The Mary Lincoln Enigma

[Laurie Verge]

Surratt House just received a sample copy of a new book by that title, edited by Frank J. Williams and Michael Burkhimer with an epilogue by Catherine Clinton. It is a compilation of essays that attempt to define Mary Todd Lincoln. I quickly skimmed it, and it looks wonderful. I believe that we will be selling it at Surratt House.

Contributors include our own Donna McCreary, Jason Emerson, and Brian Dirck, Stephen Berry, James S. Brust, M.D., Mr. Burkhimer and Mr. Williams, Catherine Clinton, Richard Etulain, Harold Holzer, Richard Lawrence Miller, Wayne Temple, Douglas Wilson, and Kenneth J. Winkle.

[Donna McCreary]

I feel very blessed to have been part of this endeavor. Different authors writing about different aspects of Mary's life was a unique and fulfilling experience. Of course, I wrote about her fashions and some of her shopping. When my copy arrived a few months ago, I read it from cover to cover - and loved every word of it. Some of the authors love ML - some do not - but they all share a common goal of getting people to talk about her.

Laurie, it sounds like you are gathering quite a collection of ML books in your inventory. Bravo! We need more people at historic sites encouraging people to read more about the women and their sphere in our history.

[L Verge]

I found the cover art on this book interesting. It is the same, early photo of Mary slightly superimposed over each other three times. I am assuming the meaning is related to The Three Faces of Eve?

[Dawn E Foster]

I found the cover art on this book interesting. It is the same, early photo of Mary slightly superimposed over each other three times. I am assuming the meaning is related to The Three Faces of Eve?

I found that intriguing too.

[RJNorton]

I sure agree with all you folks. I just got the book and have not read it yet. Here's that very interesting cover.

[Mike B.]

I sure agree with all you folks. I just got the book and have not read it yet. Here's that very interesting cover.

Hello all,

Just so you know Laurie we did have a pretty big name assassination person signed up to do an essay on Mary's actions during the assassination and how it has been looked at by historians through the years, particularily male historians.

However, the person bowed out mid-project.

Still there are a number of assassination points in the book.

On the cover I suggested two reversed images of Mary from the famous first photograph. However, this is what the designer took with that idea and went with, so I am happy.
Thanks,
Mike B.

[L Verge]

Hi Mike, welcome aboard and I am so glad that you are posting. I actually snitched the sample copy of the book and brought it home to read. Tonight is NCIS night, however, and I'm an addict of that show. Tomorrow night, I shall dive into the book. As many of the people here know, I have a soft spot in my heart for Mary Lincoln.

I'm sorry that the assassination expert backed out on the assignment. It would be interesting to see how he/she would have interpreted the immediate and after effects of that tragedy on the First Lady.

I actually like the cover very much. I hope that the readers make the connection with The Three Faces of Eve. However, I'm probably showing my age to even know about "Eve."

[RJNorton]

From President Lincoln's Cottage:

[LincolnMan]

Thanks for posting news about this book!

[Jim Garrett]

Laurie, I'll be down soon for a chat and a copy of "Enigma". What a great title. Will any of us ever really get a handle on Mary? A series of essays may be the best way to approach the many sides of Mary by many experts.

[L Verge]

That's exactly what this book does. I enjoyed it immensely.