Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln

by Doris Kearns Goodwin
Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln cover
Good Books rating 4.62
Biography and Memoir
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Waterstones
Paperback • £16.99
Amazon
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Technical
  • ID: 157
  • Added: 2025-09-03
  • Updated: 2025-09-10
  • ISBN: 9780684824901
  • Publisher: Simon and Schuster
  • Published: 2005-10-25
  • Formats: 36
  • Reviews: 4

An analysis of Abraham Lincoln's political talents identifies the character strengths and abilities that enabled his successful election, in an account that also describes how he used the same abilities to rally former opponents in winning the Civil War.

Reviews
Amazon · 2025-10-21
absorbing 4.70

Despite its length, the book is consistently engaging and entertaining, with no dull moments. It offers a fresh perspective on Lincoln's life and leadership.

Amazon's review highlights the book's ability to maintain engagement throughout its substantial length. The reviewer appreciates the fresh angle it offers on Lincoln's life, making it a compelling read. They note that the book is consistently absorbing and entertaining, with no dull passages. The reviewer finds the exploration of Lincoln's leadership style particularly insightful, making it a valuable addition to any history enthusiast's collection.

Quick quotes

    The book is a 700-odd page bulk but is consistently absorbing and entertaining.

    There isn't a dry soulless page or passage to be found.

    It offers a fresh perspective on Lincoln's life and leadership.

Goodreads · H. Steward · 2025-09-03
illuminating 4.30

The book is a well-researched and entertaining multiple biography that offers timeless leadership lessons, though its detailed focus on cabinet members may slow pacing for some readers.

H. Steward regards the book as a brilliant and comprehensive portrayal of Lincoln’s leadership, especially through his management of a diverse cabinet comprising former rivals. The detailed exploration of personal lives and political intrigues provides valuable insight into the era's complexity and the nature of Lincoln’s presidency. While the depth of detail might overwhelm readers seeking a straightforward narrative on Lincoln’s presidential actions, the richness is a strength for those interested in a thorough historical account. Steward finds the book highly relevant for understanding leadership and politics, with enduring lessons applicable to today's divided times.

Quick quotes

    This brilliant multiple biography is centered on Lincoln's mastery of men.

    The tactics of the kind of people who would defend slavery and smear Lincoln seem familiar in many ways.

    ‘Team of Rivals’ is a remarkable achievement in historical scholarship.

Gates Notes · Bill Gates · 2022-11-21
essential 5.00

Bill Gates considers this biography an essential guide to leadership, finding it more relevant than ever in today's political climate. He praises Goodwin's ability to bring Lincoln's story to life.

Bill Gates highly recommends this biography, calling it the best guide to leading a country. He finds the book's exploration of Lincoln's leadership style particularly relevant in today's political landscape. Gates appreciates Goodwin's ability to bring Lincoln's story to life, making it an engaging and insightful read. He believes the book offers valuable lessons for modern leaders, highlighting Lincoln's ability to unite diverse perspectives and navigate complex challenges.

Quick quotes

    The best guide to leading a country.

    Doris Kearns Goodwin's brilliant biography of Abraham Lincoln is more relevant than ever.

    It offers valuable lessons for modern leaders, highlighting Lincoln's ability to unite diverse perspectives and navigate complex challenges.

Best Presidential Bios · Steve · 2014-05-30
insightful 4.50

The book is praised for its insightful portrayal of Lincoln’s relationships with his cabinet members and a balanced depiction of Mary Lincoln, enhancing understanding of Lincoln’s presidency.

Steve appreciates the book as both entertaining and insightful, highlighting Goodwin’s balanced treatment of Mary Lincoln, who is often portrayed negatively or overlooked in other biographies. The focus on Lincoln’s cabinet dynamics rather than battlefield details offers a clear perspective on the decision-making processes during the presidency, which Steve finds particularly valuable. He also notes the vivid description of the assassination plot and the posthumous lives of key characters as compelling aspects. Overall, he considers the book a must-read for its deep dive into Lincoln’s political genius and leadership style.

Quick quotes

    Goodwin’s treatment of the volatile Mary Lincoln is the most balanced I have encountered.

    Goodwin’s frequent focus on this group of men enhances the reader’s understanding of events.

    She describes the audacious plot to simultaneously assassinate Lincoln, his vice president and Secretary of State Seward far better than any other biography I’ve read.

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