An important subject, brilliantly argued. Mary, like many so-called “hysterical”women from history, is unquestionably the victim of misogynistic tropes. Perhaps to draw attention away from Abraham’s sexuality? Really enjoyed this. Thank you.
Thank you for this. I have read extensively about Mary Todd Lincoln, refusing to believe she was as manipulative and shrewish as depicted. I, too, found that Fleishner's "Mrs Lincoln and Mrs Keckly" was kinder to her. From other books, I understood that Mary was a motherless child whose father alternated between withholding and giving her whatever she wanted. He was also full of false promises. From an early age, she had adopted an anti-slavery stance, and some sources say that she helped her husband see the importance of that. It is beyond tragic that her maternal grief for her sons who died has never truly been honored. I look forward to reading your next installment.
Yes, and she’s likely not the only woman in history who’s been painted so badly - not only in America. The myths that survive about women tend to be very exaggerated and cruel!
“Why does Mary seem to get all of the blame for their broken marriage?” Because he was President. History will tend to write out what is disagreeable especially during turbulent times. Wait and see what will be glossed over about this one, even within your lifetime. The victor’s story, indeed.
A terrific read, and wonderful ‘sleuthing’ between the lines!
So, some interesting takes here, but I would still have all continue to keep an open mind— historical figures are rarely simple to understand, and sometimes the truth lies in engaging with multiple accounts, and then making up your own mind. I’ve read many of best books on Abe, and then, on Mary Todd Lincoln as well. Highly recommend to all here: “Mary - Mrs. A. Lincoln” by Janis Cooke Newman, published in paperback, 2006, Harcourt Press. Highly regarded, and gives Mrs. Lincoln a real life look, with excellent writing by Ms. Cooke-Newman. I wager you will find a more complete Mary than what can be accomplished here. As one reviewer stated, and I would agree, “This is a fascinating, eloquent novel about a widely misunderstood woman…. I cannot recommend ‘Mary’ more highly”. Abe was a complicated man, and Mary was not a simple woman— both together make for a fascinating story…
Oh, excellent! Again, you always surprise and delight with the different patterns you make in your essay structure! I’d been putting off reading this until I had some time to really enjoy it, and you never disappoint.
I saw a strangely unexpected side of Lincoln in my research into Julia Ward Howe— vanity. At a gathering at the White House, it seems, he made sure when he spoke to her to position himself next to a portrait of George Washington, and he truly seemed to be posturing. She was writing newspaper and magazine articles then as well as poetry, and it sounded like he was trying to pose himself in front of such a lady journalist as to be seen in an heroic light. Too funny!
They truly were a complex couple. So sad to hear how early he fell out of love for her! These could be such hard times for young couples. If a couple broke up just before marriage, it was usually assumed there was something “wrong” with the girl especially, and she might never get the chance to be courted again, changing her life forever.
Thank you so much for this balanced look at their lives. It’s refreshing to hear such a comparison of texts. Way to go!
An important subject, brilliantly argued. Mary, like many so-called “hysterical”women from history, is unquestionably the victim of misogynistic tropes. Perhaps to draw attention away from Abraham’s sexuality? Really enjoyed this. Thank you.
Thank you for the comment! Mary was tragically misrepresented in most accounts, I fear. I simply refuse to believe she was all those bad things.
Oh wow! I can’t wait to read this, Mary Todd is such a unique character of history.
I loved this! It really helps paint a more colorful picture of her.
Thank you! ☺️
Thank you for this. I have read extensively about Mary Todd Lincoln, refusing to believe she was as manipulative and shrewish as depicted. I, too, found that Fleishner's "Mrs Lincoln and Mrs Keckly" was kinder to her. From other books, I understood that Mary was a motherless child whose father alternated between withholding and giving her whatever she wanted. He was also full of false promises. From an early age, she had adopted an anti-slavery stance, and some sources say that she helped her husband see the importance of that. It is beyond tragic that her maternal grief for her sons who died has never truly been honored. I look forward to reading your next installment.
Thanks for the comment!
Yes, and she’s likely not the only woman in history who’s been painted so badly - not only in America. The myths that survive about women tend to be very exaggerated and cruel!
A refreshing perspective
I’m glad you enjoyed it! ☺️
“Why does Mary seem to get all of the blame for their broken marriage?” Because he was President. History will tend to write out what is disagreeable especially during turbulent times. Wait and see what will be glossed over about this one, even within your lifetime. The victor’s story, indeed.
A terrific read, and wonderful ‘sleuthing’ between the lines!
So, some interesting takes here, but I would still have all continue to keep an open mind— historical figures are rarely simple to understand, and sometimes the truth lies in engaging with multiple accounts, and then making up your own mind. I’ve read many of best books on Abe, and then, on Mary Todd Lincoln as well. Highly recommend to all here: “Mary - Mrs. A. Lincoln” by Janis Cooke Newman, published in paperback, 2006, Harcourt Press. Highly regarded, and gives Mrs. Lincoln a real life look, with excellent writing by Ms. Cooke-Newman. I wager you will find a more complete Mary than what can be accomplished here. As one reviewer stated, and I would agree, “This is a fascinating, eloquent novel about a widely misunderstood woman…. I cannot recommend ‘Mary’ more highly”. Abe was a complicated man, and Mary was not a simple woman— both together make for a fascinating story…
Oh, excellent! Again, you always surprise and delight with the different patterns you make in your essay structure! I’d been putting off reading this until I had some time to really enjoy it, and you never disappoint.
I saw a strangely unexpected side of Lincoln in my research into Julia Ward Howe— vanity. At a gathering at the White House, it seems, he made sure when he spoke to her to position himself next to a portrait of George Washington, and he truly seemed to be posturing. She was writing newspaper and magazine articles then as well as poetry, and it sounded like he was trying to pose himself in front of such a lady journalist as to be seen in an heroic light. Too funny!
They truly were a complex couple. So sad to hear how early he fell out of love for her! These could be such hard times for young couples. If a couple broke up just before marriage, it was usually assumed there was something “wrong” with the girl especially, and she might never get the chance to be courted again, changing her life forever.
Thank you so much for this balanced look at their lives. It’s refreshing to hear such a comparison of texts. Way to go!
Was Mrs. Lincoln a narcissist, you think?
Thank you for this educative piece, Mariella.
I’m glad you enjoyed it! Thank you for reading it. ☺️