Mary's Reputation

[ReignetteC]

A few years ago, at the Surratt Conference, Laurie recommended Gerry Van der Heuvel's Crowns of Thorns and Glory because I was interested in reading a balanced perspective about Mrs. Lincoln. (Thank you, Laurie!)

Here's a review from Library Journal:

This extremely readable dual biography is as gripping as any novel. Recounting the parallel lives of the only two women in American history to have served concurrently as "First Lady," it details how both reacted, from a feminine viewpoint, to the strains of their husbands' politics during the war. It also shows how both were the victims of political hostilities, bitter criticisms, and malicious gossip from an aggressive press. General readers will find timely press criticisms of Mary's "extravagance" and reports of her resort to seances and spiritualists in hopes of overcoming her young son's death. In Varina's words, the book demonstrates the "bitterness of being a politician's wife." Marie Marmo Mullaney, Caldwell Coll., N.J.
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc.