The Smithsonian Book of the First Ladies: Their Lives, Times, and Issues

by Edith P. Mayo (Editor)

America's first ladies are forty-three remarkable women whose individual stories and causes reflect the history of all American women.

This is the first comprehensive biography of the first ladies for young readers. Edited by Edith P. Mayo, curator of the First Ladies exhibition at the Smithsonian Institution, this essential volume not only documents the lives of the presidents' wives (or official hostesses), it explores the achievements of these significant women in the White House and beyond.

Young readrs will be especially drawn by the book's eleven highlighted entries about issues important to American women, and by one hundred twenty-seven pieces of art and their captions, which tell a visual history of their own.

The Smithsonian Book of the First Ladies draws heavily on original source material. It includes images from the Smithsonian, the Library of Congress, and a host of other diverse collections; four general introductions give an overview of the major events of each historical period.

Part women's history, social history, and American history, this accessible reference book is important reading not just for young women, but for anyone interested in the story of our country.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Biography, Reference, Politics

302 pages, Hardcover

First published April 15, 1996

Reviews

[Susie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was fascinating! I loved reading about the first ladies and their personal stories as they grew up, the schooling they accomplished, how they met their husbands and how they affected the white house. Some of these ladies really had to overcome great adversity either growing up or during their white house years. I gained a great appreciation for these ladies and others that have helped mold this country to what it is today.

[Cassian Lynne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Empowering, informative, engaging, incredible. I was blown away by how much I enjoyed this book. Written in a charming and engaging way, “First Ladies” shares each individual story of each First Lady to occupy the White House. I was astonished at the high-caliber women who have walked alongside their president husbands — astonished that I didn’t already know these stories! If you’re looking for a book about strong, capable women, or if you want to dive into some hearty American history, this is a must-read.

[Etta Mcquade · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading about these 43 remarkable women. The book ends with Hilary Clinton, who is still living. Does it seem possible that Eleanor Roosevelt, during her years as first lady, 'traveled 38,ooo miles on inspection trips around the country." A lot of miles for the 1930s.

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I learned so much about America's history from this book. I also came to admire a great many of our First Ladies. Great read!

[Mary L · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading about the lives of each first lady. Learned so much.

[Kay · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting read on a peek into the lives and backgrounds of the first ladies of the US. A little slanted to the left, but still interesting.

[Lori · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice compilation of historical biographical sketches of these women and their influence in their role as first lady as well as some glimpses into other areas of their lives from childhood to their death. I loved learning more about each woman. Women's history is also woven throughout in shorter articles where the reader can learn about Sojourner Truth, women winning the right to vote, acceptable jobs for women through each area, contributions by women in many different areas of history and more.

However, the general tone of the book seemed to have quite a feminist 'bent' to the point of "women have been so repressed", "how horrible it must have been for her not to be recognized for all this..." etc., that it was sometimes a pain to read through the emotional garbage added to the history. I believe so many of these women were happy in their roles and felt successful and fulfilled in their contributions, rather than repressed as the author seemed to continually think all these women felt.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been looking for a book like this for a long time. Just a few pages on each of the first ladies. I loved it.

[Michele bookloverforever · Rating 4 out of 5]

alittle bit about each first lady up until Ms. Clinton.