Mrs. Lincoln's Dressmaker: The Unlikely Friendship of

Mrs. Lincoln's Dressmaker: The Unlikely Friendship of Elizabeth Keckley and Mary Todd Lincoln

Few events can stir up a scandal more than an autobiography of a First Ladyâ€™s confidante. In 1868, a controversial tell-all called Behind the Scenes introduced readers to Elizabeth Hobbs Keckley. Mrs. Keckley was a former slave who had been Mary Todd Lincolnâ€™s dressmaker and friend during the White House years, and in the aftermath of President Lincolnâ€™s assassination. The book exposed Maryâ€™s marriage and her erratic behavior, along with confidential opinions of many in high society. The airing of the Lincoln's "dirty laundry" meant humiliation for Mary and her family, and Elizabethâ€™s reputation was destroyed. This outcome would have been unimaginable in 1867, when Mary declared in a letter, "I consider you my best living friend." How could such a bond have developed between a woman born into slavery and the First Lady of the United States? Mrs. Lincolnâ€™s Dressmaker answers this question by chronicling the extraordinary lives of these women.

Readers will be fascinated by a tale of friendship and fate. The pair seem like polar opposites: Lizzie is calm, dignified, with a steely inner strength; Mrs. Lincoln is fragile, unstable and flighty. Yet both share a burning resolve to get what they want. Mrs. Lincolnâ€™s Dressmaker examines the strains on such a unique friendship, as itâ€™s debated and parodied in newspapers. Lizzie must frequently leave her work to attend to the demands of Mrs. Lincoln. She offers constant support and companionship, particularly after the assassination of the President. In return, the dressmaker enjoys all the prestige and the popularity of those close to power.

Readers witness Elizabeth Keckley in her many roles: from fashion designer to abolitionist to caretaker. They follow her through the Civil War, the evils of slavery, and the many challenges faced alongside the First Lady. Handsome duotone illustrations include daguerreotypes, photos, paintings, and illustrations of the Lincoln's, Mrs. Keckley, and her masters. The bookâ€™s elegant design emphasizes period fashion and the art of dressmaking.

Mrs. Lincolnâ€™s Dressmaker tells the remarkable story of a forgotten figure whose influence ran deep and offers a revealing insight into an extraordinary relationship at the very heart of Abraham Lincolnâ€™s presidency.

National Geographic supports K-12 educators with ELA Common Core Resources.
VisitÂ www.natgeoed.org/commoncoreÂ for more information.
Country USA
Brand National Geographic Kids
Manufacturer National Geographic Kids
Binding Hardcover
ItemPartNumber 9781426303777
Color Grey
ReleaseDate 2009-01-13
UnitCount 1
EANs 9781426303777

Country	USA
Brand	National Geographic Kids
Manufacturer	National Geographic Kids
Binding	Hardcover
ItemPartNumber	9781426303777
Color	Grey
ReleaseDate	2009-01-13
UnitCount	1
EANs	9781426303777

Mrs. Lincoln's Dressmaker: The Unlikely Friendship of Elizabeth Keckley and Mary Todd Lincoln

You might also like...