First Ladies: A Biographical Dictionary

by Dorothy Schneider, Carl J. Schneider

Fascinating and informative titles provide readers with in-depth biographical sketches of America's greatest political figures, their rise to power, and their unique contributions to American history.

Genres: Biography

420 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 2001

Reviews

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

First Ladies: A Biographical Dictionary, by Dorothy Schneider and Carl J. Schneider, pages 220-229.

I checked this book out from the library specifically to read the section on Lou Henry Hoover, so this review will focus on that chapter.

This book was concise and well written. While I wish for more details, I realize there is not room enough for a book of this scope, covering the basics of the lives of all the first ladies.

I was particularly impressed with how ahead of her time Lou Henry Hoover was. She helped many, worked for many charitable causes, researched and embraced the different cultures she lived in and learned their languages, and kept up a level of academic thinking throughout her life. In their home, all were welcome, even when they lived in the White House. Lou and her husband "chose their friends for their interest, not their rank, and they loved having guests." She kept things casual and low-key. She promoted American products in her efforts to help with the effects of the Great Depression, and would wear cotton gowns. Additionally, even before the Depression, she dressed in a subdued manner, "expensively, preferring simple, well-made clothes but leaning towards somber colors." As a child, she embraced and enjoyed the outdoor life, which her father passed on as a legacy. She enjoyed camping, hunting, horseback riding, fishing, and many other activities and things outdoors. Her love of nature spurred her interest in geology, which is the department she studied while she was at Stanford (she met her husband in the same department). She was the only female in her area of studies, and she stood her ground. Later in life, her love of the outdoors would serve her well as she became very involved in programs for women students in sports, amateur athletics for girls and women, the Girl Scouts, and the National Women's Athletic Association.

Lou and Herbert Hoover were heavily involved helping alleviate hunger during WWI, at home and abroad. They also worked to provide relief during WWII. After her death, she left thousands of dollars of uncashed checks sent to her in payment of personal loans. She was truly a compassionate woman.

[Peter Mayeux · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read two books concurrently. One was a biographical dictionary of U.S. presidents (Presidents: A Biographical Dictionary). The other book was First Ladies: A Biographical Dictionary. After reading an 8-12 page overview of a specific presidency, I would read the comparable entry for the first lady. It was interesting to see how writers assessed each pair of White House residents.

Generally, both volumes offered a reasonable, mostly objective profile of the life and times of each person. Both offered extensive bibliography entries for each person. Unfortunately, there were no notations indicating the source(s) for specific pieces of information or a comment. In the First Ladies book, there are several appendices documenting times when other female relatives assumed the role of first lady if none existed at the time of a particular presidency. Another appendix in this same volume provided comments from former first ladies about the responsibilities and rewards of her position.

I have always had an interest in the American presidency. Reading these two books in tandem provided another dimension for White House residents.

[Jessica Cooper · Rating 3 out of 5]

Title: Schneider, D., & Schneider, C. (2010). First ladies: A biographical dictionary (3rd ed.). New York, NY: Facts on File.

Reviewer: Jessica L. Cooper

Type: Biographical Reference

Call Number: REF 973.09

Brief Description: This book gives biographical information on all of the first ladies of the U.S. while focusing on the ways that the role of the first lady has changed throughout history and how particular first ladies impacted the nation.

Cost: $85.00

Review Citation: Sutherland, K. (2006). [Review of The first ladies factbook and First ladies]. Library Journal. Retrieved from http://www.libraryjournal.com/article...

Relevance and Relationship: This resource allows students to become familiar with the first ladies and their roles and will be of interest to students who enjoy history, particularly females. While the library has a biographical reference on presidents, it does not have one on first ladies.

Purpose: Students will be able to consult this reference to obtain general information on particular first ladies. Students reading the book in its entirety will also be able to see how the role of first lady has changed throughout history, which is also an interesting area of study. While information is somewhat general, each first lady gets a good amount of coverage. The writing in the book is also easy to read.

Validity: The Schneiders are both professors, Dorothy with a PhD in English literature and Carl with a PhD in political science. The book is published by Facts on File and was reviewed favorably in Library Journal, Booklist, and Choice. The book includes first ladies up through Michelle Obama.

