The Lincolns: A Portrait of Marriage: Uncovering the Intimate Relationship of America's Most Famous Couple

Abraham Lincoln and Mary Todd Lincoln are one of the most famous couples in American history. Their marriage was long and complex, filled with both love and tragedy. In her new book, "The Lincolns: A Portrait of Marriage," bestselling author Doris Kearns Goodwin explores the inner workings of this iconic relationship.

The Lincolns: Portrait of a Marriage

by Daniel Mark Epstein

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1765 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	586 pages

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Goodwin draws on a wealth of new research, including never-before-seen letters and diaries, to paint a vivid portrait of the Lincolns' marriage. She delves into their courtship, their early years of marriage, the challenges they faced during the Civil War, and their eventual reconciliation. Goodwin also explores the role that race and slavery played in their relationship.

"The Lincolns: A Portrait of Marriage" is a fascinating and intimate look at one of America's most enduring love stories. It is a must-read for anyone interested in history, marriage, or the human condition.

The Courtship

Abraham Lincoln and Mary Todd met in 1839 at a dance in Springfield, Illinois. Lincoln was a rising young lawyer, and Todd was the daughter of a wealthy Kentucky planter. They were immediately attracted to each other, and they began courting soon after.

Lincoln and Todd were both intelligent and ambitious, but they had very different personalities. Lincoln was shy and introverted, while Todd was outgoing and vivacious. Despite their differences, they fell deeply in love.

In 1842, Lincoln proposed to Todd, and she accepted. They were married on November 4, 1842, in Springfield.

The Early Years of Marriage

The Lincolns' early years of marriage were happy and fulfilling. They had four children together, and they enjoyed a close and loving relationship.

However, the Lincolns' marriage was also marked by tragedy. In 1850, their son Eddie died of tuberculosis. Two years later, their daughter Willie died of typhoid fever.

The loss of their children devastated the Lincolns. Mary Todd Lincoln became increasingly depressed, and she began to drink heavily. Abraham Lincoln was also deeply affected by the loss of his children, but he was able to channel his grief into his work.

The Civil War

In 1861, Abraham Lincoln was elected president of the United States. The Civil War began shortly after, and Lincoln faced the enormous challenge of leading the country through a bloody and divisive conflict.

Mary Todd Lincoln was not happy about her husband's decision to run for president. She knew that the war would be dangerous, and she was afraid for his safety. However, she supported her husband's decision, and she did her best to help him during the war.

The Civil War was a difficult time for the Lincolns. Abraham Lincoln was often away from home, and Mary Todd Lincoln was left to care for their children and manage the household. She also had to deal with the constant criticism of her husband's policies.

Despite the challenges, the Lincolns' marriage survived the Civil War. Abraham Lincoln was assassinated in 1865, but Mary Todd Lincoln lived on until 1882.

The Legacy of the Lincolns

Abraham Lincoln and Mary Todd Lincoln were a complex and fascinating couple. Their marriage was filled with both love and tragedy, but they ultimately emerged from it together.

The Lincolns are remembered today as one of the most important couples in American history. They are a symbol of love, hope, and perseverance.

Doris Kearns Goodwin

Doris Kearns Goodwin is a Pulitzer Prize-winning historian and author. She has written several books on American history, including "Lyndon B. Johnson and the American Dream" and "The Fitzgeralds and the Kennedys: An American Saga."

Goodwin's latest book, "The Lincolns: A Portrait of Marriage," is a masterful work of historical scholarship. It is a deeply researched and beautifully written account of one of America's most iconic relationships.

Goodwin's book is a must-read for anyone interested in history, marriage, or the human condition. It is a powerful and moving story of love, loss, and redemption.

The Lincolns: Portrait of a Marriage

by Daniel Mark Epstein

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1765 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	586 pages

FREE