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Mary Todd Lincoln: A Life from Beginning to End
It is no secret that Mary Todd Lincoln is one of the least popular first ladies in American history. She was considered a shrew, a spendthrift, and her own son had her declared insane. The truth behind Mary Todd Lincoln's lies in the fact that she was unable to conform to the feminine expectations of her times. Well-educated and filled with opinions, she defied conventions and incurred the wrath of the public who hated her for it.
Mary Todd Lincoln's life ran the gamut from Southern aristocrat, first lady, to a lonely old woman who was shunned by those who knew her. Not for one moment, however, was it a dull life.
Discover a plethora of topics such as
• Early Life at the Western Frontier
• America's First Lady
• The Assassination of Her Husband
• Exile in Europe
• Mary Todd Lincoln: Eccentric or Lunatic?
• Final Years and Death
• And much more!
Mary Todd Lincoln's life ran the gamut from Southern aristocrat, first lady, to a lonely old woman who was shunned by those who knew her. Not for one moment, however, was it a dull life.
Discover a plethora of topics such as
• Early Life at the Western Frontier
• America's First Lady
• The Assassination of Her Husband
• Exile in Europe
• Mary Todd Lincoln: Eccentric or Lunatic?
• Final Years and Death
• And much more!
46 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 14, 2020
237 people are currently reading
214 people want to read
About the author
Hourly History
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
October 31, 2022
Mary Todd Lincoln is a historical figure I knew little about. My knowledge consisted solely of her having been married to the president. It's unfair, really, for so many women to be known only by who they were married to and when I saw this short bio about her, had to download it.
It's a quick read, as are all Hourly History books, so named because you can read them in an hour (or three if you're a slow reader like me).
A few interesting bits:
•Mary was interested in politics from a young age, at a time when women were not allowed to vote, nor were they encouraged to even think about such things. She also had twelve years of schooling, which was rare for a female.
•Mary's eldest son Robert had her committed to an insane asylum, mainly due to her shopping habits.
•Mary and Abraham were married on my partner's and my anniversary, November 4th.
•Mary, in order to curtail household costs (because she was spending so much on clothing) dismissed some of the white staffers in the White House and replaced them with slaves, during the Civil War!
•She once bought a scarf that was $1,000. In the 1800s! To put this in perspective, her presidential widow's stipend was $1,200 a year.
Mary was not well liked and was much criticized for her extravagant shopping sprees. For instance, presidents were given a $20,000 redecoration stipend when they moved into the White House; Mary spent four times that amount.
It could be that she was using material possessions to help her deal with her grief over two of her sons' deaths. Women were expected to grieve quietly and did not usually attend funerals. Mary had no friends with whom to talk about her pain and of course there were no such things as therapists back then.
All in all, this is a very interesting book. Because it is short, the author does not go into much detail, and surely left out a lot of pertinent facts. However, I knew this would be the case going in and so was not disappointed.
I think it did its job by making me more curious about this misunderstood and ahead-of-her-time woman and will look for a more in-depth biography about her.
If you're looking for a quick, afternoon read and would like to learn more about Mary Todd Lincoln, this is an excellent choice.
It's a quick read, as are all Hourly History books, so named because you can read them in an hour (or three if you're a slow reader like me).
A few interesting bits:
•Mary was interested in politics from a young age, at a time when women were not allowed to vote, nor were they encouraged to even think about such things. She also had twelve years of schooling, which was rare for a female.
•Mary's eldest son Robert had her committed to an insane asylum, mainly due to her shopping habits.
•Mary and Abraham were married on my partner's and my anniversary, November 4th.
•Mary, in order to curtail household costs (because she was spending so much on clothing) dismissed some of the white staffers in the White House and replaced them with slaves, during the Civil War!
•She once bought a scarf that was $1,000. In the 1800s! To put this in perspective, her presidential widow's stipend was $1,200 a year.
Mary was not well liked and was much criticized for her extravagant shopping sprees. For instance, presidents were given a $20,000 redecoration stipend when they moved into the White House; Mary spent four times that amount.
It could be that she was using material possessions to help her deal with her grief over two of her sons' deaths. Women were expected to grieve quietly and did not usually attend funerals. Mary had no friends with whom to talk about her pain and of course there were no such things as therapists back then.
All in all, this is a very interesting book. Because it is short, the author does not go into much detail, and surely left out a lot of pertinent facts. However, I knew this would be the case going in and so was not disappointed.
