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The Insanity File: The Case of Mary Todd Lincoln
In 1875 Robert Todd Lincoln caused his mother, Mary Todd Lincoln, to be committed to an insane asylum. Based on newly discovered manuscript materials, this book seeks to explain how and why.
In these documents—marked by Robert Todd Lincoln as the "MTL Insanity File"—exists the only definitive record of the tragic story of Mary Todd Lincoln’s insanity trial. The book that results from these letters and documents addresses several areas of controversy in the life of the widow of Abraham Lincoln: the extent of her illness, the fairness of her trial, and the motives of those who had her committed for treatment. Related issues include the status of women under the law as well as the legal and medical treatment of insanity.
Speculating on the reasons for her mental condition, the authors note that Mrs. Lincoln suffered an extraordinary amount of tragedy in a relatively few years. Three of her four sons died very young, and Abraham Lincoln was assassinated. After the death of her son Willie she maintained a darkly rigorous mourning for nearly three years, prompting the president to warn her that excessive woe might force him to send her to "that large white house on the hill yonder," the government hospital for the insane.
Mrs. Lincoln also suffered anxiety about money, charting an exceptionally erratic financial course. She had spent lavishly during her husband’s presidency and at his death found herself deeply in debt. She had purchased trunkfuls of drapes to hang over phantom windows. 84 pairs of kid gloves in less than a month, and $3,200 worth of jewelry in the three months preceding Lincoln’s assassination. She followed the same erratic course for the rest of her life, creating in herself a tremendous anxiety. She occasionally feared that people were trying to kill her, and in 1873 she told her doctor that an Indian spirit was removing wires from her eyes and bones from her cheeks.
Her son assembled an army of lawyers and medical experts who would swear in court that Mrs. Lincoln was insane. The jury found her insane and in need of treatment in an asylum. Whether the verdict was correct or not, the trial made Mary Lincoln desperate. Within hours of the verdict she would attempt suicide. In a few months she would contemplate murder. Since then every aspect of the trial has been criticized—from the defense attorney to the laws in force at the time. Neely and McMurtry deal with the trial, the commitment of Mary Todd Lincoln, her release, and her second trial. An appendix features letters and fragments by Mrs. Lincoln from the "Insanity File." The book is illustrated by 25 photographs.
In these documents—marked by Robert Todd Lincoln as the "MTL Insanity File"—exists the only definitive record of the tragic story of Mary Todd Lincoln’s insanity trial. The book that results from these letters and documents addresses several areas of controversy in the life of the widow of Abraham Lincoln: the extent of her illness, the fairness of her trial, and the motives of those who had her committed for treatment. Related issues include the status of women under the law as well as the legal and medical treatment of insanity.
Speculating on the reasons for her mental condition, the authors note that Mrs. Lincoln suffered an extraordinary amount of tragedy in a relatively few years. Three of her four sons died very young, and Abraham Lincoln was assassinated. After the death of her son Willie she maintained a darkly rigorous mourning for nearly three years, prompting the president to warn her that excessive woe might force him to send her to "that large white house on the hill yonder," the government hospital for the insane.
Mrs. Lincoln also suffered anxiety about money, charting an exceptionally erratic financial course. She had spent lavishly during her husband’s presidency and at his death found herself deeply in debt. She had purchased trunkfuls of drapes to hang over phantom windows. 84 pairs of kid gloves in less than a month, and $3,200 worth of jewelry in the three months preceding Lincoln’s assassination. She followed the same erratic course for the rest of her life, creating in herself a tremendous anxiety. She occasionally feared that people were trying to kill her, and in 1873 she told her doctor that an Indian spirit was removing wires from her eyes and bones from her cheeks.
Her son assembled an army of lawyers and medical experts who would swear in court that Mrs. Lincoln was insane. The jury found her insane and in need of treatment in an asylum. Whether the verdict was correct or not, the trial made Mary Lincoln desperate. Within hours of the verdict she would attempt suicide. In a few months she would contemplate murder. Since then every aspect of the trial has been criticized—from the defense attorney to the laws in force at the time. Neely and McMurtry deal with the trial, the commitment of Mary Todd Lincoln, her release, and her second trial. An appendix features letters and fragments by Mrs. Lincoln from the "Insanity File." The book is illustrated by 25 photographs.
203 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1986
23 people are currently reading
260 people want to read
About the author
Mark E. Neely Jr.
