Abraham Lincoln is known as one of the greatest presidents the United States has seen. His rise from the backwater prairies of Illinois as a circuit lawyer to the highest position in the country seemed almost impossible if not improbable. Historians and writers have explored the reasons behind Lincoln’s success for years, covered every angle, but Doris Kearns Goodwin’s newest book “Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln” takes a different look at the nation’s most powerful men.
There’s an old saying that advises one to keep friends close, but enemies closer; Lincoln is the embodiment of that saying. After taking the presidency, Lincoln needed a strong and dependable cabinet. Having come from the periphery, Lincoln was unknown, untried and had little political support. Instead of choosing people who supported him throughout his campaign, Lincoln went with four men who all held a grudge against him, who all desired his newly acquired position. Edwin M. Stanton, Secretary of War, despised Lincoln when they first met in the courtroom in 1855 and treated him with contempt. Salmon P. Chase, Secretary of the Treasury, thought he to be Lincoln’s superior, resenting him for taking the position he thought rightly his. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, was positive of his nomination for president when Lincoln stole the stage and saw his position in Lincoln’s cabinet his chance to make the president a figure head, leaving him in charge. Edward Bates, Attorney General, came out of retirement for the candidacy, but when he lost, he vowed to decline any cabinet position offered. All four men had plans to bring the new president down, and all four grew to admire and respect the tall, lanky man whose ambition was to change the country.
Goodwin explores the complexities of Lincoln’s cabinet and his presidency, making “Team of Rivals” stand out from the other Lincoln literature with her in depth analysis of the complex interpersonal relationships and personal motivations of each man. Instead of focusing on purely political or bureaucratic stories, which are dry and cause eyelids to droop, this piece of nonfiction takes the opposite road, studying the mortal men who shaped the country. Chase was undeniably an ambitious man who sought to receive recognition with a passion unrivaled and would use anyone to his own advantage. In him are the old puritan ways that helped found the country and the makings of a dangerous man. Seward, undoubtedly also an ambitious man, craved the presidency and sought to undermine Lincoln at every step.
Goodwin’s ability as a writer to take such a political endeavor and turn the book into a narrative is unparalleled. Her passion for the topic shines throughout the pages; she turns a dry topic into one of almost epic proportions, keeping the reader anxious, wondering what’s next. Rather than seeming as cold, dry cut men from history books who have accomplished this deed and that, Lincoln and his cabinet are shown as real people who suffered, had their hopes dashed, found joy and lived. There are times where even a great narration can get tough to read through, but stick with it, the whole story is ultimately rewarding.
Downside to the book is the length. Trying to find a nice, quick read of maybe 200-300 pages? Don’t read this book. If a 1,000 page book is not daunting, then go the nearest library and check out “Team of Rivals” immediately.