I think it did its job by making me more curious about this misunderstood and ahead-of-her-time woman and will look for a more in-depth biography about her.
If you're looking for a quick, afternoon read and would like to learn more about Mary Todd Lincoln, this is an excellent choice.
November 18, 2020
"Even at a young age, Mary had an avid interest in politics. Her family were devoted Whigs. At the age of nine, she supported Zachary Taylor and refused to attend a parade for Andrew Jackson when he visited Lexington. Politics was discussed freely in the Todd house, and Mary developed her strong beliefs early on".
Mary Todd Lincoln: A Life from Beginning to End
by Hourly History
I love these type of books.
I remember back in elementary school reading about the Lincolns. However, that was a long time ago, (longer than I like to admit). I saw this book on Kindle and decided to read it.
I really enjoyed this book. It is short but covers so much. And I learned so much about Mrs. Lincoln. And I deeply respected her.
Mary Todd Lincoln was a woman ahead of her time which I am glad the writer notes. At a time when women were expected to be strong, silent and fade into the backround, Mary was blazing with intelligence and was both intelligent and sassy. People did not know what to make of her. But most of all she had a deep love of Politics that many could not understand because it was not proper for women to get involved in these things.
I related to her greatly. I am a political junkie who was born with it in my blood and have come across many people, even in today's times, who do not understand it. How difficult it must have been, being herself in a world that was so not open to change and non conformity. I have such admiration for her.
She did not seem happy as many have mentioned but how could she be? The wheelings and dealings of her son, Robert, were shocking and distasteful and I'd love if this writer were to research HIM because I'd love to know why he did the things he did to Mary.
The fact that she was disliked by many while alive and then revered after she died does show the hypocrisy of the general public and and of politics in general.
I enjoyed reading about President Lincoln as well, an unassuming farm boy who becomes one of the greatest presidents who ever lived.
I loved everything from reading about the people to the time period.
It was a quick and educational read that I would really recommend to just about anyone.
Mary Todd Lincoln: A Life from Beginning to End
by Hourly History
I love these type of books.
I remember back in elementary school reading about the Lincolns. However, that was a long time ago, (longer than I like to admit). I saw this book on Kindle and decided to read it.
I really enjoyed this book. It is short but covers so much. And I learned so much about Mrs. Lincoln. And I deeply respected her.
Mary Todd Lincoln was a woman ahead of her time which I am glad the writer notes. At a time when women were expected to be strong, silent and fade into the backround, Mary was blazing with intelligence and was both intelligent and sassy. People did not know what to make of her. But most of all she had a deep love of Politics that many could not understand because it was not proper for women to get involved in these things.
I related to her greatly. I am a political junkie who was born with it in my blood and have come across many people, even in today's times, who do not understand it. How difficult it must have been, being herself in a world that was so not open to change and non conformity. I have such admiration for her.
She did not seem happy as many have mentioned but how could she be? The wheelings and dealings of her son, Robert, were shocking and distasteful and I'd love if this writer were to research HIM because I'd love to know why he did the things he did to Mary.
The fact that she was disliked by many while alive and then revered after she died does show the hypocrisy of the general public and and of politics in general.
I enjoyed reading about President Lincoln as well, an unassuming farm boy who becomes one of the greatest presidents who ever lived.
I loved everything from reading about the people to the time period.
It was a quick and educational read that I would really recommend to just about anyone.
September 20, 2020
Mary Todd was indeed a woman before her time. In an era when women sipped tea and had parties, she breathed politics and political platforms. I think the book is accurate in stating that Mary Todd Lincoln was one of the most disliked first ladies in history. She and her unique story are as fascinating today as she was in the 1860s. I think that is why there have been so many books about the Lincoln family, particularly Mary.
I'm glad this book made a point of mentioning that another of Mary's suitors was Stephen Douglas (who would face Lincoln repeatedly in politics over the years). The person I really felt for was Robert, their only son to reach adulthood. He was sent to boarding school early on and didn't have a strong relationship with either Abe or Mary. Robert was either in attendance or near 3 American presidential assassinations. That had to have had a profound effect on him. All of the accolades and plush jobs Robert held came his way because he was Abraham Lincoln's son, not because of his own value.
This book makes an unfortunate implication when it states that after Mary's death, Robert got all of her assets. That may be true, but I think he was burdened with defending, protecting, and instituting (as insane) a mother to whom he was not particularly close. Mary was obviously out-of-control; I think the deaths of three of her sons (and then her famous husband) must have unhinged her. Since she was unpopular from an early age and did not have the personal insight to see the effects of her behavior on others, she was doomed to be despised and ridiculed. No doubt, Robert also carried that burden (people judging him based on his mother's out-of-control behaviors).
