Legends That Libel Lincoln

[Gene C]

Written by Montgomery Lewis, published in 1946, 205 pages not including notes and bibliography. As far as I can tell, this is the only book Mr. Lewis has written.

The author is critical of Herndon for creating and/or perpetuating three myths about Abraham Lincoln.

From the book cover -
"It was Herndon who first gave life to legends that
still persist. He first pictured Thomas Lincoln as an illiterate,
poverty-stricken rover who never paid for a single
piece of land upon which he lived and who sometimes
abused his son. He was the first to impress upon the
world the legend of Ann Rutledge. He was the first to
create the picture of Mary Todd Lincoln that has become
so firmly implanted in our minds, who called her a
"tigress" and a "she-wolf" and told the world that Lincoln's
home life was a veritable hell. Consequently, our
debt to Herndon has been reduced by the manner in
which he has led us astray in several instances, and by
the great wrong he has done to Lincoln's father and wife
in his efforts to build up his hero. "

Mr. Lewis gives convincing arguments regarding these "myths" about Thomas Lincoln, Mary Todd Lincoln, and the Lincoln - Rutledge romance. Since this book was written over 70 years ago, new information may have come to light that weakens the authors arguments in certain areas. But overall, the information is factual and accurate.

Well written and enjoyable to read. For the Lincoln enthusiast, this is a "should read - must read" book, I can highly recommend it. Available at internet book stores. I read it through Internet Archives.

https://archive.org/stream/legendsthatli...0/mode/2up