Marcie Beck - WKTV Journal

By Marcie Beck, Grand Rapids Public Library, Main

This is a big, long book! But the author is so skillful and the subject so interesting that I was sad when page 754 brought Team of Rivals to an end. Author Goodwin has brought together the lives and careers of Lincoln and his three major Republican rivals William H. Seward, Salmon P. Chase and Edward Bates in a highly original work, one that added a whole new dimension to my understanding and appreciation of our 16th President.

Nominated only because he was the most acceptable second choice of various party factions, Lincoln went on to win the presidential election and then took a most unusual step. He invited his former adversaries to be his advisors and brought the three Republican contenders plus three high profile Democrats into his Cabinet. Together this “Team of Rivals” would face the greatest crisis in America’s history. Every member of his administration was more well-known and more experienced in public life than the prairie lawyer from Illinois, yet Lincoln was somehow able to lead this diverse group of ambitious men to save the Union and restore the peace. How did he do it? That’s where his “political genius” came in to play.

At first, many of his rivals held Lincoln in low esteem and their comments behind his back could be scathing. When Lincoln was asked why he had surrounded himself with such a contentious group, he responded that these were the strongest men and the country needed them. The president refused to answer personal attacks and rose above personal slights and maintained a steadfastness of purpose. His skill in combining a dedication to the greater good with a suburb sense of timing enabled Lincoln to harness the talents of these strong men.

What lessons can be learned from Lincoln’s success? Be magnanimous in both victory and defeat. Take almost nothing personally. Keep your sense of humor. Be patient and kind. Put away resentment and forego revenge. Keep checking your moral compass. Speak from your heart and tell the truth.

This is a big, long book but well worth the effort. Goodwin’s research was exhaustive, her writing style engaging, her analysis insightful. Lincoln’s example can inspire us to face the crises of our generation by working together.

By Marcie Beck, Grand Rapids Main Library

Don’t judge this book by its cover! It might be cliché, but in this case, fitting. The outward appearance of The History of Michigan Law belies the interesting content inside. Editors Finkelman and Hershock have organized a series of essays by twelve different authors surveying Michigan’s rich legal past. Readers can pick and choose a topic of particular interest or read chronologically from ‘Michigan’s Territorial Heritage’, to ‘The Struggle Against Sex Discrimination in the 1970s’.

In each essay, the author describes how the law in this area has developed over time. The dynamic nature of the law becomes clear as the authors discuss how the people of the state have shaped the law, carrying their traditions and values through changing economic and social circumstances.

In ‘Blood on the Tracks: Law, Railroad Accidents, the Economy and the Michigan Frontier’, Hershock reviews an important legal controversy of the 19th century: Who was responsible for keeping livestock off the railroad tracks? The new economy and its emerging technology were running headlong into traditional agricultural practices and the result was literally blood on the tracks. Hershock explains that developing stock laws, which required the fencing in of animals was an important step towards a modern economy.

In ‘The Promise of Equality and the Limits of the Law: From the Civil War to World War II’, Finkelman discusses some of the most significant legal developments of the 20th century. One of the functions of the law is to reflect the aspirations of a society, to hold up an ideal as a goal to be achieved. And yet it is important to remember that the law has limits.

Finkelman concludes, “Racism in Michigan could not be eradicated easily or immediately through legislation, prosecution or civil lawsuits. On the other hand, the persistent efforts of the Michigan legislature led to greater equality and greater opportunity for African Americans than they had in most other states.”

This important volume provides excellent background and worthwhile reading for both scholars and citizens as we face the legal challenges of the 21st century.