Mary Todd Lincoln: First Lady of Controversy

Here are a few spreads from the catalog for an exhibit of the same name.

There’s Something About Mary [Todd Lincoln].

The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library Foundation and Museum called upon Creativille, to design the the companion book to their current exhibit, “Mary Todd Lincoln: First Lady of Controversy.” Written by Tom Schwartz, resident Lincoln historian, and packed full of artifacts and ephemera from Mary’s life, this catalogue introduces the controversial First Lady to Lincoln fans and historians as no other book has before.

Creativille takes care in representing the content and context of any piece in the final design. In Mary’s case, this book conveys the sophistication of a first lady with a touch of opulence with a foil-stamped monogram (based on Mary’s personal wax stamp) and a debossed texture of Mary’s handwriting.

“I’m very proud of this book,” Steve Hartman says, “its a beautiful catalogue, it’s very respectful to one of America’s most interesting First Ladies, and a great artifact of both American and Illinois history. The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum is a first class institution and a great client. I think this book really captures their excellence.”

Mary Todd Lincoln: First Lady of Controversy is published by the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library Foundation, 96 page book, double cover.

This one-of-a-kind book is still available for purchase at the Museum book store, online.

Filed under: Book Design, Creativille, First Lady, Illinois History, Mary Todd Lincoln, Steve Hartman, Tom Schwartz