Product Description
The wives of Woodrow Wilson were strikingly different from each other. Ellen Axson Wilson, quiet and intellectual, died after just a year and a half in the White House and is thought to have had little impact on history. Edith Bolling Wilson was flamboyant and confident but left a legacy of controversy. Yet, as Kristie Miller shows, each played a significant role in the White House.

Miller presents a rich and complex portrait of Wilson's wives, one that compels us to reconsider our understanding of both women. Ellen comes into clear focus as an artist and intellectual who dedicated her talents to an ambitious man whose success enabled her to have a significant influence on the institution of the first lady. Miller's assessment of Edith Wilson goes beyond previous flattering accounts and critical assessments. She examines a woman who overstepped her role by hiding her husband's serious illness to allow him to remain in office. But, Miller concludes, Edith was acting as she knew her husband would have wished.

Miller explains clearly how these women influenced Woodrow Wilson's life and career. But she keeps her focus on the women themselves, placing their concerns and emotions in the foreground. She presents a balanced appraisal of each woman's strengths and weaknesses. She argues for Ellen's influence not only on her husband but on subsequent first ladies. She strives for an understanding of the controversial Edith, who saw herself as Wilson's principal advisor and, some would argue, acted as shadow president after his stroke. Miller also helps us better appreciate the role of Mary Allen Hulbert Peck, whose role as Wilson's "playmate" complemented that of Ellen--but was intolerable to Edith.

Especially because Woodrow Wilson continues to be one of the most-studied American presidents, the task of recognizing and understanding the influence of his wives is an important one. Drawing extensively on the Woodrow Wilson papers and newly available material, Miller's book answers that call with a sensitive and compelling narrative of how private and public emotions interacted at a pivotal moment in the history of first ladies

This book is part of the Modern First Ladies series. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

A Biography that Reads Like a Novel
I really enjoyed this crisply written portrait of two remarkable women, or should I say three, if one counts a possible mistress. Who knew that President Woodrow Wilson was such a ladies' man? Kristie Miller brings alive an important period in American history and helps to set the record straight on the second Mrs Wilson's role when Wilson became incapacitated in office. I particularly enjoyed the back stories of the struggle for civil rights for African Americans and women and the struggle with Congress over the League of Nations. How many biographies have you read lately that offer the (slightly guilty) pleasures of reading a good novel? This one does. ... Read more

Product Description
This comprehensive book explores the lives of the remarkable women who made the White House their home. It includes biographies of all the first ladies, along with a portrait or photograph of each. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Solidly Packed with Fact and Pictures
This book passes the jealousy test: I am jealous that I did not write it. It is crammed with facts about all the first ladies from Martha to Laura. Each woman is pictured (usually in color) with a one or 1 1/2 page discussion of their life and times. What amazed me was the large number of first ladies with major health problems including strokes, seizures (Elizabeth Monroe fell into a fireplace during a seizure, causing herself serious injury and William McKinley would put his handkerchief over his wife Ida's face when she had an attack at state dinners), and yes there was malaria, tuberculosis, pneumonia, and psychotic depressions (Mrs. Lincoln clearly was bipolar with her spending sprees alternating with her gloom). For a first lady to spend years in her room writing letters to her dead son doesn't seem right. But I am not going to tell you who that was. You'll have to read the book. Vignette: Anna Tuthill Symmes Harrison didn't go to the inauguration of her husband because she felt the weather was too bad. President Harrison, age 78 at the time, refused a carriage ride home saying that he was an old soldier and would ride back on his horse. He got pneumonia and died soon thereafter proving the wife had better judgment that he did. I liked the way Martha Washington would camp with George and act as his personal secretary during the Revolutionary war and, following her example, so did Julia Grant camp with Ulysses during the Civil war. Would we let women in the tents of their men during a military campaign now? The past is a different country. They do things differently there. If you like short and sweet biography about lives well lived, take a look at The First Ladies of the White House.

informative
this is a nice book on all the first ladies,not one of the best ones available but nice just the same. The details give you a brief summary of what life was like for them before, during and after there husbands term(s)in office. Some of the older photographs are the sameones that have appeared in other history books but the brief description of the contrubtion these women made to this country makes this book a little gem.