22 books10 followersMark E. Neely, Jr. is an American historian best known as an authority on the U.S. Civil War in general and Abraham Lincoln in particular. He won a Pulitzer Prize in 1991. He earned his undergraduate degree in American Studies at Yale University in 1966 and his Ph.D. in history at the same school in 1973. Yale's Graduate School would award him with a Wilbur Cross Medal in 1995.
From 1971 to 1972 Neely was a visiting instructor at Iowa State University. In the latter year, he was named director of The Lincoln Museum in Fort Wayne, Indiana, a position he held for twenty years.
In 1992, Dr. Neely was named the John Francis Bannon Professor of History and American Studies at Saint Louis University. And, in 1998, he was made the McCabe Greer Professor of Civil War History at Pennsylvania State University.
Neely is best known for his 1991 book The Fate of Liberty: Abraham Lincoln and Civil Liberties, which won both the Pulitzer Prize for History and the Bell I. Wiley Prize the following year. In March 1991, he published an article in the magazine Civil War History, entitled Was the Civil War a Total War?, which is considered one of the top three most influential articles on the war written in the last half of the 20th Century.
- from Wikipedia
From 1971 to 1972 Neely was a visiting instructor at Iowa State University. In the latter year, he was named director of The Lincoln Museum in Fort Wayne, Indiana, a position he held for twenty years.
In 1992, Dr. Neely was named the John Francis Bannon Professor of History and American Studies at Saint Louis University. And, in 1998, he was made the McCabe Greer Professor of Civil War History at Pennsylvania State University.
Neely is best known for his 1991 book The Fate of Liberty: Abraham Lincoln and Civil Liberties, which won both the Pulitzer Prize for History and the Bell I. Wiley Prize the following year. In March 1991, he published an article in the magazine Civil War History, entitled Was the Civil War a Total War?, which is considered one of the top three most influential articles on the war written in the last half of the 20th Century.
- from Wikipedia
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
April 10, 2014
Mary Todd Lincoln is known for two things: being the wife of Abraham Lincoln and for her speculated insanity later in life. Sadly, Mary’s incarceration in an insane asylum was heightened by her only surviving son, Robert; forever marring their relationship. Uncovering private documents from Robert’s own files; Mark E. Neely, Jr. and R. Gerald McMurtry illuminate this dark period of Lincoln history in, “The Insanity File: The Case of Mary Todd Lincoln”.
Encompassing research from Robert’s private documents and primary letters regarding Mary’s insanity; readers would expect “The Insanity File” to be gripping beyond measure with revealing explanations of discourse. Unfortunately, this isn’t necessarily the case as “The Insanity File” is somewhat distanced and aloof with the authors over-emphasizing their stance to not offer any biases. This results in many unanswered questions and an absence of ‘juicy’ tidbits one would hope to receive from the primary information.
Furthermore, Neely Jr. and McMurtry have the tendencies of being both repetitive and venturing off on tangents. These strands attempt to explore the outside factors which affected Mary but are instead dry and distracting. However, when the focus is on Mary, “The Insanity File” is quite interesting and is enjoyable to read.
“The Insanity File” is positive source material for fiction authors or for historical reports as the information is detailed and chronological in presentation which can support the skeleton of a narrative. In fact, I’m quite positive that I could name a couple HF novels on Mary which must have used “The Insanity File” as a major source.
The biggest downfall of “The Insanity File” is the nonexistence of exploring why events happened as they did. Obviously, the documents don’t contain this information but the reader is thus left confused and inquiring. However, this means that “The Insanity File” is a strong introduction to the topic. Plus, the text is not technical in jargon (i.e. law text) and is therefore accessible to the general reader.
In terms of strengths, the authors of “The Insanity File” provide a more rounded image of both Robert and Mary versus the stereotypical personas they usually receive. Furthermore, Neely Jr. and McMurtry stress the value of the differences in insanity accusations and court cases in Mary’s time with that of what we are familiar with today.
The conclusion of “The Insanity File” (titled as such) provides more of an insight into Neely Jr. and McMurtry’s views of Mary’s proposed insanity while also exploring the case and laws which effected her confinement. Although more gripping than other portions of the book; this is still not as illuminating as potentially possible. Following is an appendix, which contains 25 of Mary’s hand written letters, in full. This is much more gratifying as it allows the reader to judge Mary’s own writing and make self-hypotheses. “The Insanity File” also contains two sections of black-and-white photos.
