Lincoln: new light through old windows

An excellently told straightforward biography of one of history’s greatest men. By the device of coming at her subject through his ‘Rivals’, she contextualises the man, his ideas, his skills, his challenges and accomplishments. I don’t know if there is anything truly newly uncovered here, but it is a compelling insight that puts the man, if anything, in an even stronger light, and as such we see his greatness more clearly. It is his ability to identify and work with and around the talents and limits of others in furtherance of the great good he knows he can do. His absence of ego and his compassion and understanding that mark him so u usually. Kearns writes clearly and without editorialising (rarer and rarer in popular historians) and her narrator brings her words to life in a similarly forthright manner. Much enjoyed by me and highly recommended. Pity a party and a nation that once had Lincoln and now proffers Trump, again!

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Riviting, in depth study of Lincoln

This in depth study of Abraham Lincoln, American politics and the Civil War is insightful and refreshing. I could not stop listening.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Fantastic portrait of America’s most famous president.

I have long had this on my to-read/to listen list and I’m so glad I did. Thoroughly informative and endlessly engaging, it covers the colourful cast of characters that were Lincoln’s cabinet as well as any novel. For anyone interested in American history or history in general, this is a must read!

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Narration that transports the listener.

Highly recommend this book to anyone interested in a deep dive into Abraham Lincolns life. By contrasting and comparing Lincolns life to his contemporaries, we are given a far more colourful and multifaceted understanding of his motivations, characteristics, socioeconomic, and religious drivers. A very lengthy exposition, but definitely worth it. The narration by Suzanne Torren in a New England accent is a tour de force; it simply transports the reader. Fantastic!

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful

Spectacular and mind blowing

An epic and unbelievably detailed, yet thoroughly enthralling journey through a critical period of history, not just for the U.S. but for the entire world.

Before listening I knew little of the Civil War, nor of Lincoln and was left in awe of his essential goodness. It does not seem that many of his peers were able to match his talents, morality and humility; but he towers in greatness over today’s leaders.

Despite its length the book is engaging throughout and the narration is exemplary. To the point I would say it is probably the best reading of an audio book all round.

Read/listen to it for enjoyment, for historical context and education, but most importantly to learn and in turn practice the right way to think, to treat people and carry yourself in the world.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Team of Rivals

I read the book 14 years ago and took lots of notes.
It was good to be reminded of the unique political events/dynamics re the Team and the American Civil War.
The tragedy of Lincoln assassination, and hence the described loss of the prospect of a conciliatory approach to restructuring the American South, is still evident today.
Very well narrated

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Fantastic

Highly recommended. It’s engaging as a thriller, and I learned so much about American history.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Nothing special.

After all the good reviews you'd expect a masterpiece, but it's really long and actually pretty overrated.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Best Product Management book on the market

Main points

Close to customers
External rather than internally focused
Long term over short term
Influence instead of power
Not allowing oneself to be emotionally hijacked
Empathy for other roles
Constant communication
Vision
Simple language and analogues as communication

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Very comprehensive and well researched lesson in American history.

It was really long! Not that it could be done any other way because of the nature of the subject matter.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!