The Lincolns in the White House: Four Years That Shattered a Family

From the day of Abraham Lincolns inauguration, a nation divided by savage conflict confronted the new president. But what many dont know was that within the White Houses walls, the Lincolns family would soon find itself suffering turmoil mirroring that of the nation he led. Savagely criticized for her extravagance by the American public and widely distrusted because of her southern roots, first lady Mary Lincolns increasing instability would deeply strain her marriage and eventually end in her mental collapse. The couple was devastated when eleven-year-old Willie died in the White House of typhoid fever. Tad, the youngest son, remained the family joy despite his physical impairments. Though their son Roberts success at Harvard made his parents proud, his relationship with them was troubled and would result in a painful estrangement, one which would eventually permanently separate him from his mother. The presidents assassination brutally crushed Marys always-fragile spirits. After leaving the White House and following Tads early death, the former first lady retreated into increasing eccentricity and seclusion until her death in 1882. A moving and poignant portrait of the family life of Americas greatest president., ISBN13:9780312313029 ISBN10:0312313020 Material Type:hardcover