Although the premise of “The Insanity File” is bold due to its inclusion of primary material; the execution is flawed and the text is dry. Those familiar with Mary Lincoln will not gain new information but granted, “The Insanity File” was published in the 80s so it is not surprising that the text is dated. “The Insanity File” is recommended for quick source work (the book is short) or dedicated Mary fans but otherwise it can be skipped.
Encompassing research from Robert’s private documents and primary letters regarding Mary’s insanity; readers would expect “The Insanity File” to be gripping beyond measure with revealing explanations of discourse. Unfortunately, this isn’t necessarily the case as “The Insanity File” is somewhat distanced and aloof with the authors over-emphasizing their stance to not offer any biases. This results in many unanswered questions and an absence of ‘juicy’ tidbits one would hope to receive from the primary information.
Furthermore, Neely Jr. and McMurtry have the tendencies of being both repetitive and venturing off on tangents. These strands attempt to explore the outside factors which affected Mary but are instead dry and distracting. However, when the focus is on Mary, “The Insanity File” is quite interesting and is enjoyable to read.
“The Insanity File” is positive source material for fiction authors or for historical reports as the information is detailed and chronological in presentation which can support the skeleton of a narrative. In fact, I’m quite positive that I could name a couple HF novels on Mary which must have used “The Insanity File” as a major source.
The biggest downfall of “The Insanity File” is the nonexistence of exploring why events happened as they did. Obviously, the documents don’t contain this information but the reader is thus left confused and inquiring. However, this means that “The Insanity File” is a strong introduction to the topic. Plus, the text is not technical in jargon (i.e. law text) and is therefore accessible to the general reader.
In terms of strengths, the authors of “The Insanity File” provide a more rounded image of both Robert and Mary versus the stereotypical personas they usually receive. Furthermore, Neely Jr. and McMurtry stress the value of the differences in insanity accusations and court cases in Mary’s time with that of what we are familiar with today.
The conclusion of “The Insanity File” (titled as such) provides more of an insight into Neely Jr. and McMurtry’s views of Mary’s proposed insanity while also exploring the case and laws which effected her confinement. Although more gripping than other portions of the book; this is still not as illuminating as potentially possible. Following is an appendix, which contains 25 of Mary’s hand written letters, in full. This is much more gratifying as it allows the reader to judge Mary’s own writing and make self-hypotheses. “The Insanity File” also contains two sections of black-and-white photos.
Although the premise of “The Insanity File” is bold due to its inclusion of primary material; the execution is flawed and the text is dry. Those familiar with Mary Lincoln will not gain new information but granted, “The Insanity File” was published in the 80s so it is not surprising that the text is dated. “The Insanity File” is recommended for quick source work (the book is short) or dedicated Mary fans but otherwise it can be skipped.
November 20, 2024
The author could have just presented the facts regarding the commitment of Mary Todd Lincoln to an insane asylum, but he did much more than that by providing a snapshot into that period's tenor. The women were second class citizens and considered queer if they did argued with their husbands and did not toe the mark set by him. Secondly, a wife could be committed without public hearing on the words of a husband about her queerness to a judge. In 1862, Willie Lincoln had died and Mary took it very hard and she did what many do now, and tried to contact her passed son through a Spiritualist (now often we call the medium a Clairvoyant). Secondly, Mary being from the upper classes (she married beneath it) she teneded to spend a lot of clothing and other things that lower class people don't spend on. Well, in 1870, her surviving son Robert Lincoln first reined her spending in by gaining control of her estate through court order. When he found, that she still was not controllable, he shortly obtained a court order and had her areested and commited to an Institution (being a Conservator was kind of like having the power a husband would have in these matters in that era). The Author describes how she extricated herself and the book is a indictment of the pre-suffrage Era. Good research and anyone interested in civil liberties should read this book.
February 14, 2009
I learned of this book on a recent tour of Hildene, the one - time home of Mary Todd and Abe Lincoln's son, Robert Todd Lincoln. When Hildene became a museum in the 1970's, papers were found in Robert Todd's safe that proved his attempts to have his mother committed were, rather than cruel, acts of a deeply caring and desperate son. An interesting story, but told in a dry, academic manner. Best for the history buff. NOt exactly easy reading.
February 1, 2013
Some factual interest, but I would have liked more speculation about the nature of Mary Todd Lincoln's illness. I did find it interesting that Illinois had more protection for the insane than many other states but this book is rather dry and remote from the events it describes.
