Team of Rivals by Doris Kearns Goodwin
(2006)
(944 pages)

Team of Rivals is simply one of the most enjoyable and informative books I've had the privilege to read. The book begins with the Republican candidates for President (to run in the 1960 election) awaiting the outcome of the republican convention. It then gives the background of these men, William H. Seward, Salmon P. Chase, Edward Bates, and Abraham Lincoln, and how they came to be candidates for the presidency. Once Lincoln is elected and wins the presidential election as well, the book shows how Lincoln chooses his rivals and the other men who made up his cabinet. Even though some of these men hated each other, Lincoln got them to serve together. This book shows the growth of Lincoln's political genius and how he grows in the esteem of those in his cabinet who, at first, weren't very impressed. This book is highly recommended for anyone interested in the presidency of Abraham Lincoln, his cabinet or the civil war.