I'm glad this book made a point of mentioning that another of Mary's suitors was Stephen Douglas (who would face Lincoln repeatedly in politics over the years). The person I really felt for was Robert, their only son to reach adulthood. He was sent to boarding school early on and didn't have a strong relationship with either Abe or Mary. Robert was either in attendance or near 3 American presidential assassinations. That had to have had a profound effect on him. All of the accolades and plush jobs Robert held came his way because he was Abraham Lincoln's son, not because of his own value.
This book makes an unfortunate implication when it states that after Mary's death, Robert got all of her assets. That may be true, but I think he was burdened with defending, protecting, and instituting (as insane) a mother to whom he was not particularly close. Mary was obviously out-of-control; I think the deaths of three of her sons (and then her famous husband) must have unhinged her. Since she was unpopular from an early age and did not have the personal insight to see the effects of her behavior on others, she was doomed to be despised and ridiculed. No doubt, Robert also carried that burden (people judging him based on his mother's out-of-control behaviors).
February 11, 2022
After losing 3 sons and her husband the way her oldest son acted I think depression or even Bipolar could have been there
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 2, 2024
She is one of the most famous First ladies of the United States, yet no one knows anything about her except she went mad, which she didn't. Mary Todd Lincoln was probably eccentric and had a shopping addiction, but she wasn't mad or insane. She had an excellent education at a time when most women only attended grade school at best. She was opiniated, pushy and not afraid to speak her mind to anyone: that included her husband and members of the congress and cabinet.
I essentially knew very little about Mary Todd Lincoln until I read this short biography. She was use to privilege's as they were in the new nation, and she pushed or encouraged Abe in his political dealings and ambitions, as they were her ticket to a better life and living the high society life of Washington DC. She was ambitious and she got to live that life for 4 years even through the worst times of the Civil War. After Abe Lincoln was killed, she wandered through Europe until war broke out there and she came back home to the USA. She was depressed; essentially had no friends, and acted erratic at times when her son Robert , had her committed to an insane asylum where she spent a number of months planning her escape. An old friend had a judge give her another hearing where she was judged competent enough to win her freedom and resume her life again. Her Son Robert still followed her every move and tried to interfere with things she did. Their relationship had been on the rocks for years ever since she sent him away to boarding school to get the best education that she and Abe could possible give him. He rejected the idea and held a grudge against his parents, even though he had become a lawyer.
Mary eventually rebuilt her life with her sister and a few friends from her past, but was essentially forgotten by the American public, which really ate away at her. She still sometimes craved the attention and fame she once had when she was first lady. She was laid to rest in Springfield , IL with Abe when she passed away.
I found this a very enjoyable read. It was a great short biography that flowed along at a good pace and hit all the highlights of her life. This Hourly history series is one of my favorite things to read these days. I have a few more lined up in my kindle to read. 4 stars out of 5 for Mary Todd Lincoln.
I essentially knew very little about Mary Todd Lincoln until I read this short biography. She was use to privilege's as they were in the new nation, and she pushed or encouraged Abe in his political dealings and ambitions, as they were her ticket to a better life and living the high society life of Washington DC. She was ambitious and she got to live that life for 4 years even through the worst times of the Civil War. After Abe Lincoln was killed, she wandered through Europe until war broke out there and she came back home to the USA. She was depressed; essentially had no friends, and acted erratic at times when her son Robert , had her committed to an insane asylum where she spent a number of months planning her escape. An old friend had a judge give her another hearing where she was judged competent enough to win her freedom and resume her life again. Her Son Robert still followed her every move and tried to interfere with things she did. Their relationship had been on the rocks for years ever since she sent him away to boarding school to get the best education that she and Abe could possible give him. He rejected the idea and held a grudge against his parents, even though he had become a lawyer.
Mary eventually rebuilt her life with her sister and a few friends from her past, but was essentially forgotten by the American public, which really ate away at her. She still sometimes craved the attention and fame she once had when she was first lady. She was laid to rest in Springfield , IL with Abe when she passed away.
I found this a very enjoyable read. It was a great short biography that flowed along at a good pace and hit all the highlights of her life. This Hourly history series is one of my favorite things to read these days. I have a few more lined up in my kindle to read. 4 stars out of 5 for Mary Todd Lincoln.
