Title: The madness of Mary Lincoln /
Authors: Emerson, Jason, 1975-
Publisher: Southern Illinois University Press,
Year: 2007
Subjects: Lincoln, Abraham.; Lincoln, Mary Todd.; Lincoln, Mary Todd, Mental health.; Lincoln, Abraham, Family.; Presidents' spouses United States Biography; Mental illness United States Case studies.; Mental Disorders history; Bipolar Disorder history; Depressive Disorder history; United States
Abstract: The Madness of Mary Lincoln is the first examination of Mary Lincoln's mental illness based on the lost letters, and the first new interpretation of the insanity case in twenty years. This compelling story of the purported insanity of one of America's most tragic first ladies provides new and previously unpublished materials, including the psychiatric diagnosis of Mary's mental illness and her lost will. This book reveals Abraham Lincoln's understanding of his wife's mental illness and the degree to which he helped keep her stable. It also traces Mary's life after her husband's assassination, including her severe depression and physical ailments, the harsh public criticism she endured, the Old Clothes Scandal, and the death of her son Tad. -- from publisher's description.
Contents: Much like an April day -- A most painful time of anxiety -- No right to remain upon earth -- Of unsound mind -- Mrs. Lincoln admitted today -- It does not appear that God is good -- No more insane than I am -- A deeply wronged woman -- Resignation will never come -- To be destroyed immediately -- Epilogue -- Appendix 1 : unpublished Mary Todd Lincoln letters -- Appendix 2 : legal documents pertaining to the sale and destruction of the Mary Lincoln insanity letters -- Appendix 3 : the psychiatric illness of Mary Lincoln / James S. Brust, M.D.