Format: The book is a print resource containing photographs and illustrations of first ladies.
Arrangement and Presentation: Profiles of the first ladies are presented chronologically. The book provides suggestions for further reading, other helpful appendices, and an index of terms.

Diversity: This book will be of interest to students who enjoy history and for female students. It is also written on a very accessible level and contains various visual aids for struggling readers and visual learners.

[Cheyanna Wickman]

Schneider, D., & Schneider, C. J. (2010). First ladies: A biographical dictionary. New York: Facts On File.
Citation by: Cheyanna Wickman
Type of Reference: Biographical
Call Number: 973.09
Content/Scope: This book contains information on the first ladies up to the 2009 presidential inauguration. Making it the most up to date version currently. It has profiles on each of the first ladies including pictures, facts, and updates on the first ladies. As well a listing of what students could read further for more information about a certain first lady if they want. There is also a section about the position of first lady (what all it entails, how it has changed with time, and how it affects society).
Accuracy/ Authority/ Bias: This book is the most current edition making it optimal for libraries who want one reference material. Also the publisher Facts on File is a large publisher of reference materials for students.
Arrangement/ Presentation: This book is arranged in chronological order. Meaning that the first ladies are presented in the order that they were in office. There is an introductory section about the position of first lady before the profiles begin. And at the end of the book an appendixes with items such as, first lady reflections, bibliography, index, etc..
Relation to other works: There are many single volume works about the different first ladies but this book encompasses all of the first ladies of America up to Mrs. Obama. Making this an ideal comprehensive reference for libraries and students.
Accessibility/ Diversity: Students who are researching for history or personal purposes will be able to utilize this material. As well as students who prefer facts or visuals. The language is also non-bias and non-sexist towards any one first lady.
Cost: $85.00
Professional Review: Quinn, M. (2002). [Review of First Ladies: A Biographical Dictionary]. Booklist. Retrieved From: http://www.booksinprint.com.libsrv.wk...

[Stacie Alexander · Rating 4 out of 5]

Schneider, D., & Schneider, C. J. (2010). First ladies: A biographical dictionary (3rd ed.). New York, NY: Facts on File.

Citation by: Stacie Alexander

Type of reference: Biographical

Call Number: Ref 973.09

Content/Scope: This biographical reference contains profiles all of the First Ladies of the United States through Michelle Obama. The entries are arranged chronologically and provide information on how each individual’s background, personal strength, and abilities has influenced women. Images are included as well as lists of further reading.

Accuracy/Authority/Bias: All First Ladies are included. Facts on File are a respected reference source provider. Their information is trusted to be accurate and non-biased.

Arrangement/Presentation: Information is chronological and includes an image for each first lady. Each entry provides a profile of the lady as well as information on how she influenced other females. The book includes indexes.

Relation to other works: This book will accompany the President’s guide in the collection to provide the most up to date profiles of our country’s leaders and their wives. Other materials on this subject are outdated and most exclude Barack and Michelle Obama.

Accessibility/Diversity: While intended for older readers (high school), students at any level can benefit from the in-depth profiles of First Ladies. Students can find information about each ladies’ life and see an image of her.

Cost: $85.00

Professional review of the item: Review could only be found for a previous edition.
Jane, S. (2005). First ladies: A biographical dictionary. Booklist, 102(8), 60.

[Carlie Crowe]

First ladies: a biographical dictionary. (2005). Facts on File.

Citation by: Carlie Crowe

Type of Reference: Biographical Reference

Call Number: Ref 920

Content/Scope: A biographical reference targeted to high school students, containing biographical entries of First Ladies emphasizing the time during the presidency.

Accuracy/Authority/Bias: Fact on File is a publisher for schools and school libraries. They are geared towards high school, academic, and public library.

Arrangement/Presentation: Arrangement is chronological. Included in the 420 page biographical reference are a chronology, appendixes, and suggestion fro further reading.

Relation to other works: There are many Biographical Reference available; this Biographical Reference meets requirements for libraries that need a comprehensive reference at a high school level.

Accessibility/Diversity: This Biographical Reference will be of specific interest to students who are interested in the presidency and students who are visual learners.

Cost: $70.00

Professional Review: Sutherland, K. (2006). The First Ladies Fact Book: The Stories of the Women of the White House from Martha Washington to Laura Bush/First Ladies: A Biographical Dictionary. Library Journal, 131(3), 146-148.

[Rose]

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