Team of Rivals by Doris Kearns Goodwin (2005, Hardcover)

Obviously a very well researched book! The author did an outstanding job of putting together so much information about Abraham Lincoln (and boy, could we use him NOW!), and his very interesting cabinet. While I've done a large amount of reading on the Civil War, and several books on Lincoln, this is probably the best compilation of Lincoln's life and personality, his interactions with people, and still does a decent job of bringing the Civil War into the story without going into unnecessary detail on it. I find it difficult to put the book down, and while I'm only halfway through it now, I'm on page 498! So this is one you'll be reading for a while, and I'm certain the author spent at least ten years researching it! If you enjoy learning about Lincoln, this is definitely the book for you! It becomes very obvious how intelligent, empathetic, personable and crafty Mr. Lincoln was, and without all of those traits, we probably would not have seen the results of the Civil War as history records them - he was the reason!

Greg Baumbach

I am a self-professed Lincoln buff, so my review might be a bit biased, but I really liked the book, as well as Ms. Goodwin's ability to tell a story. Illustrating how Lincoln convinced many of his rivals for the 1860 Republican nomination to work within his administration shows not only what a fantastic leader and politician Lincoln was, but also how far politics has degenerated today. A fantastic book by a great author. I consider this book to be on par with "No Ordinary Time", but my love for Lincoln might cloud that judgment a bit.

The book is an excellent read. I already had a copy but bought another on Ebay as a gift for a friend in Brazil who is learning English. The seller's price was good and the goods arrived in a timely, satisfactory manner. My only complaint is: The seller's feedback policy was to not give feedback on the buyer till the buyer gave positive feedback for the seller. I complained about this to the seller. If the buyer uses Paypal, which I did, then the seller gets paid instantly, the buyer has met all obligations to the seller and deserves positive feedback at once. Feedback should not be "held hostage."
My dissatisfaction with the seller's policy resulted in my giving no feedback so consequently receiving none either.

Bought this as a gift for a friend that is a lawyer. He really enjoyed the book.
Shipping was EXTREMELY FAST! Much faster than even described in the auction.
Book was brand new and in perfect condition.

Team of Rivals is an excellent portrait of Abraham Lincoln--his early life, his development as a prairie lawyer and his interest in politics. The book follows his election victories and defeats, the rise and fall of political parties of that era, as well as the people and incidents that led to states suceeding from the Union as a prelude to the Civil War.

Most specifically, it deals with the men who vied for the Republican presidential nomination in 1860 who all thought they would be a better president than Lincoln. He gave each of them a place in his administration.

It follows the course of the Civil War and all the challenges that Lincoln and his administration faced. No wonder Lincoln is the most-admired US president. This is the best Lincoln book that I have read.

I could not get this book in hardback at my local bookstore. I wanted it in hardback as a gift for a friend. The book was new and in perfect condition, My friend love the gift.

Why buy? My book club decided to read this during an election year.
I generally prefer fiction, but this was so well written, I felt like I was reading a novel about a man named Abraham Lincoln set in a turbulant country. Fascinating! Must be that feminine touch! I learned so much more about President Lincoln and the amazing men that surrounded him. Wonderful book! Wonderful characters! Steeps gratitude for such a great leader, moral man, and indeed, a political genius! Noticed numerous parallels with Barack Obama.

The only thing I did not like about the book was how LONG it is! Whopper!

Having received the book as a gift I rejoyced, The book preformed as positive reviews had indicated it would. I finished with a greater respect and love for our past president, Mr. Lincoln and certainly a better understanding of his wonderful personality. His thought processes and his ability to draw others, often times even enemies, into being his best supporters. A great man, a great President.

As a history major, this is the finest book about Lincoln I've ever read! I knew he was a special person before reading the book, and now I know "The rest of the story."

Doris Kearns Goodwin is a master at this kind of writing. She manages to take four separate stories, staring four different people and weave them into a collage of team mates. You see their strengths and weaknesses, along with their differences, but always their contributions to our country.

We purchased the book in preparation for a trip to the Lincoln Presidential Library and museum. I have read many books on Lincoln and would place this at the top of the list for interest. The portrayal of Lincoln's ability to understand people and how to enlist rivals to his team is fascinating reading.

My husband is fascinated with Lincoln. I bought the book to add to his collection. He loved the book-the opinion of a historian of Goodwins calibur on Lincoln's command of rivals and the war.

This book is fascinating-Lincoln and his colleagues come to life. For those who enjoy biographies, many influential lives are profiled by Doris Kearns Goodwin in a readable, interesting style.

The book arrived in perfect condition and I am enjoying the read. It is amazing to learn that politics and the means to an end has not changed since the beginning of a representative government. However, votes do count!!!

Doris Kearns Goodwin took 10 years to compile all of the intimate information about this great president, Abe Lincoln, showing him as a man of great humor not dour as he is often regarded and the intelligence, integrity, horrid childhood that he overcame to form a cabinet of great man around him who came to love him and show great respect to him. He was a practical joker and a man who suffered greatly but his driving ambition to make a difference was so powerful. It was very sad to read of the many deaths and disappointments his cabinet members also suffered. Abe was a man who was most gracious in losing campaigns and did not hold a grudge. Over 700 pages with photos of many of his cabinet members, their wives, and supporters and enemies. Amazing book with so much information.
Using this book for our reading club.