25 must read books

In this series of posts, I will be bringing to your notice 25 books which leave permanent impression on the way we think, we live and compel us to be open to another perspective. The books which I will be introducing, are mostly non fictions in the fields of politics, business, leadership, biographies - the entire gamut.   There will be a few books on spirituality, metaphysics, psychology etc. 

The later books will obviously be subjective and open to debates depending on your faith and belief. I will only hope that you will read them with an open mind. Acceptance of the contents of these books is, obviously, your prerogative. 

Team of rivals

(The political genius of Abraham Lincoln)

The author of this book, Doris Kearns Goodwin, is a renowned historian. She won the Pullitzer Prize in history for No Ordinary Times.

Team of Rivals is truly a multiple biography of the major players in American political arena in the middle of the 19th century. This was the period when America was on the verge of a civil war. The conflict over slavery was assuming serious proportions and possibility of division within the American land mass loomed large.

On 18th May 1860, four men waited for the results of Republican nomination. Three of them, William H Seward, Salmon P Chase and Edward Bates, were highly capable distinguished and eminent personalities in American politics and society. Abraham Lincoln, the fourth contestant was relatively obscure and was  pursuing a not too successful career in law. The three renowned contestants did not think much of Lincoln and held him in disdain and sometimes in contempt. All the four had aspirations to become President of America. 

Lincoln won the Republican nomination election which distressed the other three no end. They felt humiliated for having lost to an obscure lawyer who had no standing.

What happened thereafter shows the leadership genius of Lincoln. He recognised the unquestionable talent and capabilities of his three competitors, did not consider any personal slanders that were heaped on him by the three and convinced them to join his cabinet. Seaward was installed as Secretary of State, Chase as Secretary of Treasury and Bates as Attorney General. 

Lincoln also installed Edwin M Stanton as Secretary of War. Stanton and Lincoln, as Lawyers, had battled against each other in Court in 1855. Stanton had always held Lincoln in contempt. 

It was this team of outstanding people who, led by Lincoln, brought America through its greatest crisis. Lincoln employed the best available talent in the best interest of his country. 

The book brings out in detail the lives of these five key persons in those difficult days. It brings out the leadership nuances of Lincoln. Every concept has relevance to modern times.

The book 10 years to research and write. It is a classic timeless book which every leader, established or aspiring, must read.

Happy reading


Prabir