By LaVere Anderson. Garrard Publishing Company, Champaign, Illinois, 1971. Hardcover with dust jacket, very nicely illustrated by William Hutchinson, 80 pages. Light wear to dust jacket. Very tight, clean book in excellent condition.

Eight year old Tad Lincoln saw to it that life in the White House was unpredictable and full of fun in 1861. The hijinks and horseplay of the president's youngest son involved everyone from gardeners to cabinet members.

Tad and his friends got lost in the Capitol basement, went sledding in the White House attic, and Tad, to the astonishment of visitors, drove a team of goats through the beautiful East Room. But most exciting of all to Tad was the big party his Pa gave for the midget Tom Thumb and his bride.

Life in Washington also held personal tragedy for the Lincoln family. Willie became sick and died. The president, burdened with sorrow, found solace in Tad. Sensing his father's need, Tad became his constant companion, giving him help and encouragement during the dark hours of the Civil War.

In this biography of Tad Lincoln, at play and in moments of great sorrow, he emerges as a very real and unforgettable little boy.