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November 26, 2020I long ago came to the conclusion that Mary Lincoln was perfectly sane. She was just a narcissistic sociopath who did the things she did because she thought she could get away with it. Contemporary accounts say she was abusive to her husband, screaming and throwing things at him. People who are abusive lack empathy--they're sociopaths. If you hear about a man screaming and throwing things at a wife, you can figure him pretty easily, but people don't seem to be able to properly understand a woman who does this. Their ability to analyze the women falls apart, and it shouldn't.
The average male is terrible at spotting female sociopaths because women, even sociopathic women, innately have better social skills than men do, and sociopathic women can look and act exactly like other women--until they do something so completely outrageous and illegal that the guy's mind is blown.
After Abe's death, Mary spent money she didn't have because she knew that as the widow of a national martyr, no one would call her to heel, and she took advantage of it. At worst, angry merchants would simply take their unpaid goods away from her house. They weren't going to prosecute her and put her in prison. And you know what? She was right. No one would touch her. She got away with it.
She bought vast quantities of things she didn't need because she got a real kick out of cheating and abusing other people. She loved being able to con some unsuspecting merchant and stealing his goods. Sociopaths ENJOY screwing you over, and they'll do it even when have no reason to. It's their hobby, and they get a lot of emotional satisfaction out of it.
Sociopaths are chancers. They do outrageous things because they have calculated the risks very precisely. Mary had no sense of shame, and she was as greedy as a small child. She lied constantly to get what she wanted. She was a master manipulator of other people. She could be charming to people who could be used to her advantage (such as her dressmaker Elizabeth Keckley), but if they didn't comply, she'd turn meaner than a snake. This is the classic carrot-and-stick approach that sociopaths use against their victims all the time. Abe saw the snake constantly because he kept resisting her efforts to force him to obey her. Mary has been a mystery to generations of historians because they don't know how a classic sociopath behaves. They get taken by surprise every time they encounter one, and go huh? She must be crazy. This makes them sitting ducks for a sociopath's manipulations. I hope they don't encounter one in real life.
The average male is terrible at spotting female sociopaths because women, even sociopathic women, innately have better social skills than men do, and sociopathic women can look and act exactly like other women--until they do something so completely outrageous and illegal that the guy's mind is blown.
After Abe's death, Mary spent money she didn't have because she knew that as the widow of a national martyr, no one would call her to heel, and she took advantage of it. At worst, angry merchants would simply take their unpaid goods away from her house. They weren't going to prosecute her and put her in prison. And you know what? She was right. No one would touch her. She got away with it.
She bought vast quantities of things she didn't need because she got a real kick out of cheating and abusing other people. She loved being able to con some unsuspecting merchant and stealing his goods. Sociopaths ENJOY screwing you over, and they'll do it even when have no reason to. It's their hobby, and they get a lot of emotional satisfaction out of it.
Sociopaths are chancers. They do outrageous things because they have calculated the risks very precisely. Mary had no sense of shame, and she was as greedy as a small child. She lied constantly to get what she wanted. She was a master manipulator of other people. She could be charming to people who could be used to her advantage (such as her dressmaker Elizabeth Keckley), but if they didn't comply, she'd turn meaner than a snake. This is the classic carrot-and-stick approach that sociopaths use against their victims all the time. Abe saw the snake constantly because he kept resisting her efforts to force him to obey her. Mary has been a mystery to generations of historians because they don't know how a classic sociopath behaves. They get taken by surprise every time they encounter one, and go huh? She must be crazy. This makes them sitting ducks for a sociopath's manipulations. I hope they don't encounter one in real life.
November 28, 2022
This book was a bit cut and dry; the subject however was fascinating; the insanity trial of Mary Todd Lincoln, instigated by her sole surviving son, Robert.
There are a lot of names mentioned, different doctors and lawyers, so it was tough to keep track, but the interesting aspect of Mary's eccentric behavior was her compulsive shopping, hoarding and paranoia. It was as if all the losses she suffered, such a witnessing the brutal death of her husband, and deaths of 3 out of 4 of her sons caused that hole in her heart that was filled up with clothes and stuff. She was an early hoarder that often demanded gifts back and never forgot about all her stuff. Perhaps it was a coping mechanism for the lives she lost around her. She clearly had a form of PTSD, obsessive compulsive disorder and a schizoid personality.
