An American Marriage

The Untold Story of Abraham Lincoln and Mary Todd

By: Michael Burlingame

Narrated by: Stephen R. Thorne

Length: 12 hrs and 14 mins

Publisher's summary

An enlightening narrative exploring an oft-overlooked aspect of the 16th president's life, An American Marriage reveals the tragic story of Abraham Lincoln's marriage to Mary Todd.

Based on 30 years of research, An American Marriage describes and analyzes why Lincoln had good reason to regret his marriage to Mary Todd. This revealing narrative shows that, as First Lady, Mary Lincoln accepted bribes and kickbacks, sold permits and pardons, engaged in extortion, and peddled influence. The listener 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.

Unlike her husband, she was not profoundly opposed to slavery and hardly qualifies as the "ardent abolitionist" that some historians have portrayed. While she provided a useful stimulus to his ambition, she often "crushed his spirit," as his law partner put it. In the end, Lincoln may not have had as successful a presidency as he did - where he showed a preternatural ability to deal with difficult people - if he had not had so much practice at home.

©2021 Michael Burlingame (P)2021 Tantor

Interesting

We enjoyed listening to this selection. Stephen R. Thorne did a good job with the narration. We thought the author did a good job with presenting the facts and being fair. It has given us a lot to discuss. At the end, I felt badly for both of them. I do believe people who are hurting often hurt others.

Interesting in some parts, gossipy in others

This is not a book you can read all at once. Sometimes you feel like you are reading an historical version of Gossip Girl. He eviserates Mary Lincoln, repeating every nasty thing said about her. On the other hand he emphasizes that she was thought to be bipolar and had such a sorrowful life that it’s easy to see why she was so troubled. He thinks Abraham was an abused husband both emotionally and physically and tolerated her behavior to avoid embarrassment. He believes he was seduced into marriage which might explain the hasty wedding. He doesn’t let Abraham off easily either, mentioning what a disengaged husband he was and how much he left this needy woman alone. The author doesn’t spare other authors either, and repeatedly mentions Ruth Painter Randall who wrote a poor book yes, but it was written fifty years ago. When he sticks to Lincoln it’s quite interesting and I learned some new facts, but I have mixed feelings about this book.