Presidential marriages are subjects of intense fascination. How do they impact political history? Government policy? Is a scandal brewing? When it comes to Abraham Lincoln to Mary Todd, Dr. Michael Burlingame - one of America's most prolific Lincoln scholars - argues their marriage is ripe for answers to all three questions. 

Listen as we discuss his new book, "An American Marriage: The Untold Story of Abraham Lincoln and Mary Todd," and how their relationship changed both people, as well as how it shaped American history. Burlingame describes both characters at being inept at love, but for different reasons. Lincoln lost his mother, Mary Todd needed the love her father never provided. Despite physical and emotional abuse, the Lincoln marriage forged his political career, and helped meet her lifelong goal of becoming First Lady of the United States. Indeed, it is a story unlike any other.

Dr. Burlingame's website is michaelburlingame.com

Support our show at patreon.com/axelbankhistory

**A portion of every contribution will be given to a charity for children's literacy**

"Axelbank Reports History and Today" can be found on social media at 

twitter.com/axelbankhistory

instagram.com/axelbankhistory

facebook.com/axelbankhistory