![]() ![]() Ballots were cast and counted numerous times at the convention until the nominee reached the needed 233. Some of the very best excerpts from the book come during the Republican presidential nomination process where each rival saw his votes dwindling at each re-vote. The method worked and in the end, they were able to hold the country together and bring it out of the Civil War. Lincoln was better able to watch and control their intrigues by having them close by and busy utilizing their talents. It was under intense pressure that Lincoln was able to create a coalition which bound the team and brought out the best of each member. However, during the course of the presidency, they grew to appreciate the genius that brought them together. Each of these cabinet members with their enormous egos once viewed Lincoln with contempt for what they saw as an uneducated country bumpkin with little political experience, no social connections, and no money. Not only does she portray their upbringing and determined personalities, but she also displays to readers their machinations and political ambitions. ![]() Goodwin delves into the unique characters of Lincoln’s political rivals. Now mind you, it is very well written but it does require concentration, a quiet little alcove and some coffee as it is very detailed and quite lengthy (over 700 pages plus a ton of notes at the end). The Steven Spielberg movie entitled Lincoln (out now in theaters with Daniel Day-Lewis playing Lincoln) is based on this thoroughly researched work of nonfiction. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |