It's called "Lincolon's Melancholy" and it's all about "How Depression Fueled his Greatness"
It's interesting so far, in a Lincoln/history nerd way and in a reading about depression kind of way. All those 19th century perceptions of melancholy as *manly*... Plus, the author says the thought of a gay Lincoln is titillating. Bonus.
You're reading about the wrong Lincoln. Mary Todd Lincoln had what is now known as classic manic depression. This explains perfectly why she went on these buying sprees, spending hundreds of thousands of dollars for shit for the White House when every available cent was supposed to go to the war effort. After Lincoln got shot, Robert (who soundsl ike a total asshole) had her committed because it sounded like he was afraid he'd be liable for her debts. He certainly didn't give a rat's ass about her. Both Lincolns were tragic. Two out of three of their sons died and it left them the walking wounded. But Mary Todd was fascinating. Her family was southern and a great many of them fought on the conferderate side. he used to call her "Mother," which creepy on a zillion different levels, but appareently, despite her craziness, he was devoted to her.
Apparently, he told a friend before he married her that she'd be the death of him. She sounds high strung but like...normal in a sense...according to the book she was the bright, ambitious woman and then the rules for a married woman and the death of her kids sort of drove her over the edge.
Also, she used to smack him occasionally, I guess, and other people.
Guess crazies are attracted to other crazies. *cough* Rene *cough*
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It's interesting so far, in a Lincoln/history nerd way and in a reading about depression kind of way. All those 19th century perceptions of melancholy as *manly*... Plus, the author says the thought of a gay Lincoln is titillating. Bonus.
From:
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Also, she used to smack him occasionally, I guess, and other people.
Guess crazies are attracted to other crazies. *cough* Rene *cough*