-
House of Abraham
- Lincoln and the Todds, a Family Divided by War
- Narrated by: Michael Prichard
- Length: 10 hrs and 2 mins
Failed to add items
Add to Cart failed.
Add to Wish List failed.
Remove from wishlist failed.
Adding to library failed
Follow podcast failed
Unfollow podcast failed
Get 2 free audiobooks during trial.
Buy for $17.19
No default payment method selected.
We are sorry. We are not allowed to sell this product with the selected payment method
Publisher's summary
For all the talk of the Civil War "pitting brother against brother", until now there has never been a single book that traces the story of one family ravaged by that conflict. And no family could better illustrate the personal toll the war took than Lincoln's own. Mary Todd Lincoln was one of 14 siblings who were split between the Confederacy and the Union. Three of her brothers fought, and two died, for the South. Several Todds, including Mary herself, bedeviled Lincoln's administration with their scandalous behavior. The award-winning historian Stephen Berry tells their family saga with the narrative intricacy and emotional intensity of a novelist. The Todds' struggles haunted the president and moved him to avoid tactics or rhetoric that would dehumanize or scapegoat the Confederates. Drawing on his own familial experience, Lincoln was inspired to articulate a humanistic, even charitable, view of the enemy that seems surpassingly wise in our time, let alone his.
With brio and rigor, Berry fills a gap in Civil War history, showing how the war changed one family and how that family changed the course of the war. As they debate each other about the issues of the day and comfort each other in the wake of shared tragedy, the Todds become a singular microcosm and a metaphor for the country as a whole.
Critic reviews
"Compelling....Brings to vibrant life Lexington aristocrats never before studied in depth by Lincoln biographers...remarkable.... A riveting account." ( Kirkus Reviews)
Related to this topic
-
The Art of War
- By: Sun Tzu
- Narrated by: Aidan Gillen
- Length: 1 hr and 7 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The 13 chapters of The Art of War, each devoted to one aspect of warfare, were compiled by the high-ranking Chinese military general, strategist, and philosopher Sun-Tzu. In spite of its battlefield specificity, The Art of War has found new life in the modern age, with leaders in fields as wide and far-reaching as world politics, human psychology, and corporate strategy finding valuable insight in its timeworn words.
-
-
The actual book The Art of War, not a commentary
- By Fred271 on 12-31-19
By: Sun Tzu
-
MOVE: The Untold Story of an American Tragedy
- By: Curtis Bryant, Kevin Arbouet
- Narrated by: Tariq Trotter
- Length: 5 hrs and 19 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
This searing audio documentary brings listeners deep inside the unforgettable story of MOVE, gaining unprecedented access to surviving MOVE members, elected officials from the era, eyewitnesses, and historians to create an indelible portrait of an American tragedy.
-
-
Balanced Examination of History
- By James Peacock on 08-14-24
By: Curtis Bryant, and others
-
Genghis Khan and the Making of the Modern World
- By: Jack Weatherford
- Narrated by: Jonathan Davis, Jack Weatherford
- Length: 14 hrs and 20 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The Mongol army led by Genghis Khan subjugated more lands and people in 25 years than the Romans did in 400. In nearly every country the Mongols conquered, they brought an unprecedented rise in cultural communication, expanded trade, and a blossoming of civilization.
-
-
Golden Horde/Platinum Listen
- By Cynthia on 12-11-13
By: Jack Weatherford
-
The Autobiography of Malcolm X
- As Told to Alex Haley
- By: Malcolm X, Alex Haley
- Narrated by: Laurence Fishburne
- Length: 16 hrs and 52 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Experience a bold take on this classic autobiography as it’s performed by Oscar-nominated Laurence Fishburne. In this searing classic autobiography, originally published in 1965, Malcolm X, the Muslim leader, firebrand, and Black empowerment activist, tells the extraordinary story of his life and the growth of the Human Rights movement. His fascinating perspective on the lies and limitations of the American dream and the inherent racism in a society that denies its non-White citizens the opportunity to dream, gives extraordinary insight into the most urgent issues of our own time.
