When Abraham Lincoln married pretty Mary Todd he gave her a ring with the words "Love is Eternal" in it. This love, returned in full measure, sustained Mary through a life of joy and bitter sorrow.

The popular Kentucky belle had her choice of young men, but in the tall penniless lawyer who was born in the backwoods she saw greatness. As his wife and first lady, Mary Lincoln became an important part of our nation's history.

Mary's life with Abe had many happy times. There were family picnics and fishing trips with the four little Lincoln boys. In the White House she entertained princes and generals.

But when Civil War split the nation Mary's world started to fall apart. Friends and relatives fell in battle. Her son Willie died, and her beloved husband was assassinated.

After the president's death, Mary lived a quiet life. She cherished the memories of their life together. Many years later Mary died in the same house where she and Abe Lincoln had been married. On her finger she still wore the ring that said, "Love is Eternal."

From the dust jacket