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  • Team of Rivals

  • The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln
  • By: Doris Kearns Goodwin
  • Narrated by: Suzanne Toren
  • Length: 41 hrs and 30 mins
  • 4.9 out of 5 stars (134 ratings)

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Team of Rivals cover art

Team of Rivals

By: Doris Kearns Goodwin
Narrated by: Suzanne Toren
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Summary

In this monumental multiple biography, Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Doris Kearns Goodwin studies Abraham Lincoln's mastery of men. She shows how he saved Civil War-torn America by appointing his fiercest rivals to key cabinet positions, making them help achieve his vision for peace. 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 book to bury yourself in.

©2021 Doris Kearns Goodwin (P)2021 Penguin Audio

What listeners say about Team of Rivals

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Riviting, in depth study of Lincoln

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

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Fantastic portrait of America’s most famous president.

I have long had this on my to-read/to listen list and I’m so glad I did. Thoroughly informative and endlessly engaging, it covers the colourful cast of characters that were Lincoln’s cabinet as well as any novel. For anyone interested in American history or history in general, this is a must read!

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Team of Rivals

I read the book 14 years ago and took lots of notes.
It was good to be reminded of the unique political events/dynamics re the Team and the American Civil War.
The tragedy of Lincoln assassination, and hence the described loss of the prospect of a conciliatory approach to restructuring the American South, is still evident today.
Very well narrated

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Fantastic

Highly recommended. It’s engaging as a thriller, and I learned so much about American history.

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Best Product Management book on the market

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

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Very comprehensive and well researched lesson in American history.

It was really long! Not that it could be done any other way because of the nature of the subject matter.

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Narration that transports the listener.

Highly recommend this book to anyone interested in a deep dive into Abraham Lincolns life. By contrasting and comparing Lincolns life to his contemporaries, we are given a far more colourful and multifaceted understanding of his motivations, characteristics, socioeconomic, and religious drivers. A very lengthy exposition, but definitely worth it. The narration by Suzanne Torren in a New England accent is a tour de force; it simply transports the reader. Fantastic!

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Spectacular and mind blowing

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.

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A brilliant read

Lincoln was a genius and this book underlines that fact superbly. I can’t recommend it highly enough.

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Inspiring leadership in difficult times

An excellent historical book about inspiring & successful political leadership in difficult times, a story about a leader with humility, empathy, self-knowledge, humor, great rhetorical skills and intelligence. An awesome character who controlled his emotions like no other and above all, he was an inspiring moral human being who served his country well.

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