Team of Rivals

A Pulitzer Prize-winning biographer spins a historical tale around Lincoln's unexpected rise to the presidency and his surprising, but brilliantly calculated, choice of three ex-rivals as members of his Cabinet. Richard Thomas sheds his "good old boy" persona to deliver the strategies and party politics of Abe's public office with strength and vigor, and the great sorrows of his private life in a subdued, anguish-filled tone. There are a few dry patches, cataloging historic events, but Thomas never gives in to the boredom. The Civil War is presented in vividly dramatic detail, capped by an inspiring Gettysburg Address and a dignified account of Lincoln's assassination. A masterful bio, read by a master storyteller. M.T.B. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award (c) AudioFile 2006, Portland, Maine

January 2, 2006
While Goodwin's introduction is a helpful summary and explanation for why another book about Lincoln, her reading abilities are limited: Her tone is flat and dry, and her articulation is overly precise. But the introduction isn't long and we soon arrive at Richard Thomas's lovely and lively reading of an excellent book. The abridgment (from 944 pages) makes it easy to follow the narrative and the underlying theme. Pauses are often used to imply ellipses, and one is never lost. But the audio version might have been longer, for there is often a wish to know a little more about some event or personality or relationship. Goodwin's writing is always sharp and clear, and she uses quotes to great effect. The book's originality lies in the focus on relationships among the men Lincoln chose for his cabinet and highest offices: three were his rivals for the Republican presidential nomination in 1860, and each considered himself the only worthy candidate. One is left with a concrete picture of Lincoln's political genius—derived from a character without malice or jealousy—which shaped the history of our nation. One is also left with the painful sense of how our history might have differed had Lincoln lived to guide the Reconstruction. Simultaneous release with the Simon & Schuster hardcover (Reviews, Sept. 26).