Mary Todd was indeed a woman before her time. In an era when women sipped tea and had parties, she breathed politics and political platforms. I think the book is accurate in stating that Mary Todd Lincoln was one of the most disliked first ladies in history. She and her unique story are as fascinating today as she was in the 1860s. I think that is why there have been so many books about the Lincoln family, particularly Mary.
I'm glad this book made a point of mentioning that another of Mary's suitors was Stephen Douglas (who would face Lincoln repeatedly in politics over the years). The person I really felt for was Robert, their only son to reach adulthood. He was sent to boarding school early on and didn't have a strong relationship with either Abe or Mary. Robert was either in attendance or near 3 American presidential assassinations. That had to have had a profound effect on him. All of the accolades and plush jobs Robert held came his way because he was Abraham Lincoln's son, not because of his own value.
This book makes an unfortunate implication when it states that after Mary's death, Robert got all of her assets. That may be true, but I think he was burdened with defending, protecting, and instituting (as insane) a mother to whom he was not particularly close. Mary was obviously out-of-control; I think the deaths of three of her sons (and then her famous husband) must have unhinged her. Since she was unpopular from an early age and did not have the personal insight to see the effects of her behavior on others, she was doomed to be despised and ridiculed. No doubt, Robert also carried that burden (people judging him based on his mother's out-of-control behaviors).
I'm glad this book made a point of mentioning that another of Mary's suitors was Stephen Douglas (who would face Lincoln repeatedly in politics over the years). The person I really felt for was Robert, their only son to reach adulthood. He was sent to boarding school early on and didn't have a strong relationship with either Abe or Mary. Robert was either in attendance or near 3 American presidential assassinations. That had to have had a profound effect on him. All of the accolades and plush jobs Robert held came his way because he was Abraham Lincoln's son, not because of his own value.
This book makes an unfortunate implication when it states that after Mary's death, Robert got all of her assets. That may be true, but I think he was burdened with defending, protecting, and instituting (as insane) a mother to whom he was not particularly close. Mary was obviously out-of-control; I think the deaths of three of her sons (and then her famous husband) must have unhinged her. Since she was unpopular from an early age and did not have the personal insight to see the effects of her behavior on others, she was doomed to be despised and ridiculed. No doubt, Robert also carried that burden (people judging him based on his mother's out-of-control behaviors).
