Synopses & Reviews
"Absorbing and convincing...a major contribution to Lincolniana."David H. Donald, author of LincolnThis definitive biography of Mary Todd Lincoln beautifully conveys her tumultuous life and times. A privileged daughter of the proud clan that founded Lexington, Kentucky, Mary fell into a stormy romance with the raw Illinois attorney Abraham Lincoln. For twenty-five years the Lincolns forged opposing temperaments into a tolerant, loving marriage. Even as the nation suffered secession and civil war, Mary experienced the tragedies of losing three of her four children and then her husband. An insanity trial orchestrated by her surviving son led to her confinement in an asylum. Mary Todd Lincoln is still often portrayed in one dimension, as the stereotype of the best-hated faults of all women. Here her life is restored for us whole. 9 pages of illustrations.
Review
"Although Mary Lincoln is probably among the least popular of American First Ladies, this biography helps to set straight the historical record by placing in perspective many of her so-called character flaws. Mrs. Lincoln has been attacked for being unfaithful, mentally ill, greedy, and outspoken, but Baker demonstrates the absurdity behind most of these accusations, showing that Mary's worst flaw was her refusal to conform to the social conventions of her day. Vilified in the press, Mary Lincoln eventually fled this country for Europe, where she remained until her declining health forced her to return to live in America." Reviewed by Daniel Weiss, Virginia Quarterly Review (Copyright 2006 Virginia Quarterly Review)
About the Author
Jean H. Baker is the author of many books on nineteenth-century American history. She is a professor of history at Goucher College in Baltimore, Maryland.