Lincoln and Ann Rutledge

[Gene C]

Stephen Oates, Mark David Epstein, Charles Strozier, Kenneth J. Winkle and the late David Herbert Donald are examples of men who have written about the marriage with what I feel is a balance of fact based honesty and compassion. Those are the authors I recommend for anyone seeking a balanced view of Mary and the marriage, untainted by personal bitterness.

Let me add Ruth Painter Randall. Her "Mary Lincoln - Biography of a Marriage" explains many of Herndon's comments. She describes a much more loving marriage. Mrs. Randall is an excellent writer.