Simultaneous release with the Simon & Schuster hardcover (Reviews, Sept. One is also left with the painful sense of how our history might have differed had Lincoln lived to guide the Reconstruction. One is left with a concrete picture of Lincoln's political genius-derived from a character without malice or jealousy-which shaped the history of our nation. The book's originality lies in the focus on relationships among the men Lincoln chose for his cabinet and highest offices: three were his rivals for the Republican presidential nomination in 1860, and each considered himself the only worthy candidate. Goodwin's writing is always sharp and clear, and she uses quotes to great effect. But the audio version might have been longer, for there is often a wish to know a little more about some event or personality or relationship. Pauses are often used to imply ellipses, and one is never lost. The abridgment (from 944 pages) makes it easy to follow the narrative and the underlying theme. But the introduction isn't long and we soon arrive at Richard Thomas's lovely and lively reading of an excellent book. While Goodwin's introduction is a helpful summary and explanation for why another book about Lincoln, her reading abilities are limited: Her tone is flat and dry, and her articulation is overly precise.
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