An Inconvenient Widow: The Torment, Trial, and Triumph of Mary Todd Lincoln
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About this product
Overview
This thought-provoking biography, 'An Inconvenient Widow,' reexamines Mary Todd Lincoln’s life after her husband's assassination, challenging the long-held narrative of her madness with new evidence from archives and personal correspondence. Its top feature is the meticulous archival research that uncovers previously unpublished documents, shedding fresh light on her unjust institutionalization and legal battle.
Key Specifications
Published in 2022 by Pegasus Books, this 368-page hardcover includes a comprehensive bibliography, index, and 16 pages of historical photographs. The narrative meticulously covers from 1865 to 1882, focusing in detail on the infamous 1875 trial that declared her insane and her later efforts to regain custody of her estate.
Who It's For
Readers fascinated by Civil War-era politics and the often overlooked lives of First Ladies will find a fresh perspective on a marginalized figure. Also, those interested in women's mental health history will appreciate the book's critique of how 19th-century society pathologized grieving and independent women, and the legal system used against them.
Worth Buying?
The book avoids sensationalism, instead building a compelling case for Mary Lincoln's sanity using legal documents and personal letters, making her a sympathetic figure. It's an essential read for anyone wanting to understand the intersection of gender, power, and mental health in 19th-century America, and a valuable addition to Lincoln scholarship.