First Ladies of the White House
This shows that women are power in their own ways.It also shows pictures of her, him, and the family.It aslo show some rooms, hitorical information of that time. It gives this the idea of what happened then, and it shows the administration, dob and dod.The wierd thng about it is 80% are done in paintings, even the time when we had photographs!!!Also there is a picture that is repeted the background of another picture, too!( and they were painted 20 years apart!)It even gives the election results of the 43rd pres. election.I would rate this book 5 stars.

SAM ... Read more

Product Description
120 full-color and b&w illus. 9 1/4 x 12 3/4. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

So Much Potential, Such Weak Outcome
This well-illustrated book falls short in terms of accuracy and lame editorial remarks, like this one about Reagan's fight with Alzheimer's:"The public responded sympathetically to this courageous admission and wished the Reagans well."I mean, I know what the author is trying to say, but it sounds like she is trying to wrap up the Reagan chapter and can't think of anything better to say.Up until his funeral, the man remained a controversial figure, and was frequently the butt of mean-spirited remarks, even related to his tragic final illness.

She describes the Clintons:"searching to find a way to shape and renew the nation in a continuing progression toward the promise of the future."What does that mean?What President DIDN'T have the same goal?

There are gross errors, like the picture of Benjamin Harrison, which is not him, but a by-stander in the same picture.It is missing information on the date of death of Louisa Adams, in the little factoid box on the margins.

Speaking of the factoid boxes, they are hard to follow, using a different format for First Ladies than what is used for the Presidents.

Basically, what this book needs is a little editing and proofreading.It may be said that it was written for maybe mid-late elementary children, but please make sure it has no errors, especially if that were the case!

I would recommend another picture book of the same topic. ... Read more

Product Description
Published to accompany the book Presidents of the United States of America is, of course, a book on the First Ladies. It provides considered insight into the lives of the First Ladies, drawing on the portraits from the White House Historical Association’s collection. Not all first ladies have been wives of the presidents. Sisters, daughters, nieces and other relatives have assumed the responsibility of the White House hostess. Each has a unique story and an important place in history ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Little Known Facts
This slim volume gives brief biographies of all the wives and women who stood by Presidents and helped them in invaluable ways to have memorable Administrations.

A Captivating Look at our First Ladies
I bought this book with its companion book, "The Presidents of the United States of America" and loved both of them.This gives a very interesting look into the lives of the past and current First Ladies, from childhood until death.There is a 2-page spread on each First Lady with a good sized portrait or photograph to accompany each one, almost all being in color.I was disappointed with the portrait chosen for Jackie Kennedy, which didn't do her justice, but all the rest are lovely.A very entertaining read for children or adults about the many wives, sisters, neices, and daughters of our presidents who resided as "First Lady" of the White House.I couldn't put it down! ... Read more

Product Description
The great-granddaughter of a slave, Michelle Obama made history when she became the first African-American first lady of the United States. She is a hardworking wife, mother, Harvard graduate, and community volunteer who brings grace and style to a new era in the White House. From her childhood in Chicago to her days in the White House, this photo-biography celebrates the events in Michelle Obama s life during her journey into history. Kids will also enjoy some fun photos of Michelle riding a bike with her daughter and doing the hula hoop! ... Read more

Product Description
Before the historic presidential election of 2008, LIFE Books published a best-selling volume entitled The American Journey of Barack Obama. In researching that book, the editors came to be deeply impressed not only by the exotic story of the candidate himself but also by the life and personality of the woman who would, if Obama were to prevail, enter the White House at his side. Michelle Robinson, the daughter of a Chicago municipal worker-and, in fact, a woman with slavery represented in her family tree-had risen to be educated in the Ivy League and was already embarked upon a successful legal career back in theWindy City before she ever met Barack Obama.Once she did, these two bright, charismatic young people influenced each other and rose together in Chicago politics. The rest, as they say, is history.

As the nation came to know Michelle Obama, the nation fell for her-and for Malia and Sasha as well (plus now, of course, Bo). The same has happened on the world stage, where it has been observed that Michelle, with her vivacity and sense of style, has sometimes eclipsed her husband in the way that Jackie Kennedy outshone JFK back in the early 1960s.

