study whenever that was possible. [2]

As a young man, Lincoln worked many jobs to support himself.

He was a flatboat navigator, storekeeper, soldier, surveyor, and postmaster[5].

Lincoln came to be known as "Honest Abe" because of his reputation for integrity. His nick name “Honest Abe” may have come from a time when he overcharged a customer.

When Lincoln realized his mistake, he closed his store and returned the extra money to his customer.

He became interested in law and taught himself law by reading books he bought or borrowed. He opened a law practice in Springfield, Illinois.

At age 25, he began his political career when he was elected to local government. Later, he decided to run for the Senate.

During his campaign debates with Stephen Douglas, Lincoln's eloquence, his ability to “move” a crowd and his stance against the expansion of slavery gained him national attention.

He lost the Senate race but, as a result of his debates with Stephen Douglas, Lincoln's national reputation grew. [1]

In 1860, the Republican Party nominated him as their presidential candidate.

He won the election with only 40% of the popular vote but he attained a majority in the Electoral College. [3]

In spite of his humble start in life, Lincoln was able to be elected president because of his self-education, political savvy, and his ability to connect with the American people, to “move” them through his oratory skills and principled leadership.

Citations:

1)https://www.whitehouse.gov/about-the-white-house/presidents/abraham-lincoln/

[2] https://americacomesalive.com/abraham-lincoln-1809-1865-president-from-1861-1865/

[3] https://constitutioncenter.org/blog/the-day-abraham-lincoln-was-elected-president

[5] https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/history/article/abraham-lincoln

Click here to read “Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln” for free with a 30 day free trial.

PLOT SUMMARY

Lincoln, an unknown lawyer from the state of Illinois, became the Republican nominee in 1860 after defeating the more powerful and better known rivals William H. Seward, Salmon P. Chase, and Edward Bates.

Exhibiting extraordinary wisdom and strength, Lincoln appointed these men to his cabinet, as he recognized their talents and the value of their experience and insight into the American political landscape of that day.

The book follows the evolution of these relationships and their combined efforts to end the Civil War.

Lincoln’s presidency can be used as a masterclass in leadership.

Goodwin looks into his personal sacrifices, his unwavering commitment to ending slavery, and his ability to manage conflicting personalities.

A good question to ask and to consider is, what would have happened if Lincoln had not been assassinated?

How would the Southern states have been treated?

How would Black people have been treated through the ensuing years?

NARRATION STYLE

Goodwin’s narration is authoritative, yet easy to understand.

She blends rigorous scholarship with compelling storytelling, as she mines a treasure trove of personal letters, diaries, speeches, and government documents for her work.

This approach humanizes these famous men, as it allows readers to see their vulnerabilities, strengths, and changes in their personalities and character.

The integration of historical context and personal anecdotes creates a rich and interesting reading experience.

CENTRAL THEME

The book’s central theme is the power of unity against great challenges.

Lincoln’s ability to forge a team from a group of intense rivals displays his exceptional leadership skills, his wisdom and his understanding of human nature.

SUB THEMES

1. EMPATHY

Lincoln’s ability to connect with others on a personal level made him a compassionate and effective leader.

2. THE POWER OF HUMILITY

His willingness to admit mistakes and to seek counsel shows us his extraordinary humility, rare in a man who attains the highest political office.

3. MORAL COURAGE

His determination to abolish slavery and preserve the Union shows us his moral fortitude.

4. ABILITY TO BOUNCE BACK FROM ADVERSITY

Goodwin describes Lincoln’s strength in dealing with personal and national crises.

5. COLLABORATION INSTEAD OF CONFLICT

Lincoln sought out and valued the diverse opinions of his Cabinet members. He was often able to convert the contrasting opinions of his Cabinet members into political advantages for himself.

Click here to read “Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln” for free with a 30 day free trial.

WRITING AND PACING

Goodwin’s writing style combines depth and detail while being readable.

Her narration is detailed without being dense. This allows readers to continue reading the book’s 750+ pages.