-
-
it's Nearly perfect
- By Kerry on 09-16-20
By: Malcolm X, and others
-
Mythology: Mega Collection
- Classic Stories from the Greek, Celtic, Norse, Japanese, Hindu, Chinese, Mesopotamian and Egyptian Mythology
- By: Scott Lewis
- Narrated by: Madison Niederhauser, Oliver Hunt
- Length: 31 hrs and 37 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Do you know how many wives Zeus had? Or how the famous Trojan War was caused by one beautiful lady? Or how Thor got his hammer? Give your imagination a real treat. This Mega Mythology Collection of eight audiobooks is for you....
-
-
An interesting set of introductions.
- By Kevin Potter on 05-30-19
By: Scott Lewis
-
Helter Skelter
- The True Story of the Manson Murders
- By: Vincent Bugliosi, Curt Gentry
- Narrated by: Scott Brick
- Length: 26 hrs and 29 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Prosecuting attorney in the Manson trial Vincent Bugliosi held a unique insider's position in one of the most baffling and horrifying cases of the 20th century: the cold-blooded Tate-LaBianca murders carried out by Charles Manson and four of his followers. What motivated Manson in his seemingly mindless selection of victims, and what was his hold over the young women who obeyed his orders? Now available for the first time in unabridged audio, the gripping story of this famous and haunting crime is brought to life by acclaimed narrator Scott Brick.
-
-
Everything I remembered about the case was wrong..
- By karen on 06-22-12
By: Vincent Bugliosi, and others
-
The Art of War
- By: Sun Tzu
- Narrated by: Aidan Gillen
- Length: 1 hr and 7 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The 13 chapters of The Art of War, each devoted to one aspect of warfare, were compiled by the high-ranking Chinese military general, strategist, and philosopher Sun-Tzu. In spite of its battlefield specificity, The Art of War has found new life in the modern age, with leaders in fields as wide and far-reaching as world politics, human psychology, and corporate strategy finding valuable insight in its timeworn words.
-
-
The actual book The Art of War, not a commentary
- By Fred271 on 12-31-19
By: Sun Tzu
-
MOVE: The Untold Story of an American Tragedy
- By: Curtis Bryant, Kevin Arbouet
- Narrated by: Tariq Trotter
- Length: 5 hrs and 19 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
This searing audio documentary brings listeners deep inside the unforgettable story of MOVE, gaining unprecedented access to surviving MOVE members, elected officials from the era, eyewitnesses, and historians to create an indelible portrait of an American tragedy.
-
-
Balanced Examination of History
- By James Peacock on 08-14-24
By: Curtis Bryant, and others
-
Genghis Khan and the Making of the Modern World
- By: Jack Weatherford
- Narrated by: Jonathan Davis, Jack Weatherford
- Length: 14 hrs and 20 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The Mongol army led by Genghis Khan subjugated more lands and people in 25 years than the Romans did in 400. In nearly every country the Mongols conquered, they brought an unprecedented rise in cultural communication, expanded trade, and a blossoming of civilization.
-
-
Golden Horde/Platinum Listen
- By Cynthia on 12-11-13
By: Jack Weatherford
-
The Autobiography of Malcolm X
- As Told to Alex Haley
- By: Malcolm X, Alex Haley
- Narrated by: Laurence Fishburne
- Length: 16 hrs and 52 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Experience a bold take on this classic autobiography as it’s performed by Oscar-nominated Laurence Fishburne. In this searing classic autobiography, originally published in 1965, Malcolm X, the Muslim leader, firebrand, and Black empowerment activist, tells the extraordinary story of his life and the growth of the Human Rights movement. His fascinating perspective on the lies and limitations of the American dream and the inherent racism in a society that denies its non-White citizens the opportunity to dream, gives extraordinary insight into the most urgent issues of our own time.
