I am a self-professed Lincoln buff, so my review might be a bit biased, but I really liked the book, as well as Ms. Goodwin's ability to tell a story. Illustrating how Lincoln convinced many of his rivals for the 1860 Republican nomination to work within his administration shows not only what a fantastic leader and politician Lincoln was, but also how far politics has degenerated today. A fantastic book by a great author. I consider this book to be on par with "No Ordinary Time", but my love for Lincoln might cloud that judgment a bit.
Obviously a very well researched book! The author did an outstanding job of putting together so much information about Abraham Lincoln (and boy, could we use him NOW!), and his very interesting cabinet. While I've done a large amount of reading on the Civil War, and several books on Lincoln, this is probably the best compilation of Lincoln's life and personality, his interactions with people, and still does a decent job of bringing the Civil War into the story without going into unnecessary detail on it. I find it difficult to put the book down, and while I'm only halfway through it now, I'm on page 498! So this is one you'll be reading for a while, and I'm certain the author spent at least ten years researching it! If you enjoy learning about Lincoln, this is definitely the book for you! It becomes very obvious how intelligent, empathetic, personable and crafty Mr. Lincoln was, and without all of those traits, we probably would not have seen the results of the Civil War as history records them - he was the reason! Greg BaumbachRead full review
Doris Kearns Goodwin took 10 years to compile all of the intimate information about this great president, Abe Lincoln, showing him as a man of great humor not dour as he is often regarded and the intelligence, integrity, horrid childhood that he overcame to form a cabinet of great man around him who came to love him and show great respect to him. He was a practical joker and a man who suffered greatly but his driving ambition to make a difference was so powerful. It was very sad to read of the many deaths and disappointments his cabinet members also suffered. Abe was a man who was most gracious in losing campaigns and did not hold a grudge. Over 700 pages with photos of many of his cabinet members, their wives, and supporters and enemies. Amazing book with so much information. Using this book for our reading club.Read full review
I saw the author, Doris Kearns Goodwin, on the Charlie Rose program on PBS. The familiar, easy way she had of describing Abraham Lincoln - this true icon of our American history - made me want to read the book. I wouldn't call it an "easy read", as it requires good concentration in order to wend your way through it. But is quite an interesting and enlightening take on Lincoln and has some surprising facts which Goodwin was somehow able to unearth. I would definitely recommend it to Lincoln or Civil War afficianados.
I had a paperback copy of this that I lent out and never got back. So it was great to find a hardcover copy on ebay for less than $10. Even better that the book was in good condition. If you haven't read this yet, it is a good companion to any civil war history book. Most civil war books cover the military successes and failures of both sides, this book covers the political goings on that were happening in the Union government during the Civil War. It would be great to read something similar for what was going on politically for the Confederate government. The book is a pretty easy read, and covers most of the personalities involved in the Union government during the Civil War. Yes, it has plenty of pages, but the reading itself is enjoyable and accessible.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
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