The average user rating for this Book is 9.3 out of 10 (based on 43 Votes).
glenda r gave it a10: Magnificent book-beautifully written-informs one not only about Lincoln and his rivals but about the horror of the civil war and its continuing legacy. I could not put it down.
Dorothy Y gave it a10: This was an amazing, engaging, satisfying and deeply moving work that proves real events and people are more remarkable than those imagined. The premise is unique, the detaill exhaustive yet the narative style so skillfully crafted that it reads like a novel you can't put down yet you don/t want to end. I loved it!
adam p gave it a10: Fabulously written...the finest book ove ever read
Kevin P gave it a10: An encapsulating and, to some, an inspirational story about the genius and the faults of America's greatest president. For those who think Lincoln had a perfect life, the story provides an insight into his imperfections and his depression which shaped Lincoln's demeanor, as well as his ambition and genius, throughout his life. For those who thought the Civil War was only about slavery, the book provides the complex political and social realities that result in the Civil War, the end of slavery, and the subtle shifts in attitudes towards minorities in America. Overall, it's a great read. However, the length of the book might be a bit long for those who want the writer to be more direct in her thoughts. Those readers should get the abridged version. However, you will not be disappointed if you have the patience to read the unabridged version!
Joan gave it a10: I cried when Lincoln died - yes I knew it was coming but I felt the sorrow of the country and in particular the loss for the south of Lincon's compassion. A wonderful book!
Ramona B gave it a10: informative, news I'd never considered or read
Shan S gave it a10: It is a great book. I enjoyed very much by reading this book.
David M gave it a10: Ms. Goodwin illustrates how Mr. Lincoln uses his wit and wisdom to accomplish goals during one of our most difficult days in U.S. History. Rate her writing 5 out of 5 stars
Jim N gave it a10: I completed this book on July 4, 2006. Book is inspiring and adds much new information and many insights to my personal knowledge of Lincoln and the Civil War. PARDON GOODWIN!
Alan gave it a10: I have read a hundred books on Lincoln and the Civil War, and this is one of the best. Excellent insights into Lincoln's character and his relationship with his chief rivals. How he balanced all of these men's opinions and attitudes demonstrates his true greatness. Kearns captures that extremely well.
Jim S gave it a10: This wonderful book traces the social, political, and personal lives of Lincoln, Seward, Chase, other members of the cabinet as the United States approached and endured the cataclysm of civil war. New to me was the (now well-documented) influence of the women -- especially Kate Chase and Frances Seward -- in the lives of these principals. The author is a master storyteller.
Tom F gave it a10: This book brings a whole new level of understanding of our greatest president that is unrivaled in the many books I've read about him. This is a masterpiece!
Richard D gave it a10: A brilliant and engaging book based on a masterful analysis of more than just Abe. Please send me a free autographed copy. Lol.
Michael K gave it a10: This the most complete and most thorough book on Abraham Lincoln (and his "rivals") that has yet been pubished. The carefully crafted verbiage was as if I was reading a novel. Numerous literary devices employed by Doris Kearns Goodwin continues to keep me focused and alert to the incredible genius of Abraham Lincoln. Where is he now that we continue to need his great leadership?
Dee M gave it a10: A unique and rare insight into the Lincoln cabinet and the skillful manner in which Lincoln brought out the skills of such diverse and strong willed individuals and created a team from a group of rival personalities.l
Jim M gave it a9: I really enjoyed the book but came upon the incorrect facts about Anderson and Beauregard on page 345. I makes me wonder how many other facts are wrong. The book does make history more interesting and readable. I would recommend the book to anyone but do check some of the facts!
Sandra W gave it a9: One of the best historical accounts I have ever read. Not just another Lincoln book!
Laurie L gave it an8: In response to Jeff R's review, I must unfortunately correct him. Though he seems to really like the book, his concerns for historical accuracy are only valid if we're discussing his historical accuracy not Doris Kearns Goodwin. Virginia suceeded April 17, because of mounting demands to take a stand at Fort Sumter, followed by Arkansas and Tenn on May 6 and North Carolina on May 16. Am enjoying the book very much. Will come highly recommended from me despite "historical inaccuracies" and the shameful mistake of who taught who at West Point.
Glenn G gave it a9: I also was stunned by the inaccurate description of the teacher/student relationship of Beauregard and Anderson on page 345. I am definately an amateur historian, and yet I knew that Anderson taught Beauregard at West Point, not the other way around. Until that point, I enjoyed the book without reservation. I still enjoyed it on the whole, but with reservations. I don't like to have to fact-check my books.
Jeff R gave it an8: This book is very well written and difficult to put down. That being said, I'm not sure how much of what is written is actually accurate. Page 349, it is mentioned that the secession of Virginia caused North Carolina, Arkansas, and Tennessee to follow suit. However, North Carolina and Arkansas both seceded before Virginia. Page 345 states, "Beauregard, who had taught Anderson at West Point..." is flat out wrong, as Anderson was Beauregard's instructor, and graduated from West Point 13 years before Beauregard. These are just a few of the problems I have noticed with my limited knowledge of the subject, which makes me believe there are may issues with this book's historical accuracy, and Ms. Goodwin could be guilty of bending the truth for literary effect.
Bill H gave it a10: I read this on the heels of Foote's trilogy. Wonderful augmentation to it and in the readability of Tuchman and Toland.
heath n gave it a3: Just another pean to the 'Glorius and Imperial Lincoln Cult'. who needs revisionist history when you have a career to resurrect, especially after Kearns-Goodwin was caught plagiarizing other material in her earlier books
Larry L. gave it a10: This book gave a deep insight on Lincoln as a person and how his personality helped him maneuver his political rivals to his advantage. Although I am an avid reader on Lincoln and on the Civil War, it was hard to put this one down and I was always eager to return to it. I recommend it highly, especially for those who might tend to find history books unexciting.
Stephen R gave it a10: Full of information (much new to me), yet emotionally moving. I could not put the book down.
richard b gave it a10: This is a truly brilliant account of the events leading up to the Civil War and thewar itself from the point of view of Lincoln and his relationship to his cabinet. She includes so much detail that I, a Civil War specialist, had not heard told so well before. My only regret is the lack of background on the assassination plot and what happened to Booth and his fellow conspirators after. Very highly recommended.
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