-
-
it's Nearly perfect
- By Kerry on 09-16-20
By: Malcolm X, and others
-
Mythology: Mega Collection
- Classic Stories from the Greek, Celtic, Norse, Japanese, Hindu, Chinese, Mesopotamian and Egyptian Mythology
- By: Scott Lewis
- Narrated by: Madison Niederhauser, Oliver Hunt
- Length: 31 hrs and 37 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Do you know how many wives Zeus had? Or how the famous Trojan War was caused by one beautiful lady? Or how Thor got his hammer? Give your imagination a real treat. This Mega Mythology Collection of eight audiobooks is for you....
-
-
An interesting set of introductions.
- By Kevin Potter on 05-30-19
By: Scott Lewis
-
Helter Skelter
- The True Story of the Manson Murders
- By: Vincent Bugliosi, Curt Gentry
- Narrated by: Scott Brick
- Length: 26 hrs and 29 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Prosecuting attorney in the Manson trial Vincent Bugliosi held a unique insider's position in one of the most baffling and horrifying cases of the 20th century: the cold-blooded Tate-LaBianca murders carried out by Charles Manson and four of his followers. What motivated Manson in his seemingly mindless selection of victims, and what was his hold over the young women who obeyed his orders? Now available for the first time in unabridged audio, the gripping story of this famous and haunting crime is brought to life by acclaimed narrator Scott Brick.
-
-
Everything I remembered about the case was wrong..
- By karen on 06-22-12
By: Vincent Bugliosi, and others
People who viewed this also viewed...
-
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
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
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
-
-
Interesting
- By Frances Hampton on 02-13-22
-
Mary Lincoln
- Biography of a Marriage
- By: Ruth Painter Randall
- Narrated by: Karen Commins
- Length: 22 hrs and 29 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Ruth Painter Randall’s brilliant biography of Mary and Abraham Lincoln sheds new light upon their marriage and dispels the myths that have surrounded it. This audiobook rehabilitates the reputation of Mary Lincoln and deserves to be listen to by all those who wish to find the truth about the remarkable relationship between Mary and her husband and the impact that she made on him throughout his years in office.
-
-
Hope enough people listen to this . . .
- By Lori Hanson on 02-13-20
-
The Madness of Mary Lincoln
- By: Jason Emerson
- Narrated by: Steven Roy Grimsley
- Length: 6 hrs and 44 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In 2005, historian Jason Emerson discovered a steamer trunk formerly owned by Robert Todd Lincoln's lawyer and stowed in an attic for 40 years. The trunk contained a rare find: 25 letters pertaining to Mary Todd Lincoln's life and insanity case, letters assumed long destroyed by the Lincoln family. Mary wrote 20 of the letters herself, more than half from the insane asylum to which her son Robert had her committed, and many in the months and years after. The Madness of Mary Lincoln is the first examination of Mary Lincoln's mental illness based on the lost letters in 20 years.
-
-
Long overdue vindication...
- By Douglas on 08-06-13
By: Jason Emerson
-
The Problem with Lincoln
- By: Thomas J. DiLorenzo
- Narrated by: John McLain
- Length: 8 hrs and 4 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
So many thousands of books deifying Abraham Lincoln have been published that it is nearly impossible for the average citizen to learn much of anything that is truthful about Lincoln’s presidency. You’ll learn that the real reason why Lincoln launched an invasion of his own country (he never admitted that secession was legal or legitimate) was to destroy the voluntary union of the founders and replace it with a coerced union held together by violence and threats of violence, much more like the old Soviet Union than the original American union.
-
-
Not sure about this guy
- By Luis Renta on 07-26-20
-
Mary
- Mrs. A. Lincoln
- By: Janis Cooke Newman
- Narrated by: Anne Buelteman
- Length: 26 hrs and 33 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
A fascinating and intimate novel of the life of Mary Todd Lincoln, narrated by the First Lady herself. Mary Todd Lincoln is one of history's most misunderstood and enigmatic women. She was a political strategist, a supporter of emancipation, and a mother who survived the loss of three children and the assassination of her beloved husband. She also ran her family into debt, held séances in the White House, and was committed to an insane asylum - which is where Janis Cooke Newman's debut novel begins.
