In "Team of Rivals," historian and biographer Doris Kerns Goodwin gives us a refreshing look at a man about whom there is no shortage of previous studies. However, if you are starved for political intrigue and love to read how leaders handle themselves during crises, Pulitzer Price winning Team of Rivals is just the ticket.

Certainly not new to biography, having written previously on FDR, JFK and LBJ, Goodwin is new to Lincoln. Years of research into primary records paid off as she focused on how Lincoln handled the political side of his administration during the crisis brought on by the South's secession from the Union.

There is much to be learned by the way Lincoln worked with his rivals and marshaled their best attributes to better the Union cause.

Goodwin doesn't shy from taking controversial positions. While many have called Lincoln an abolitionist, Goodwin argues that he was not. He was, as Andrew Jackson was before him, first and foremost a Union man.

Strong and resolute on this topic, Goodwin shows how Lincoln struggled to balance states rights and slavery despite the presence of two vocal abolitionists in his cabinet - namely Salmon Chase and William Seward - two men who had been rivals for the 1860 Republican Party nomination for President.

Chase, Lincoln's Secretary of the Treasury, was an extremely ambitious man, who seemingly never lost the desire to become President. Like Jefferson who tarnished Washington through his network of loyalists, Chase did the same to Lincoln through his colleagues in the United States Senate. And like Washington, Lincoln didn't directly question these actions, although perhaps he should have. Instead he handled this internal battle with great skill, which ultimately ended in Chase's resignation.

Goodwin quotes Lincoln's note to Chase as an example of his genius at managing his divided cabinet:

"Your resignation…is accepted. Of all I have said in commendation of your ability and fidelity, I have nothing to unsay; and yet you and I have reached a point of mutual embarrassment in our official relation which it seems can not be overcome, or longer sustained, consistently with public service."

The essence of Lincoln comes through not only in his actions during a devastating time of need, but also through his basic honesty. This character trait drove his dealings with those around him who would otherwise be deceitful. Lincoln was always true to his word, not only in an internal discussion, but with the public as well, earning his name Honest Abe.

Goodwin writes of Lincoln's famed storytelling abilities. In one instance it is what he didn't say that shows how Lincoln had the ability to understand context. Everyone in the room, according to Goodwin, was talking about Washington as being the "perfect man." Lincoln, as Goodwin points out from his writings, thought there is no such thing. But, he believed it better not to say so and remained quiet.

While less than forthright with others at that moment, Lincoln could justify his silence in his belief that aspiring to be perfect was an important goal. In time, Lincoln came to surpass Washington as the "perfect man" for many who aspire to match his excellence.

Don't be fooled, though. Honest Abe never believed in the perfect human being and we shouldn't either. Yet, the thought of it keeps us all striving for better behavior and leadership. For those who love politics and history, Goodwin offers new insights into one of the greatest leaders of all time.

Kevin Quinn is a principal with the law firm of Hinman Straub, P.C. focusing his practice on education law and government relations. He is the co-chair of the Firm's education law practice.