From one of our most acclaimed new biographers--the first full life of the leader of Lincoln's "Team of Rivals"--William Henry Seward, one of the most important Americans of the nineteenth century.

Elements of a statesman: 1801 to 1830 -- Who is William H. Seward? 1831-1838 -- A higher standard of social perfection: 1839-1842 -- You and I can and must do it: 1843 to 1849 -- A higher law than the Constitution: 1849-1854 -- Foremost statesman of the whole north: 1854-1856 -- Irrepressible conflict: 1857-1859 -- Lincoln nominated third ballot: 1860 -- Save the Union in my own way: November 1860 to March 1861 -- I must do it: March to April 1861 -- Through the fires of Tophet: 1861 -- Remove him: 1862 -- Ask not whether the enemy is near: 1863 -- Firm and hopeful: 1864 -- I am not dead: 1865 -- Political apostasy: 1866 -- Let us make the treaty tonight: 1867 -- I'll see you damned first: 1868-69 -- Nothing remained... but to keep in motion: 1869-1872.