Abraham and Mary Lincoln: A House Divided. Directed by David Grubin. 3 DVD Set.

This PBS American Experience documentary explores President Abraham and Mary Lincoln’s relationship – their dissimilar backgrounds of farmer’s son and wealthy Southern belle, their political ambition, the family tragedies including the death of two sons and their distinctive personalities. Their love for each other through it all is evident as well.

What is fascinating about the DVDs is that the personal
lives of the Lincolns are framed by the Civil War and the stressful and difficult decisions the president had to make, almost daily, about politics, war strategy, and the lives of all Americans. The battles and generals of the war are covered as are the social issues of the time. There is a sadness that comes from realizing that the president took his first oath of office in March 1861, the Civil war started in April 1861 and that he was assassinated in April 1865 – the same month that the Civil War “ended” with Robert E. Lee’s surrender. He really had no peace from the stress of the conflict – or from personal loss that had a profound effect on both him and Mary. The 150th anniversary of the start of the Civil War is in 2011. This title would be a fitting introduction to understanding the Lincolns and the war or, for those who are buffs, a deeper look into our history.