First published in 1932; this was the first thoroughly researched biography of Mary Lincoln everwritten; and it remains the most balanced and complete work on this controversial First Lady. Author W. A. Evans challenges the disparaging views of Mary Lincoln that were generally accepted at the time; offering a comprehensive and informed look at a woman whose physical and mental health problems have often been misconstrued or overlooked by other biographers. Evans conducted extensive research; interviewing Mrs. Lincoln’s family members; seeking advice and assistance from numerous Lincoln scholars and historians; scouring thousands of pages of contemporary newspapers and primary resources; reviewing correspondence Mary wrote during her stay at Bellevue Place sanitarium; and consulting with several medical experts. The result of all this research is an objective and detailed portrait of Mrs. Lincoln and her influence on her husband that still has a great deal of historical value for readers today. A new foreword by Jason Emerson; author of The Madness of Mary Lincoln; provides biographical information on Evans and background on the origins of the book and its reception and influence. Finally back in print; this classic biography is essential reading for all with an interest in the Lincoln family.
#370140 in Books Paulist Press 2000-01Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.03 x 1.51 x 6.05l; 1.65 #File Name: 0809138948550 pages
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. A Standard Book on Celtic ChristianityBy HikeThis is a standard book on Celtic spirituality and includes a good sampling of Celtic literature. It is not a compendium of Celtic literature or culture. Celtic resources are quite fragmented and one can spend a fortune getting a complete set. But this does give a good taste of Celtic Christianity.I purchased a used copy and it was used as a textbook for some course somewhere. So; you might be able to find a course; a seminar; a discussion group that uses this book. It would be good to read with someone knowledgeable of the Celts and their culture since many have mis-interpreted their thoughts and beliefs.5 of 5 people found the following review helpful. Anthology of Primary TextsBy Theophan EdwardsThis book is fantastic; offering a well selected variety of early Celtic Christian literature. The selections; (many for the first time translated into English) offer a real feel for the dispositions; theology; and flavor of the early Celtic Christian. The introductory chapters offer valuable contextual information. If there is a fault with the introduction; it is that it leaves the reader thirsting for more. The end notes; as well; communicate important information regarding descriptions of geography; information explaining items which may not be self-explanatory to the first time student in this field of study. As with the introduction; the end notes leave the reader thirsting for more. I really only have one major complained or criticism: I hate end notes. Placing the references; etc; as foot notes is much more convenient; easier to locate; and keeps the reference in the context of the main texts. I wish for many more volumes such as this. In the meantime I continue rereading this one to two times per year; and continually looking up references. For a student of the early Celtic Church who is not fluent in either Latin or any of the early Irish; Scot; or Welsh languages; this book is a must read; and will provide much spiritual edification. An invaluable resource to include in one's library.112 of 117 people found the following review helpful. An excelent overview for the intelligent and serious readerBy Sean A. LotzIn my eighteen or so years as a Celtic Catholic; and especially in the past five years; I have seen the term "Celtic Christianity" applied to everything from the sublime (love of nature and the saints) to the ridiculous (giving communion to your dog) to the utterly intolerable (worshipping pagan gods). Some modern writers on the theme do an excellent job of interpreting this strand of the Christian Faith for the modern reader; others are better left unread. So where is a serious inquirer to go for "the real goods"? Where to find out what our ancient Fathers and Mothers in the Faith really believed; thought; and did? Davies's book is an excellent resource.Limiting his own comments and interpretations to the introduction (and with an excellent preface by James Mackey); Davies contents himself with providing clear and easily readable translations of original source material. Some of the most important documents for understanding the mind of the early Celtic Christian are here. You can read all of St. Patrick's own writings and the ancient biography by Muirchú. Discover the most ancient accounts of St. Brigit; St. Brendan; St. David; and even the dear but little-known St. Melangell and her hare. But that's not all. There is the monastic Rule of St. Columbanus; ten Irish poems; twenty Welsh poems; and several devotional prayer-poems. You can find some of the oldest Celtic liturgical material; interpretations of Scriptural passages; ten ancient sermons; and some theology courtesy of Pelagius and John Scottus Eriugena.This is all original material; carefully translated and presented in an easy-to-use format. But it's not dry dusty stuff: it breathes a freshness from the early days of the Faith that is sometimes missing from more modern writers. We've perhaps been around too long; thought about it too much. Our Celtic saints got the good news "hot off the press;" and embraced it with a shocking enthusiasm which is good for us jaded post-moderns. I hope you read this book and enjoy it as much as I have.
