The Lincoln Prize is given annually for the best writing in American history, with an emphasis on Lincoln and the Civil War. It comes with a $50,000 award and is administered by the Lincoln and Soldiers Institute at Gettysburg College, Gettysburg, Pa.

Goodwin won this year's prize for her book, "Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln," published last fall. Still a best-seller, the book is a scholarly yet accessible narrative-driven account of Lincoln's ability to hold on to his authority despite a Cabinet that resented his presidency and, at times, plotted to undermine it.

"The product of exhaustive research, original interpretation and deep insights into the period, the book is further blessed by its author's bold narrative style ... a once-in-a-generation scholarly achievement," says a press release issued by Gettysburg College.

Regarding Goodwin's visit, a couple of last-minute changes have been announced.

On Saturday, she will be interviewed in front of a sold-out audience by Illinois state historian and Lincoln expert Thomas Schwartz. Originally, she was to be interviewed by Richard Norton Smith, director of the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. The event is part of the museum's "Evenings to Remember" series.

From 1 to 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Goodwin will sign books at the presidential library, instead of in the museum gift store as first planned.

Goodwin will still be at the Old State Capitol from 11:30 a.m. to 12:50 p.m. Sunday to sign books.

Sunday night, Goodwin will give the keynote address at the Lincoln Symposium Banquet at the President Abraham Lincoln Hotel and Conference Center in downtown Springfield. The banquet also is sold out.

Shortly after the "Evenings to Remember" and symposium banquet sold out, the Abraham Lincoln Association added a $75-per- person wine and cheese reception for Goodwin, to be held from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Sunday. Reception reservations can be made at 558-8901. Proceeds support the ALA's endowment fund.

Pete Sherman can be contacted at 788-1539 or pete.sherman@sj-r.com.