But in this regard, the authors never make much of a connection with why she acted as she did. It was clear, however, she and Robert had a challenging relationship and he was behind wanting her to be institutionalized. And she was, for a time.
What I liked about this book is it gives the reader a timeline into not only state institutions for the "insane" but focused on retreat type settings that offered a moral aspect to treatment. The difference between a patient being restrained versus interdiction( a type of intervention talking and calming the patient down) is clearly demarcated.
This was an interesting read, especially for lawyers and those who are ok with reading a dry, often repetitive case study, something the authors discovered in Robert's home in Vermont. Mary's sister Elizabeth stands out as a kindly, but enabling soul that took the widow in after she spent time in the institution. She was one of the more interesting characters in the story.
Frankly, I wish there was a bit more of the human side of Mary's story and not just listing what happened next and after that...the narrative could have been brought to life, but the parallel information about the history of mental institutions at the time held my interest.
There are a lot of names mentioned, different doctors and lawyers, so it was tough to keep track, but the interesting aspect of Mary's eccentric behavior was her compulsive shopping, hoarding and paranoia. It was as if all the losses she suffered, such a witnessing the brutal death of her husband, and deaths of 3 out of 4 of her sons caused that hole in her heart that was filled up with clothes and stuff. She was an early hoarder that often demanded gifts back and never forgot about all her stuff. Perhaps it was a coping mechanism for the lives she lost around her. She clearly had a form of PTSD, obsessive compulsive disorder and a schizoid personality.
But in this regard, the authors never make much of a connection with why she acted as she did. It was clear, however, she and Robert had a challenging relationship and he was behind wanting her to be institutionalized. And she was, for a time.
What I liked about this book is it gives the reader a timeline into not only state institutions for the "insane" but focused on retreat type settings that offered a moral aspect to treatment. The difference between a patient being restrained versus interdiction( a type of intervention talking and calming the patient down) is clearly demarcated.
This was an interesting read, especially for lawyers and those who are ok with reading a dry, often repetitive case study, something the authors discovered in Robert's home in Vermont. Mary's sister Elizabeth stands out as a kindly, but enabling soul that took the widow in after she spent time in the institution. She was one of the more interesting characters in the story.
Frankly, I wish there was a bit more of the human side of Mary's story and not just listing what happened next and after that...the narrative could have been brought to life, but the parallel information about the history of mental institutions at the time held my interest.
April 14, 2020
The topic of this book made for a very dry, slow read for me. However, I did like this book because it was informative. It drew upon letters that were left behind by Mary Todd Lincoln's only surviving son, Robert Todd Lincoln. The authors presented a well-documented chronology of the events leading up to the trial which found Lincoln's widow to be 'insane' according to the parameters of law at that time. It covers Mrs. Lincoln's time in the 'insane asylum', as well as efforts made on her behalf by her sister and others, to give her freedom back to her.
Mary Todd Lincoln lost 3 children and her husband. It's perfectly understandable that she may have had some odd quirks and behaviors. Still,it doesn't seem that much of it had to do with her being brought to trial. Robert initiated the trial against his mother because her spending was out of control. It appears that his concern regarding her ability to handle her own finances was valid. She had an abundance of clothing, as well as curtain fabric that would never be made into curtains for non-existent windows. Taking her to trial was the only way to protect her from her own compulsion to spend.
Institutions at that time approached insanity as being 'curable'. Misogynistic doctors approached the female patients in a unique way, directed by the assumption that women's female organs made them weak and susceptible to frailties of the mind.
The authors comment on other books that have been written on this subject and give reasons why, or why not, these other conclusions are accurate. They provide a good look into the legal system and lifestyles in the late 1800's. All in all, I believe this is a great representation of what took place regarding Mary Todd Lincoln and Robert Todd Lincoln.
Mary Todd Lincoln lost 3 children and her husband. It's perfectly understandable that she may have had some odd quirks and behaviors. Still,it doesn't seem that much of it had to do with her being brought to trial. Robert initiated the trial against his mother because her spending was out of control. It appears that his concern regarding her ability to handle her own finances was valid. She had an abundance of clothing, as well as curtain fabric that would never be made into curtains for non-existent windows. Taking her to trial was the only way to protect her from her own compulsion to spend.
Institutions at that time approached insanity as being 'curable'. Misogynistic doctors approached the female patients in a unique way, directed by the assumption that women's female organs made them weak and susceptible to frailties of the mind.
