Lincoln’s White House by James Conroy

[RJNorton]

I just received a message from James Conroy:

"As the author of Our One Common Country: Abraham Lincoln and the Hampton Roads Peace Conference of 1865, I thought you might be interested in the pending release of my second book, Lincoln’s White House, due out in October. It is the first book devoted to the Civil War White House, the president’s interactions with the professional staff, the servants, the family, the security arrangements (or lack thereof), the entertainment, and the like. Needless to say, I would like to make the book known to Lincoln’s admirers and hope to spread the word."

[Gene C]

Sounds like a good topic.
I look forward to it.

[RJNorton]

There is more on James Conroy and his new book here.

[Angela]

How did I miss this thread originally? The author is an exceptionally good speaker and "Our one common country" was a great read!
I can't decide whether he is a better writer or speaker but I would recommend both - attend a talk AND read read his book.
This is so awesome to hear there'll be more to read!

[Eva Elisabeth]

Looking for forward to this one, too!!!

[Gene C]

Very interesting book. Something new (to me) and interesting on every page. An enjoyable book to read.
Lots of inside information from Lincoln's office secretary's, Nicolay, Hay and Stoddard.
Seems with the pressure of the job, there is a bit of rivalry between them, with Stoddard being the odd man out. He was the only one of the three that did not pursue a life long career in politics, and was a moderately successful writer.
Stoddard was the only one who seemed to get along with Mary Lincoln. "Mary Lincoln died at sixty three in 1882. Stoddard called her one of his best friends he ever had, long after it could do him any good: 'She was a women much misrepresented and scandalously abused." There is plenty in this book on why she was considered scandalous, without giving that too much attention.

Lots of quotes and references, so your getting info from original sources and not the authors opinion. I found that refreshing. Certain people mentioned in this book I am going to want to learn more about, that is due to Mr. Conroy's way of presenting the material.

Life in the White House had it's ups and downs, but for the most part it probably was not a pleasurable experience. The war, political pressures, Willie's death, and Mary's spending are all a part of it. You get some idea how important Tad was in providing some distraction for his father from the pressures and difficulties he was facing.
There is too much to comment on, I can recommend this book, you will enjoy reading it.
https://www.amazon.com/Lincolns-White-Ho...in+wartime

[L Verge]

(02-23-2017 08:16 AM)Gene C Wrote:  Very interesting book. Something new (to me) and interesting on every page. An enjoyable book to read.
Lots of inside information from Lincoln's office secretary's, Nicolay, Hay and Stoddard.
Seems with the pressure of the job, there is a bit of rivalry between them, with Stoddard being the odd man out. He was the only one of the three that did not pursue a life long career in politics, and was a moderately successful writer.
Stoddard was the only one who seemed to get along with Mary Lincoln. "Mary Lincoln died at sixty three in 1882. Stoddard called her one of his best friends he ever had, long after it could do him any good: 'She was a women much misrepresented and scandalously abused." There is plenty in this book on why she was considered scandalous, without giving that too much attention.

Lots of quotes and references, so your getting info from original sources and not the authors opinion. I found that refreshing. Certain people mentioned in this book I am going to want to learn more about, that is due to Mr. Conroy's way of presenting the material.

Life in the White House had it's ups and downs, but for the most part it probably was not a pleasurable experience. The war, political pressures, Willie's death, and Mary's spending are all a part of it. You get some idea how important Tad was in providing some distraction for his father from the pressures and difficulties he was facing.
There is too much to comment on, I can recommend this book, you will enjoy reading it.
https://www.amazon.com/Lincolns-White-Ho...in+wartime

The Surratt House gift shop is expecting arrival of this book tomorrow. Can't quote you a price just yet (and can't beat Amazon), but please consider patronizing us. We need the money more than Amazon.

[Eva Elisabeth]

Thanks much, Gene, for another helpful as personal review! Moved it to the top of my wishlist!