February 17, 2024
I like the Hourly History books, as it's a summary of the biography of a person. It captures broad strokes and is not written in any depth whatsoever.
It is very quick to read, more like an essay, and helps me to decide which people's full biographies I would like to read.
Mary Todd Lincoln is portrayed as a difficult character, a "shrew" - had she been male, on the other hand, her characteristics and behaviour would, in my opinion, would have been dubbed as being a strong leader with original thoughts and opinions.
Her spendthrift behaviour might have been her way of giving an outlet to her frustrations of being born in the wrong century, being misunderstood, and having lost three sons...or having bipolar disorder - who knows?
It is very quick to read, more like an essay, and helps me to decide which people's full biographies I would like to read.
Mary Todd Lincoln is portrayed as a difficult character, a "shrew" - had she been male, on the other hand, her characteristics and behaviour would, in my opinion, would have been dubbed as being a strong leader with original thoughts and opinions.
Her spendthrift behaviour might have been her way of giving an outlet to her frustrations of being born in the wrong century, being misunderstood, and having lost three sons...or having bipolar disorder - who knows?
October 13, 2020
Mrs. Lincoln lost in history!
The book had various moments of sadness that brought out that women of the period didn’t realize that the feelings of a nation is not a humanitarian and her son Robert didn’t deserve the recognition he got as a lawyer and book confirmed that conflict Mrs Lincoln had wasn’t because of her personality it was more a social issues the book has its potential of showing a woman not belonging in 19 century but Mrs. Lincoln was 20th century women in her pains of losing a husband and three son would be less likely of a social victim and more people would of had more respect for her traditional behavior and more importantly respect for the wife of one nation greatest president!!!!
The book had various moments of sadness that brought out that women of the period didn’t realize that the feelings of a nation is not a humanitarian and her son Robert didn’t deserve the recognition he got as a lawyer and book confirmed that conflict Mrs Lincoln had wasn’t because of her personality it was more a social issues the book has its potential of showing a woman not belonging in 19 century but Mrs. Lincoln was 20th century women in her pains of losing a husband and three son would be less likely of a social victim and more people would of had more respect for her traditional behavior and more importantly respect for the wife of one nation greatest president!!!!
December 28, 2024
A Strange lady
I have always heard of how Mary Todd Lincoln was encentric. However after reading this short piece about her I now wonder if she wasn't a victim of her times. Brash, outspoken and a bit of a spendthrift she still has a place in American History. Was she insane? I don't know, but would anybody not be a little insane after having a loved one shot and killed in their presence. Whatever the case after reading this piece I have a great deal more sympathy for Mary Todd Lincoln.
I have always heard of how Mary Todd Lincoln was encentric. However after reading this short piece about her I now wonder if she wasn't a victim of her times. Brash, outspoken and a bit of a spendthrift she still has a place in American History. Was she insane? I don't know, but would anybody not be a little insane after having a loved one shot and killed in their presence. Whatever the case after reading this piece I have a great deal more sympathy for Mary Todd Lincoln.
August 22, 2025
Like many of us Mary suffered the consequences of her own choices and her own actions. There are people who suffer through no fault of their own- for the most part, Mary Todd Lincoln was not one of those persons. She seemed unwilling to learn from her mistakes and even made the circumstances of life she could not control even worse by what she could control. A sad life.
September 21, 2020
Unfairly Judged
After reading this book it seems to me that Mary Lincoln was very unfairly judged as a person. The time in which she lived treated her in ways that would not be today.
R.I.P. Mary Todd Lincoln
After reading this book it seems to me that Mary Lincoln was very unfairly judged as a person. The time in which she lived treated her in ways that would not be today.
R.I.P. Mary Todd Lincoln
September 21, 2020
As long as you have your expectations set correctly I think this book achieves its intended purpose.
I use these Hourly History books to decide if someone or some event is worth reading more about. In this case, I think not, but I'm glad I learned what I did.
I use these Hourly History books to decide if someone or some event is worth reading more about. In this case, I think not, but I'm glad I learned what I did.
July 8, 2021
It's a good high school level essay.
Lots of generic info, but it lacks depth. Several typos are confusing (like how much money she was granted as a widow). If you want a brief over, this could be a good choice.
Lots of generic info, but it lacks depth. Several typos are confusing (like how much money she was granted as a widow). If you want a brief over, this could be a good choice.
June 8, 2022
Mary Lincoln was ahead of her time in being educated, outspoken, and interested in politics. She married a poor but ambitious man and suffered many losses. This short 49-page biography doesn’t shed her in a good light, but it was interesting to learn more about this controversial first lady.
