The truth about the President's wife has for years been hidden under a mountain of myth built up largely by Lincoln's biographer and law partner, William H. Herndon. Now for the first time the true woman beneath that myth is presented in a warmly sympathetic biography based on new research. When the veil of legend surrounding her is torn aside, an entirely new picture of a woman and a marriage emerges.

LC copies 3 and 4 have dust jackets.

Young Mary in young Springfield -- Joshua Speed's friend -- "Mind-Education-Raising" -- Broken engagement -- "I awfully forebode" -- A duel prevented but not a wedding -- "Four dollars a week" -- "Women and oxen" -- "The happiest stages of life" -- "Tears on the jury" -- In-law problems -- "Little Eddie" -- "Good neighbors" -- "Fizzle-gigs and Fire-works" -- Widening circle -- Tangled Tales and Good-by Springfield -- "Pits and Pinnacles of Change" -- "Empaneled to convict" -- Attention of the President's wife -- Further activities of the First Lady -- "Flub Dubs" with complications -- White House family -- "Furnace of affliction" -- Dark whisperings -- Telegrams -- "If he is re-elected" -- As ardent as an abolitionist -- City point -- Last ride together -- "Without him" -- Herndon lectures on Ann Rutledge -- The old-clothes scandal -- "Without Taddie": Insanity? -- "Dear Lewis."