Goodwin recounts the "political genius" of A. Lincoln, shown in his mastery of a contentious cabinet whose members would master him, whom he not only mastered, but in whom he was to earn a mutual love and respect for his person, all save for the "presidentially addicted" Chase. In our time of overblown partisanship conspicuous for its absence of moral vision, statesmanship and magnanimity in nearly all of our political leaders (here our present president's vision for democracy in the Middle East and the sacrifice it entails is to be compared favorably with Lincoln's desire for a "new birth of freedom"), this work is required reading for all who aspire, as did the Illinois prarie lawyer, to make a contribution to our Republic before they take leave of it. Team of Rivals serves us well in recounting Lincoln's political genius and selfless humanity (often to the point of vicarious suffering) as indispensible traits in any hopeful politician. Would that all who aspire to elected office in our "house divided" would take to heart the wisdom manifested by President Lincoln and so ably told in Goodwin's wonderful tale.