Although the book covers a vast amount of historical events, which can be mind numbing, the way it is written allows readers to follow the story line with ease.

EMOTIONAL IMPACT

Goodwin describes Lincoln’s humor, kindness, and moments of doubt. People can relate to him and be inspired by him.

The personal sacrifices of his cabinet members and the tragic end of Lincoln’s life create admiration and sorrow for their sacrifices and the loss of such a great man.

Readers learn to appreciate the difficulty and complexity of leadership and the cost of great achievement.

STRENGTHS OF THE BOOK

1) IN DEPTH RESEARCH

Goodwin’s use of authentic sources creates trust in her work.

2) CHARACTER PORTRAITS

Goodwin allows her readers to see the strengths, flaws and eventual growth as leaders of Lincoln and the members of his cabinet.

3) TIMELESS LEADERSHIP LESSONS

The insights into Lincoln’s leadership can be applied to modern challenges in business, politics and the military.

4) ENGAGING NARRATIVE

Goodwin’s personal stories transform historical events into an interesting read.

5) COMPREHENSIVE STUDY OF LINCOLN AND HIS CABINET

Goodwin provides a comprehensive and detailed view of the Civil War era by describing Lincoln’s cabinet and how these powerful politicians were able to set their differences aside in order to save the Union.

POTENTIAL NEGATIVES

1) Readers without a background in Civil War history may find some sections dense and difficult.

2) The length of the book may prevent casual readers from reading the book.

3) Goodwin’s emphasis on Lincoln’s cabinet. More information about Lincoln’s personal life would have been interesting.

THE GENRE OF THE BOOK

“Team of Rivals” is a combination of biography, history, and politics.

It provides a thorough look at leadership in the world of politics during a key moment in American history.

COMPARISON TO SIMILAR BOOKS IN THIS GENRE

Compared to other Lincoln biographies, such as David Herbert Donald’s *Lincoln* or Carl Sandburg’s multi-volume work, “Team of Rivals” focuses on how Lincoln was able to get the men in his cabinet to set their differences aside and work together in order to defeat the Confederate states.

John Meacham’s “American Lion” offers similar insights into presidential leadership, but Goodwin’s emphasis on collaboration provides a unique view into Lincoln’s presidency.

For readers interested in leadership strategies, the book also complements works like Simon Sinek’s “Leaders Eat Last”

Click here to read “Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln” for free with a 30 day free trial.

WHO SHOULD READ THIS BOOK

This book is a must read for anyone interested in American history, political leadership, or the Civil War era.

It is especially valuable for leaders and managers who need lessons in collaboration, empathy, and resilience.

Students, history buffs, and people in different fields will find the Goodwin’s book interesting and inspiring.

CONCLUSION

“Team of Rivals” is considered a landmark in historical writing.

Doris Kearns Goodwin masterfully weaves the personal and political lives of Lincoln and his cabinet.

The book’s relevance goes beyond its historical context as she offers timeless lessons in leadership and teamwork.

It a must-read for anyone seeking to understand the complexities of leadership and the enduring impact of Abraham Lincoln’s presidency.

Goodwin’s work is well worth your time and money.

5 STAR RATING

Rating: 4.8/5 Stars

Goodwin’s exceptional, in depth research, engaging narrative and her profound insight into Lincoln’s leadership make this book an excellent work and well worth reading, especially if you are a history buff who focuses on the Civil War.

The length and density of the book are far outweighed by the depth of Goodwin’s research and her insight into the character and wisdom of Abraham Lincoln.

If you are a history buff, if you enjoy reading about President Lincoln and the Civil War, this book would be well worth your time and money.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

1) Official Website of Doris Kearns Goodwin https://www.doriskearnsgoodwin.com

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR OF THIS REVIEW

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OTHER ARTICLES WRITTEN BY ME:

1) BETWEEN THE WORLD AND ME REVIEW

https://shopping-feedback.today/bookclub/between-the-world-and-me-review-uk45u0kfu

2) EXTREME OWNERSHIP REVIEW

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