| There have been numerous biographies written about Abraham Lincoln, arguably the most of any U.S. presidents. The Team of Rivals looks not only at how Lincoln became president, but also looks at those around him, many of whom competed with Lincoln to be president in 1860. These rivals included individuals such as William Henry Seward, Edward Bates, and Salmon Chase. After competing and winning the republican nomination for president in 1860, Lincoln brought each of them on board to help him win the presidency and then brought them into his cabinet after he was elected. This book looks at how Lincoln was able to earn the respect of each of these individuals along with many others that worked with him. This was no easy task for Lincoln as his presidency was defined by the civil war and each of the rivals had their own view of how things should be done. While at times it would appear that Lincoln was not in control, as the book progresses it becomes clear that Lincoln was leading the way during his time in office. |