January 7, 2024
Really liked it.
So much I didn't know about Mary Todd Lincoln, apparently. She was one of the least popular first ladies in history with such of a temper not everybody liked her.
This book said it all.
So much I didn't know about Mary Todd Lincoln, apparently. She was one of the least popular first ladies in history with such of a temper not everybody liked her.
This book said it all.
December 13, 2025
I wanted to know a little more about Mary Todd Lincoln and this concise book gave me all the answers.
Mary Todd Lincoln was educated, intelligent, opinionated and feisty. She has been misjudged because she was ahead of her time.
Mary Todd Lincoln was educated, intelligent, opinionated and feisty. She has been misjudged because she was ahead of her time.
September 20, 2020
Interesting
I love history, and who knew right? She was a very strong minded woman and was born before her time.
I love history, and who knew right? She was a very strong minded woman and was born before her time.
September 21, 2020
An interesting read.
October 13, 2020
Good enough read, didn't know anything about her and it was just about her that was nice.
January 6, 2022
Excellent "Intro" to the life of Mary Lincoln. Better than most Hourly History books.
March 12, 2022
Sadly a misunderstood woman
The story of one of our great first ladies who had been maligned by
people who did not really know her .
The story of one of our great first ladies who had been maligned by
people who did not really know her .
May 13, 2022
Very interesting
I found the book very well written. We all knew about Abe but little about Mary.
Highly recommend reading about a woman before her tjme.
I found the book very well written. We all knew about Abe but little about Mary.
Highly recommend reading about a woman before her tjme.
July 22, 2023
Although this book seems to try to promote Mary Todd Lincoln rather than be balanced, it provided information I had never heard about her.
November 6, 2023
A lot of information that I didn't know in this book. A wonderful insite to her life.
March 20, 2024
Revealing biography
This short, concise biography of Mary is well written and informative. Quite enjoyable reading. If you want a quick and enlightening read, this is it.
This short, concise biography of Mary is well written and informative. Quite enjoyable reading. If you want a quick and enlightening read, this is it.
October 16, 2020
Short fat and eccentric
She will always be remembered as one of the least popular first ladies in history; narcissistic and selfish. She certainly was. If born a Kardashian, she would have been lauded and celebrated for her brashness and defiance of conventions. Fashion magazines would have celebrated her unique style instead of damning her extravagance.
She will always be remembered as one of the least popular first ladies in history; narcissistic and selfish. She certainly was. If born a Kardashian, she would have been lauded and celebrated for her brashness and defiance of conventions. Fashion magazines would have celebrated her unique style instead of damning her extravagance.
September 18, 2024
Eccentric or insane?
We all assume we know a great deal about Abraham Lincoln, but there’s not very much about the first lady “Mary Todd Lincoln” that many of us know. This hourly history shared good insight into the woman, why she was the way she was, and how and what she had to do to survive.
We all assume we know a great deal about Abraham Lincoln, but there’s not very much about the first lady “Mary Todd Lincoln” that many of us know. This hourly history shared good insight into the woman, why she was the way she was, and how and what she had to do to survive.
October 9, 2020
The book presents the facts about Abraham Lincoln's wive and leaves it up to the reader to draw their own conclusions. It seems to be she was not a very nice person. She was strongly focused on rising in social ranks (even though she married a guy that was a non-rich lawyer but did have promise) and when given a situation where money was available to her she did her best to spend all of it and even more as fast as she could.
She was outspoken and had a very great ability to make enemies. Lots of them.
The book goes into her birth and her upbringing (including a nasty stepmother.) It goes into how she had various suitors and how she actually ended up with Lincoln as her husband. The book describes her incredible spending while in the White House, her trips to Europe, her major problems with her son Richard, her being determined to be insane (and then determined not to be insane.)
It also goes into her life after Lincoln's assassination, her various trips and her (more) spending.
It's an interesting book about perhaps one of the worst First Lady's ever.
She was outspoken and had a very great ability to make enemies. Lots of them.
The book goes into her birth and her upbringing (including a nasty stepmother.) It goes into how she had various suitors and how she actually ended up with Lincoln as her husband. The book describes her incredible spending while in the White House, her trips to Europe, her major problems with her son Richard, her being determined to be insane (and then determined not to be insane.)
It also goes into her life after Lincoln's assassination, her various trips and her (more) spending.
It's an interesting book about perhaps one of the worst First Lady's ever.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews