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Team of Rivals

The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln

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Team of Rivals

By: Doris Kearns Goodwin
Narrated by: Suzanne Toren
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About this listen

Brought to you by Penguin.

The bestselling and prize-winning study of one of the most legendary American Presidents in history, Team of Rivals by Doris Kearns Goodwin is the book that inspired Barack Obama in his presidency.

When Barack Obama was asked which book he could not live without in the White House, his answer was instant: Team of Rivals. This monumental and brilliant work has given Obama the model for his presidency, showing how Abraham Lincoln saved America by appointing his fiercest rival to key cabinet positions. As well as a thrilling piece of narrative history, it's an inspiring study of one of the greatest leaders the world has ever seen.

'A wonderful book . . . a remarkable study in leadership' Barack Obama

'A portrait of Lincoln as a virtuosic politician and managerial genius' The New York Times

'I have not enjoyed a history book as much for years' Robert Harris


Doris Kearns Goodwin is the doyenne of US presidential historians, and one of the most acclaimed non-fiction authors in the world. Her works include Lyndon Johnson and the American Dream, The Fitzgeralds and the Kennedys: An American Saga, and No Ordinary Time: Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt, for which she won the Pulitzer Prize for History in 1995.

© Doris Kearns Goodwin 2009 (P) Penguin Audio 2021

 Politics & Activism Presidents & Heads of State Abraham Lincoln War Civil War Thought-Provoking Inspiring Suspenseful Biography Suffrage

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Critic reviews

A wonderful book ... a remarkable study in leadership (Barack Obama)
The most uplifting book that I have read in the last two decades. Sensational (Jon Snow)
I have not enjoyed a history book as much for years (Robert Harris)
A fabulously engrossing, exciting narrative in the grand old style ... overflowing with colour and character (Dominic Sandbrook)
A brilliant book ... I couldn't get enough of it (Alex Ferguson)
Goodwin's narrative abilities are on full display here. A portrait of Lincoln as a virtuosic politician and managerial genius (Michiko Kakutani)
All stars
Most relevant
Main points

Close to customers
External rather than internally focused
Long term over short term
Influence instead of power
Not allowing oneself to be emotionally hijacked
Empathy for other roles
Constant communication
Vision
Simple language and analogues as communication

Best Product Management book on the market

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This in depth study of Abraham Lincoln, American politics and the Civil War is insightful and refreshing. I could not stop listening.

Riviting, in depth study of Lincoln

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Good book, good reader. Dorris writes an insightful novel that covers Lincoln’s life. Much easier on audience than the physical book

Insightful

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Marvellous and captivating book with the characters powerfully brought to life by the esteemed author.

Excellent

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An epic and unbelievably detailed, yet thoroughly enthralling journey through a critical period of history, not just for the U.S. but for the entire world.

Before listening I knew little of the Civil War, nor of Lincoln and was left in awe of his essential goodness. It does not seem that many of his peers were able to match his talents, morality and humility; but he towers in greatness over today’s leaders.

Despite its length the book is engaging throughout and the narration is exemplary. To the point I would say it is probably the best reading of an audio book all round.

Read/listen to it for enjoyment, for historical context and education, but most importantly to learn and in turn practice the right way to think, to treat people and carry yourself in the world.

Spectacular and mind blowing

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