Lincoln’s Lover: Mary Lincoln in Poetry is a compilation of poetry written by, for, and about Mary Lincoln dating from 1839 to 2012. Each poem is prefaced with brief explanations contextualizing the historical events of Mary’s life as portrayed in the poem, as well as an explanation of the poem and the poet who wrote it. Presented chronologically, the works offer a view of the changing perceptions of Mary Lincoln through the years. The poems show Mary as woman, wife, First Lady, and widow, as well as insane woman, complex individual, and intricate and indispensable part of her husband. A combination of poetry, history, and biography, Lincoln’s Lover is a unique book that allows readers to experience Mary Lincoln’s words, thoughts, experiences, and legacy as explained and exposed through poetry over the past 170 years.
“Jason Emerson has a unique and creative method of bringing us closer to the historical individuals who are the subjects of his scholarly research. To consider Mary Lincoln in terms of the poetry written “by, for, and about” her is to take perhaps a softer view of this frequently controversial and often maligned figure. As both a poet and a historian, Jason Emerson is in an extraordinary position to write this book. Reading it will give you a different perspective on Mary Todd Lincoln.”
— Sara Gabbard, former Executive Director, Friends of the Lincoln Collection of Indiana
“What an inspirational and unique book of poetry and verse about Mary Lincoln, first lady/widow of our assassinated president.”
— Mary A. Regula, Founder and former president, First Ladies National Historic Site
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