-
-
Intriguing and well-written, Worst editing EVER.
- By Danielle on 03-21-15
-
Mrs. Lincoln's Dressmaker
- By: Jennifer Chiaverini
- Narrated by: Christina Moore
- Length: 14 hrs
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In Mrs. Lincoln’s Dressmaker, novelist Jennifer Chiaverini presents a stunning account of the friendship that blossomed between Mary Todd Lincoln and her seamstress, Elizabeth 'Lizzie' Keckley, a former slave who gained her professional reputation in Washington, D.C. by outfitting the city’s elite. Keckley made history by sewing for First Lady Mary Todd Lincoln within the White House, a trusted witness to many private moments between the President and his wife, two of the most compelling figures in American history.
-
-
A Wonderful Re-Imagining of Mrs. Keckley's Life
- By Melissa on 03-04-13
-
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
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
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
-
-
Interesting
- By Frances Hampton on 02-13-22
-
Mary Lincoln
- Biography of a Marriage
- By: Ruth Painter Randall
- Narrated by: Karen Commins
- Length: 22 hrs and 29 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Ruth Painter Randall’s brilliant biography of Mary and Abraham Lincoln sheds new light upon their marriage and dispels the myths that have surrounded it. This audiobook rehabilitates the reputation of Mary Lincoln and deserves to be listen to by all those who wish to find the truth about the remarkable relationship between Mary and her husband and the impact that she made on him throughout his years in office.
-
-
Hope enough people listen to this . . .
- By Lori Hanson on 02-13-20
-
The Madness of Mary Lincoln
- By: Jason Emerson
- Narrated by: Steven Roy Grimsley
- Length: 6 hrs and 44 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In 2005, historian Jason Emerson discovered a steamer trunk formerly owned by Robert Todd Lincoln's lawyer and stowed in an attic for 40 years. The trunk contained a rare find: 25 letters pertaining to Mary Todd Lincoln's life and insanity case, letters assumed long destroyed by the Lincoln family. Mary wrote 20 of the letters herself, more than half from the insane asylum to which her son Robert had her committed, and many in the months and years after. The Madness of Mary Lincoln is the first examination of Mary Lincoln's mental illness based on the lost letters in 20 years.
-
-
Long overdue vindication...
- By Douglas on 08-06-13
By: Jason Emerson
-
The Problem with Lincoln
- By: Thomas J. DiLorenzo
- Narrated by: John McLain
- Length: 8 hrs and 4 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
So many thousands of books deifying Abraham Lincoln have been published that it is nearly impossible for the average citizen to learn much of anything that is truthful about Lincoln’s presidency. You’ll learn that the real reason why Lincoln launched an invasion of his own country (he never admitted that secession was legal or legitimate) was to destroy the voluntary union of the founders and replace it with a coerced union held together by violence and threats of violence, much more like the old Soviet Union than the original American union.
-
-
Not sure about this guy
- By Luis Renta on 07-26-20
-
Mary
- Mrs. A. Lincoln
- By: Janis Cooke Newman
- Narrated by: Anne Buelteman
- Length: 26 hrs and 33 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
A fascinating and intimate novel of the life of Mary Todd Lincoln, narrated by the First Lady herself. Mary Todd Lincoln is one of history's most misunderstood and enigmatic women. She was a political strategist, a supporter of emancipation, and a mother who survived the loss of three children and the assassination of her beloved husband. She also ran her family into debt, held séances in the White House, and was committed to an insane asylum - which is where Janis Cooke Newman's debut novel begins.
-
-
Intriguing and well-written, Worst editing EVER.
- By Danielle on 03-21-15
-
Mrs. Lincoln's Dressmaker
- By: Jennifer Chiaverini
- Narrated by: Christina Moore
- Length: 14 hrs
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In Mrs. Lincoln’s Dressmaker, novelist Jennifer Chiaverini presents a stunning account of the friendship that blossomed between Mary Todd Lincoln and her seamstress, Elizabeth 'Lizzie' Keckley, a former slave who gained her professional reputation in Washington, D.C. by outfitting the city’s elite. Keckley made history by sewing for First Lady Mary Todd Lincoln within the White House, a trusted witness to many private moments between the President and his wife, two of the most compelling figures in American history.
