Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln by Doris Kearns Goodwin

Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln by Doris Kearns Goodwin is a captivating book about the remarkable story of America’s 16th president. In it, Goodwin recounts the iconic President's career and political savvy as he formed a more perfect union from a divided country. Goodwin follows Lincoln’s rise from his rural roots as he faces some of the most extraordinary challenges and moments any president has had to face. This in-depth examination of Lincoln's life paints a vivid picture of a man who manages to cheat death repeatedly, lead a divided nation, and restore a stable Union despite impossible odds.

Goodwin introduces readers to the people surrounding Lincoln, or “his rivals”, who help shape his character and political standard. She begins with William Henry Seward, a Union advocate who was one of the strongest candidates for president in the election of 1860. Then there’s Salmon Chase, perhaps the most powerful member of Lincoln's cabinet, who insisted that Lincoln end slavery. Democratic Senator Edward Bates led the charge to fight against the Confederate states. There's Edwin M. Stanton, an intense lawyer who became Lincoln’s Secretary of War and who, like Seward, pushed for a stronger Union. Finally, there’s Lincoln's wise old friend David Davis, an experienced politician who gave Lincoln much-needed advice.

Goodwin then describes how determined Lincoln was to form a broad coalition and how he put his political enemies in the same cabinet. Lincoln chose all of the aforementioned men in an attempt to enlist both the Democrats and the Conservatives in his cause. Despite his enemies' personal view of him and the potential peril to his own political career, Lincoln put country over himself. He perceived his cabinet as advisers, tempering their rivalries and finding common ground along the way.

Next, Goodwin covers the major events that occurred during Lincoln’s term and the subsequent Reconstruction. Despite being up against the formidable Confederacy, Lincoln found ways to save the Union. He issued the Emancipation Proclamation, prohibiting the freeing of slaves only in the states that seceded, and allowed the African American community their first steps towards freedom and civil rights. However, he had to reconcile with the Confederacy in order to reunite the nation. After the Civil War, he created a plan for Reconstruction where former slaves were given full citizenship, but the plan was met with criticism from both Republicans and Democrats.

Goodwin also emphasizes the struggles facing Lincoln’s political career and his eventual assassination in 1865. It was no secret that he was disliked and vastly overshadowed by his cabinet members. Despite this, his perseverance and hard-work paid off in the long-run. Despite death threats and hate throughout his presidency, he was able to achieve his dream.

In the epilogue, Goodwin ties the book together by discussing how the steps Lincoln took to reconcile the nation are still relevant today. She explains how many of Lincoln’s ideas live on in modern America, which makes the narrative more powerful.

Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln by Doris Kearns Goodwin is a well-written, engaging, and thought-provoking look at the legacy of one of America’s greatest presidents. It provides readers with a unique, first-hand look at how Lincoln managed to unify a divided country while confronting the most difficult tasks any leader has ever faced. This exemplary book is sure to captivate readers and inspire them to understand the principles of strong leadership.