Loving Lincoln: A Personal History of the Women Who Shaped Lincoln's Life and Legacy features thirty historical and personal essays, and within them, the stories of more than ninety women, each with their own mini biographies in an appendix. Among them are Lincoln's friends, clients, and extended family, as well as writers, artists, and--blurring the lines between history and memoir--author Stacy Lynn herself. Lynn presents a fresh perspective on Lincoln, connecting his story to the stories of women and showcasing his kindness, sensitivity, and moral center. She explores how women shaped Lincoln's inspirational legacy and pays homage to all the women who gave Lincoln to the world.
Mary Lincoln: Southern Girl, Northern Woman explores the life of Mary Todd Lincoln, Abraham Lincoln's wife. The book delves into her upbringing in the South, her complex personality, and her role during Abraham Lincoln's presidency. It offers insights into her struggles and contributions, providing a comprehensive portrayal of a significant figure in American history. The book sheds light on the challenges she faced as a First Lady and her impact on the social and political landscape of the time.
In this book, Ray Dalio provides a groundbreaking analysis of the Big Debt Cycle, addressing critical questions about debt growth, the potential for a major reserve currency country like the US to go broke, and how to identify and mitigate debt-related risks. Dalio draws on his experience as a global macro investor and his study of 35 historical cases of governments facing financial crises over the past 100 years. He offers a template for identifying and managing debt problems, which he has discussed with treasury secretaries and central bankers worldwide. The book explains the mechanics of debt sustainability, potential government debt reduction strategies, and the role of central bank interventions in managing debt crises.
Abraham Lincoln belongs to everybody. The women he interacted with helped forge the outstanding moral character of America's greatest president. Loving Lincoln: A Personal History of the Women Who Shaped Lincoln's Life and Legacy (Southern Illinois University Press, 2025) features thirty historical and personal essays, and within them, the stories of more than ninety women, each with their own mini biographies in an appendix. Among them are Lincoln's friends, clients, and extended family, as well as writers, artists, and--blurring the lines between history and memoir--author Stacy Lynn herself.
As a professional Lincoln scholar and editor, Lynn was often frustrated that male historians often overlooked Lincoln's love for and friendship with women. Here, she posits a new paradigm--one that, instead of downplaying women, lifts up their interactions with Lincoln.
Lincoln understood the importance of the women in his life, and he put women's wellbeing at the center of his personal, professional, and political ethos. He was loved by two strong pioneer mothers as well as sisters, friends, nieces, friends' daughters, and his wife. He served women clients during his long legal career. As president, he met with women, dedicating time to hear their concerns despite the burdens of office. He replied to letters women wrote him. He believed in their capabilities and revolutionized the role of women in the workforce. After Lincoln's death, women continued to shape his legacy. Mary Lincoln ensured his burial among friends, artist Vinnie Ream sculpted his statue in the US Capitol, and biographer Ida Tarbell provided a nuanced portrayal of his life. Harriet Monroe and Ruth Painter Randall further cemented his place in literature and history.
Lynn presents a fresh perspective on Lincoln, connecting his story to the stories of women and showcasing his kindness, sensitivity, and moral center. She explores how women shaped Lincoln's inspirational legacy and pays homage to all the women who gave Lincoln to the world. Lynn's unique blending of history, biography, and her own story reveals the ways in which an emotional connection to the historical figures one studies opens the door to richer human and historical understanding. By inviting readers to feel the past as well as read it, Lynn demonstrates that history matters most when it engages our minds and hearts.
Stacy Lynn edited Abraham Lincoln's papers for twenty-five years. She is the author or editor of four books, including Mary Lincoln: Southern Girl, Northern Woman. She is associate editor of the Jane Addams Papers.
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