Meantime, Michelle has been out and about in Washington, working at the food bank, tending the garden, shepherding the kids. That, too, is part of the story-and all of it is here, in words and vibrant pictures, in LIFE's Michelle Obama: A Portrait of the First Lady. This is Michelle's story, from her girlhood to her current crucial role. It is not the story of the President's wife. It is the complete, illustrated biography of one of the most intriguing and captivating women in America. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Life Michelle Obama:A Portrait of the First Lady
This book is super.The color and the messaging are great.Also, the quick turn around time from my order to my receipt of the book was excellent.Amazon.com you are the BEST!

Yvonne J. Morse
National Distinguished Principal Retired ... Read more

Product Description
A compendium of biographies of those who have served as America's president, vice president and first lady. The biographies of the presidents are detailed and feature three-quarter length portraits. First ladies and vice presidents receive shorter biographies, each including a portrait. ... Read more

Product Description
A dual biography of Colorado's last territorial governor and first state governor, John L. Routt and his wife, Eliza. In addition to being elected governor twice and serving as mayor of Denver, Routt's business acumen earned him the titles Bonanza King and Cattle King.

Eliza's contribution to the new state included years of service as the first woman appointed to the state Board of Agriculture. She had the distinction of being the first woman registered to vote in Colorado. Their story is the exciting story of the early days of Colorado statehood.

Richly illustrated with historic photographs, many in print for the first time. Foreword by former Colorado Governor Richard D. Lamm. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Impressive!
Joyce Lohse has written a book impressive for its detailed knowlege of many important events in Colorado History. Included are numerous fascinating maps, documents, and pictures, which she has unearthed in years of exhaustive research. Interesting to anyone who wants to learn more about early Colorado, this book chronicles a formative period which should never be forgotten. ... Read more

Product Description
For most first ladies, their years in the White House are their sole claim to fame. For one--Hillary Rodham Clinton--that tenure was just another step in a remarkable political career. Neither a "hit job" nor a facile tribute, Gil Troy's lively and refreshingly nonsensational new book provides a revealing look at arguably the most polarizing first lady in history and undoubtedly the most prominent American woman of our time.

Troy, named by History News Network as one of America's Top 15 Young Historians, measures Clinton's historical footprint, tracing her activities during the turbulent decade that brought her to national prominence and examining her influence as a key player in her husband's administration. Covering her attempts to overhaul health care and redefine the first lady as co-president while she tried to cope with her husband's scandals and impeachment, he recounts how Hillary's rocky road had a mixed impact on the office, even as her ambitions illuminated the role's potential.

As the first feminist first lady, Hillary Clinton faced dilemmas typical of modern American women as she tried to be both a family-oriented, devoted wife and a career-focused, independent woman. Troy shows how she did her best to navigate this divide and breaks new ground in taking her seriously as a thinker. Delving into Hillary's speeches and writings, he uncovers a surprisingly more moderate, even conservative worldview. In fact, he finds some of her positions--such as her outspoken views on abortion--to be authentic expressions of a genuine Puritan/Methodist centrism rather than a mere political ploy.

Offering a mix of praise and censure that elevates to a more sophisticated level debates about her controversial career and presidential aspirations, Troy's book will enlighten and intrigue Hillary's passionate critics and staunch defenders alike. It will renew discussions of where she stands in the continuum of modern first ladies--and of where history will ultimately take her. Many of the book's key themes are effectively underscored by an entertainingly narrated photo essay, with provocative images drawn from the Clinton Presidential Library.

