This is still the definitive biography of Mary Todd Lincoln. First published in 1932,
Mrs. Abraham Lincoln: A Study of Her Personality and Her Influence on Lincoln
was the first thoroughly researched biography of Mary Lincoln ever written, and despite the appearance of a number of biographies in recent years, it remains the most balanced and complete work on this controversial first lady. In his book, author W. A. Evans challenges the disparaging views of Mary Lincoln that were generally accepted at the time, offering a comprehensive and informed look at a woman whose physical and mental health problems have often been misconstrued or overlooked by other biographers. In an attempt to understand Mary Todd Lincoln, Evans conducted extensive research, some of which has not been used in any other book. He interviewed Mrs. Lincoln’s family members, sought advice and assistance from numerous Lincoln scholars and historians, scoured thousands of pages of contemporary newspapers and primary resources, reviewed correspondence Mary wrote during her stay at Bellevue Place sanitarium, and consulted with several medical experts. The result of all this research is an objective and detailed portrait of Mrs. Lincoln and her influence on her husband that still has a great deal of historical value for readers today. A new foreword by Jason Emerson, author of
The Madness of Mary Lincoln , provides biographical information on Evans and background on the origins of the book and its reception and influence. Available again after many years out of print, this classic biography is essential reading for all with an interest in Mary Lincoln.