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

1. Full Citation

Kearns Goodwin, D. (2005) Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln. New York: Simon & Schuster.

2. Introduction

Team of Rivals offers a detailed political biography of Abraham Lincoln, focusing on his ability to unite and lead a cabinet composed of his former political opponents. Doris Kearns Goodwin explores Lincoln’s leadership during the tumultuous years of the American Civil War.

3. Author Background and Credentials

Doris Kearns Goodwin is an acclaimed American historian and Pulitzer Prize-winning author specializing in presidential biographies and American political history.

4. Summary of Contents

Key themes include:

  1. Lincoln’s Political Strategy
    • Managing rival personalities and factions.
  2. Civil War Leadership
    • Decisions impacting the Union’s survival.
  3. Character and Integrity
    • Lincoln’s moral and political resolve.
  4. Cabinet Dynamics
    • Collaboration amid conflict.
  5. Legacy and Historical Impact
    • Influence on presidential leadership.

5. Critical Evaluation

a. Coherence and Argumentation

Comprehensive and well-structured narrative blending politics and biography.

b. Originality and Intellectual Contribution

Insightful analysis of leadership dynamics during crisis.

c. Evidence, Sources, and Method

Extensive use of letters, diaries, and historical records.

d. Style and Accessibility

Engaging prose suitable for academic and general audiences.

e. Limitations and Critiques

Some critiques of idealizing Lincoln and limited focus on broader social context.

6. Comparative Context

Compared with:

  • James McPherson’s Battle Cry of Freedom – Civil War military history
  • Eric Foner’s The Fiery Trial – Lincoln’s views on slavery
  • Harold Holzer’s Lincoln and the Power of the Press – Media and leadership

7. Thematic or Disciplinary Relevance

Relevant to:

  • Presidential leadership and political strategy
  • Civil War history
  • American political history
  • Biographical studies

8. Reflection or Practical Application

Offers valuable lessons on coalition-building and crisis management.

9. Conclusion

Team of Rivals is a definitive and insightful biography revealing the complexities of Lincoln’s leadership and political acumen.

Recommended for: Historians, political scientists, leadership scholars, and general readers.

10. Other Works by the Same Author

  • The Bully Pulpit (2013)
  • No Ordinary Time (1994)

11. Similar Books by Other Authors

  • James McPherson – Battle Cry of Freedom
  • Eric Foner – The Fiery Trial
  • Doris Kearns Goodwin – Leadership in Turbulent Times

12. References (only if external works are cited)

  • Kearns Goodwin, D. (2005) Team of Rivals
  • McPherson, J. (1988) Battle Cry of Freedom
  • Foner, E. (2010) The Fiery Trial
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