The authors comment on other books that have been written on this subject and give reasons why, or why not, these other conclusions are accurate. They provide a good look into the legal system and lifestyles in the late 1800's. All in all, I believe this is a great representation of what took place regarding Mary Todd Lincoln and Robert Todd Lincoln.
May 29, 2017
I picked this up while visiting Hildene, Robert Todd Lincoln's estate in Manchester, Vermont. Lincoln, the eldest and only surviving son of Abraham and Mary Todd Lincoln, became quite prosperous in business as President of the Pullman rail car company. When his estate was turned over to a foundation in the 1970's a file of papers labeled MTL Insanity Papers was discovered in a safe in his study. Lincoln had preserved letters and legal documents about his mother being declared insane in 1875 and committed to an asylum in Illinois. The papers deal with the process of making the finding (through the opinions of experts) before a jury. The action also made Robert the conservator of Mary's money. Mary had continue after Lincoln's death to spend money wildly, often on buying sprees for clothes and jewelry that she never used. (She reminds one of the so-called "hoarders" shown on today's reality TV.)
The book delves into the historiography of previous efforts to describe the event and concludes that most were deficient in several ways, mostly portraying Mary as the subject of unfair treatment by the medical profession and legal processes. The author's conclude that Mary was indeed mentally unbalanced and that the efforts to protect her from herself and from dissipating her estate by continued compulsive spending were justified.
The story is a bit dry as it delves deeply into the legal proceedings that surrounded the affair. It's a quick read and does give insights into this complex person.
The book delves into the historiography of previous efforts to describe the event and concludes that most were deficient in several ways, mostly portraying Mary as the subject of unfair treatment by the medical profession and legal processes. The author's conclude that Mary was indeed mentally unbalanced and that the efforts to protect her from herself and from dissipating her estate by continued compulsive spending were justified.
The story is a bit dry as it delves deeply into the legal proceedings that surrounded the affair. It's a quick read and does give insights into this complex person.
October 4, 2022
I loved the style of this book. There were no preconceived notions (which I had that Mary Lincoln was mentally ill). The story is delivered in an unbiased fashion, laying out the facts for the reader to come to a conclusion. When I read the story, the author's credibility was cemented. It did not have lots of "filler" and therefore it was not a drawn-out story. It was easy to read and follow and extremely persuasive.
January 3, 2018
Powerful
I enjoyed this new look into Mary Todd Lincoln’s life. After visiting Hildene and learning of the history of Robert and his mother I had to read more. This book was well written and engaging enough to keep you turning the pages. The conclusion was a little too lengthy but it did add some interesting facts.
I enjoyed this new look into Mary Todd Lincoln’s life. After visiting Hildene and learning of the history of Robert and his mother I had to read more. This book was well written and engaging enough to keep you turning the pages. The conclusion was a little too lengthy but it did add some interesting facts.
January 9, 2022
do you have a weird obsession with this dead person?
are you writing a thesis on this?
do you have a sweet nana who gave this to you thinking you might like it?
if you answered no to all of these questions for the love of god do not read it
are you writing a thesis on this?
do you have a sweet nana who gave this to you thinking you might like it?
if you answered no to all of these questions for the love of god do not read it
March 28, 2023
The whole family was a bit touched by insanity. Thank goodness Illinois tried to protect those that were ill. The letters showed how much she liked shopping for just about anything. I am sure it was horrific to have to live with her and clean up the messes she made.
October 2, 2011
Very scholarly work about a fascinating and complex woman in history. Mary Todd Lincoln's insanity trial is one of continued mystery and intrigue,and this book sheds new light on it from a legal, cultural, and personal perspective. Robert Todd Lincoln's grandson allowed historians to go into his grandfather's summer home in Vermont, and they found a whole file of documents pertaining to MTL and the trial. Much of the court record was destroyed at some point, so this is a fantastic find.
I read this in almost one sitting, despite its difficult legal stuff. I am fascinated by MTL and her place in history. This book gave me some more stuff to think about in terms of her mental state, which clearly was not good, and whether or not she was a victim of forces greater than she could control. I still think Robert Todd Lincoln was motivated to get her committed out of personal embarrassment over her actions (she was a classic hoarder), but this book helped me understand some things about that era's views of insanity, and how that played into things. I also still believe she was a victim of that era's misogyny, as were most women. But she did do things that fueled Robert Lincoln's quest to have her controlled. The authors' examination of relevant law, and comparison to law at the time the book was written was interesting as well, especially as they claim she got a fairer shot then than she would have in 1986. I am not so sure I agree, but it's interesting to think about.
