"A spirited and poignant family love story, revealing how an icon of rugged American masculinity was profoundly shaped by the women in his life, especially his mother, sisters, and wives" -- Provided by publisher.

Preface --Part one: Teedie & Edie, 1852-1878. Teedie -- Edie -- On his own -- Part two: Sunshine, 1878-1884. "A rare and radiant maiden" -- Courting Alice -- "Nothing Whatever Else but you" -- Part three: "The light has gone out of my life," 1884-1887. Nevermore -- "Hell, with the fires out" -- Reunited -- Part four. Destiny and the Republic, 1887-1901. "Twenty-three crossings at breakneck speed" -- The crowded hour -- A rising tide -- Part five: The women in the arena, 1901-1948. Partners in history -- Triumph, regret, and relief -- Lion in winter -- Put out the light -- Afterword: Cleared for strange ports.