This book is part of the Modern First Ladies series. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Awesome new biography of our future president
Gil Troy's book is well researched and written. It is full of interesting insight and wit. Buy and read it today. Support quality historical writing! ... Read more

Product Description
Discusses the role of the wife of the President of the United States, known as the First Lady, and shows a schedule for what might be considered a typical day. ... Read more

Product Description
Dark ringlets of curls and a pretty oval face reflecting integrity and charm were the endearing features of Sarah Childress Polk wife and First Lady of President James K Polk who served from 1844 to 1848 during America's era of expansionist Manifest Destiny. She was one of the first truly politically important First Ladies of America because she acted as her husband's main political adviser, close confidante and personal secretary, and was blessed with a sound acumen and moral uprightness. Both in her domestic charm and political acumen, Sarah Childress Polk became a role model for future First Ladies to follow both in strength of character and political performance. ... Read more

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Kessinger Publishing is the place to find hundreds of thousands of rare and hard-to-find books with something of interest for everyone! ... Read more

Product Description
Illuminating the evolution of the role of the President's wife over the centuries, more than two hundred photographs, plus intimate stories and anecdotes, bring each First Lady to life and show how her individual style impacted American culture. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

America's First Ladies
Interesting and informative book for history lovers of facts re our diverse First Ladies. Recommend.

A Fine Piece of Work
Ms. Caroli is an excellent historian, and an even better writer.She makes the lives of very commonplace women come alive, and it is a most enjoyable read!

Great Gloss of a Fascinating Facet of American History
Caroli provides an interesting overview of a position most Americans take for granted, about which they may hold very deep-seeded opinions they may not even realize. Her historical treatment provides the backdrop I wouldguess many people lack in drawing conclusions about contemporary firstladies, and this background is, and always would be, cogent.

I remember(with some regret) as a child remarking to my mother during the 1980elections that Nancy Reagan was prettier than Rosalyn Carter. My motherreplied, "Well, Reagan was a movie star! Don't draw your conclusions basedon how they LOOK..." Now, 19 years later, I get the facts to back up mymother's admonition.

The book is only a gloss, not an in depth treatment,and Caroli states she's not trying to draw wide-ranging conclusions. Thestrength of the book comes in her setting forward a small written portraitof each woman and her times, giving the reader a good spring board forfurther study in areas of interest.

A favorite account was of BettyFord's candor and refreshing attitude with the press. Through this book Ideveloped a real interest in her and the work she did during her time inoffice. Even democratic friends say they remember her time in the WhiteHouse as good years for the "office" of first lady. ... Read more

Product Description
In this, the first and only thorough examination of South Carolina's First Ladies, researcher Helen Milliken explores the lives of 50 women who served South Carolina alongside their husbands, the governors. "Behind the Scenes" includes important geneaological details, new historical facts and remains an important addition to women's studies and South Carolina history. ... Read more

Product Description
Wife of one president and mother of another, Barbara Bush was an outspoken first lady who looked more like her constituents than did her predecessors. A White House resident for only four years, she nevertheless became and remains one of the most admired women in the world.

This new look at Barbara Bush draws on recently opened records at the Bush library, the first lady's many speeches, interviews with the first lady's staff, and an exclusive interview with Mrs. Bush to impart a new appreciation for this beloved former first lady. And while other biographies--and her own memoir--have hinted at seeming contradictions in the Barbara Bush persona, Myra Gutin looks squarely at her White House years to set the record straight and show that she was more than "America's Grandmother" in faux pearls.

Gutin's portrait reveals a woman who was more of a success as first lady than her husband was as president--who in many ways was the public face of the George H. W. Bush administration. And while she wasn't an innovator as presidential wife, Gutin shows how the "Silver Fox" used her rich experience in politics to master the public relations side of first ladyship with as much skill as any White House spouse.

Gutin argues that Barbara was more politically astute than George--even though she denied any input into policymaking and maintained an apolitical image. In fact, she played an integral role in campaigning, fund-raising, and other activities that often blurred the line between the humanitarian and the political. Piercing through the first lady's public persona, Gutin reveals Barbara's backstage political skills in action--along with her closely held views on social issues like gun control and abortion.

From behind the façade of an ideal American family, Gutin also includes frank accounts of George H. W. Bush's alleged adultery and of the death of the Bushes' daughter Robin. In addition, she lends new insight into Barbara's relationship with her mother, her role as entertainer, and her role in wartime.

Gutin gives us a vibrant woman who lent warmth to her husband's cool image and whose legacy lives in the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literary and several best-selling books. It is a richly textured narrative that depicts a woman of loyalty, candor, and common sense, who knew when and how to apply those qualities in the service of her husband.

This book is part of the Modern First Ladies series. ... Read more