House of Abraham

Historian Stephen Berry examines the devastating personal impact of the Civil War through the story of one representative family, the Todds, who were related to President Lincoln through his marriage to Mary Todd Lincoln. Using his access to family letters which he discovered while doing research, Berry is able to provide first-hand accounts of the suffering, as Todds fought on both sides and lost several men in battle. Berry provides historical context, and examines how these relations may have shaped Lincoln`s own views, which he expressed in the conciliatory language in, for example, the Second Inaugural address. Copyright (C) Muze Inc. 2005. For personal use only. All rights reserved.