An American marriage : the untold story of Abraham Lincoln and Mary Todd
by Burlingame, Michael, 1941- (Author)
Summary
Lincoln had good reason to regret his marriage to Mary Todd. Burlingame shows that, as First Lady, Mary Lincoln accepted bribes and kickbacks, sold permits and pardons, engaged in extortion, and peddled influence. The reader comes to learn that Lincoln wed Mary Todd because, in all likelihood, she s... Full description
Summary: |
Lincoln had good reason to regret his marriage to Mary Todd. Burlingame shows that, as First Lady, Mary Lincoln accepted bribes and kickbacks, sold permits and pardons, engaged in extortion, and peddled influence. The reader comes to learn that Lincoln wed Mary Todd because, in all likelihood, she seduced him and then insisted that he protect her honor. Perhaps surprisingly, the 5'2" Mrs. Lincoln often physically abused her 6'4" husband, as well as her children and servants; she humiliated her husband in public; she caused him, as president, to fear that she would disgrace him publicly. Though Lincoln was far from an ideal husband, Mary Lincoln's behavior helped make him "a man of sorrows."--Adapted from jacket and Introduction |
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Physical Description: |
xii, 302 pages, 8 unnumbered pages of plates : illustrations (some color), portraits (some color) ; 24 cm |
Bibliography: |
"The extensive reference notes can be accessed at the website of the University of Illinois Springfield https://www.uis.edu "--Page xii. Includes bibliographical references and index. |
ISBN: |
9781643137346 1643137344 |
Author Notes: |
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