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 4.38
Biography and Memoir
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Paperback • £16.99
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  • 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
The Storygraph · 2025-12-24
detailed 3.50

The book is long and detailed but offers a comprehensive and well-researched look into Lincoln's life. It is praised for its depth and thoroughness, despite some dry moments.

This review highlights the book's extensive research and detailed narrative, which provides a comprehensive look into Lincoln's life and leadership. While the book is lengthy and can be dry at times, it is highly detailed and offers valuable insights into the political and personal aspects of Lincoln's journey. The reviewer appreciates the depth of the research and the book's ability to bring historical events to life, making it a worthwhile read for those interested in a thorough exploration of Lincoln's era.

Quick quotes

    Great book. Long and dry but immaculately researched and detailed.

    At times, it felt like like the focus would drift away from the “Team of Rivals” to focus.

    Team of Rivals by Doris Kearns Goodwin - just finished this excellent book! WELL worth the 41:32 I invested in it.

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.

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