Her story could be ripped from the pages of Lindsay Lohan's life in many ways.
MTL was a very complicated person, and that is why she is so interesting.
I read this in almost one sitting, despite its difficult legal stuff. I am fascinated by MTL and her place in history. This book gave me some more stuff to think about in terms of her mental state, which clearly was not good, and whether or not she was a victim of forces greater than she could control. I still think Robert Todd Lincoln was motivated to get her committed out of personal embarrassment over her actions (she was a classic hoarder), but this book helped me understand some things about that era's views of insanity, and how that played into things. I also still believe she was a victim of that era's misogyny, as were most women. But she did do things that fueled Robert Lincoln's quest to have her controlled. The authors' examination of relevant law, and comparison to law at the time the book was written was interesting as well, especially as they claim she got a fairer shot then than she would have in 1986. I am not so sure I agree, but it's interesting to think about.
Her story could be ripped from the pages of Lindsay Lohan's life in many ways.
MTL was a very complicated person, and that is why she is so interesting.
April 21, 2011
Very interesting read. In the past I thought Mary Todd Lincoln had been unfairly committed to a mental health facilty in Batavia. This book using original documents show this not to be the case. Mary Todd Lincoln was clearly mentally ill -- most likely she was biopolar. She received a full trial with legal representation before being committed. I was plesantly suprised to learn that Illinois had very progresive laws with respect to protecting the rights of the mentally ill. Then as know it remains diffucult to involuntarily commit a mentally ill person. This book also left me feeling great sympathy for Robert Lincoln. He clearly tried his very best to care for his mentally ill mother. Mary was to ill to view her sons actions in a positive light. The relationship between mother and son in effect was destroyed by her mental illness. This is so sad and so often happens in families struggling with mental illness.
I had one problem with the book. At times I thought the authors used a tone that was too critical towards Mary Todd Lincoln. I think we should not loose sight of the fact that two of Mary's children died and that she watched her husband being murdered. These circumstances would cause great distress in and of itself. Then compound these circumstances with an underlying mental illness. I think the fact that Mary Todd Lincoln was able to survive at all should be commended.
I had one problem with the book. At times I thought the authors used a tone that was too critical towards Mary Todd Lincoln. I think we should not loose sight of the fact that two of Mary's children died and that she watched her husband being murdered. These circumstances would cause great distress in and of itself. Then compound these circumstances with an underlying mental illness. I think the fact that Mary Todd Lincoln was able to survive at all should be commended.
June 28, 2015
This book reads like a PhD dissertation. It is well sited and has a thorough discussion of the norms of the times well as the newly discovered "file" components. However, it was a little dry. I guess I was looking for more of the personal stories of Mary Todd and Robert in this journey. There was a bit of intrigue surrounding Mary's cunning in getting control of her finances back after the insanity verdict. To give credit, it is well thought out and written and does not stray into the author's personal conclusions on the case.
May 14, 2009
A detailed (and pretty dry) account of the file Robert Todd Lincoln compiled, concerning the commitment of his mother to, and eventual release from, insane asylum. The file includes correspondence among family members and court documents. RTL's grandson passed it along to the authors shortly before his death in the 1980s.
November 14, 2014
If you want a very detailed history of the legal proceedings of putting Mary Todd Lincoln in an asylum and all the political maneuvering she was involved in, this book is for you. There are insights to be gained into the Lincoln family and historical perspectives regarding "insanity". The story itself is fascinating. Too much detail for my taste.
March 2, 2009
This book is written from sources that have fairly recently come to light. The author debunks the common misconception that Mary Todd Lincoln's insanity trial was a travesty of justice, proving instead that it was among the most forward thinking policies of its kind.
May 9, 2009
Interesting presentation from a painful period in MTL's life. The letters reprinted here offer some insights into her understandably precarious state of mind during a most difficult period. Of course her son Robert burned many of the letters, but at least these survived the fire.
March 21, 2011
Perhaps 3.5 would be better. The book does a great job explaining why Robert Lincoln resorted to an insanity file which resulted in Mary Todd Lincoln's short stay in Batavia. I was much more sympathetic to him after reading the book.
September 5, 2014
not what I expected but interesting to know more about that time in history and the legal system.
December 15, 2016
Dry and slow
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