-
-
A Wonderful Re-Imagining of Mrs. Keckley's Life
- By Melissa on 03-04-13
What listeners say about House of Abraham
Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
-
Overall
- Cheryl
- 01-02-10
Enthralling
Listened to it three times! Well written-
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
2 people found this helpful
-
Overall
- Phillip Goodson
- 12-06-08
A Family Divided
Very much worth the purchase price and it really shed a lot of light on the entire Todd family and their relationships both with each other and with Lincoln. If you are looking to get a broader understanding of what faced Lincoln, and indeed the country as a whole, on a more personal level this is the book for you.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
5 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- MikeEC
- 10-21-24
Interesting look at Mary Lincoln's family
I learned a lot from this well-researched tale of the famous (or infamous in some cases) Todd family. At one time the wealthy, politically connected, sprawling Todd family was a force in Kentucky. Slave-owners who didn't treat the enslaved people who worked for them as well as they claimed they did, the Todd family began to unravel when the Civil War began. The lives of the Todd's were varied and often very sad. The children illustrate the Brother Against Brother aspect of the Civil War. Six stayed with the Union, eight went with the Confederacy. All of them did their best to drive Abraham half crazy with their behavior and requests (including Mary).
Most of the children ended up with sad ends, with Mary being the saddest. She lost so much during her life, it's easy to see why she ended up like she did. I've always been interested in Little Sister (Emily). One of the youngest Todd children, she was the closest to Mary and Abe, and that relationship definitely had its ups and downs. It was nice to learn Emily and The Lincoln's eldest son. Robert -- very close in age -- became close friends after all the others had died.
Anyone interested in Abraham Lincoln's familial relations, Mary Lincoln, or the way the Civil War shattered families as well as the country and led to its re-birth, will find this a well written and absorbing story.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
- The Louligan
- 11-16-09
REVEALING, INFORMATIVE & VERY FUNNY
I was pleasantly surprised by this book. At first the narrator put me off, reading like a first-grader. But the tongue-in-cheek manner in which the author tells this story kept me interested until the narrator finally got his chops together. I've read dozens of accounts of the Civil War and Lincoln. However, this story gives the reader a whole new perspective on that time in history, along with a President that everyone thought they knew. His wife's family's story is extremely intriguing. With 14 siblings from two mothers, there's no surprise that the family took sides in the war, particularly growing up in Kentucky which was really neither north or south in the conflict. What makes this a really great read is Stephen Berry's hilarious way of storytelling. In explaining the Todd's white-glove snobbishness on its slaves whom they claimed to "part of the family" rather than chattel, Berry states "(The Todds) never beat their slaves. Instead they sent them downtown to the jail to be beaten, by professionals". As an African-American, I could only laugh at the ridiculousness of the family's alleged values. After the war, one of Ann Todd's sisters chose to leave her children's black nurse in the south rather than free the servant as required after returning to the north. This, in spite of her brother-in-law, the nation's embattled President, risking it all in a war to free the country's enslaved people. The book is amusing, sardonic, sarcastic, witty, and extremely well-researched. It flows in a way which makes it hard to put down.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
5 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Anonymous User
- 06-16-22
Excellent
Very well done. I have read many books on Abraham Lincoln. In almost all of them, The Todd’s were only mentioned in passing. This book introduces us to the Todds that Lincoln knew. It’s a fascinating story.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
1 person found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Danielle
- 01-18-16
Didn't fulfill my expectations
I'm a huge Lincoln buff, so I was excited to read about this side of his life. However, he featured fairly little in it. The rest was just piecemeal, each family member described without much attention on connections between different members. I felt I was reading about this person or that person, but not an interconnected and dynamic family unit.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!