America's First Ladies

by Betty Boyd Caroll

The nation's First Lady plays a vital leadership role in every administration. Her private life--from the clothes she wears to the causes she supports--excites the attention of a public eager for a glimpse inside the White House. America's First Ladies brings the private lives of public wives to life, revealing little-known facts about these women and supplying anecdotes about their lives "in office." 200+ photos.

Genres: Nonfiction, History, Biography, Politics, Womens, American History

Hardcover

First published May 14, 1987

Reviews

[Aisha Manus · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF. Got 1/3 then stopped when I encountered the author using the term “niggardly”. Yup no time for racist authors. I was already slightly suspect of her writing up to that point because it’s a history book which cites nothing. Also it’s from the 1990s so better stuff has been written since. Don’t Easter your time.

[Pauline Rutschow · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this book was really interesting. Learned not just about the ladies, but about history and culture.

[Carol]

CH 1: Setting Precedents-- The First Presidents Wives (1789-1829)
Martha Washington: strong, independent woman. Martha awaken to dozens of curious women to her Cherry Street house; hostess; returned the calls of ALL women who came to her door & left calling cards.

Abigail Adams: strong, spunky woman. Woke 5 am for "family arrangements," afternoon: "First Lady" work--returned 60 visits in 3-4 afternoons; entertaining Senators and ladies; only one "who had shaped the job more than it shaped her."

Dolley Madison: vivacious personality. Hostess to Jefferson's guests during his 2 terms; played a visible role his her husband's term; made improvements to the interior of the White House; not only called on others but invited them to the President's house.

Elizabeth Munroe: private & courageous. Nothing would change her daily schedule; beautiful woman at age 54 yrs., focused on dresses from France ($1,500 each); decided to have a private wedding for daughter Maria with very little Washingtonians on the guest list. His 2nd term, she stayed away from WA for months.

Louisa Catherine Adams: courageous & submissive. John Quincy Adams wrote out exactly what he wanted her to do regarding the wives of legislators --"each morning he prepared a set of cards for her to visit and she stared on her hated rounds. Congress convened, new round of of callers. Gave large Ball for General Jackson -- did everything (1400 invites, 800 guests)-- "singled out for years to come as the model of everything a party should be."

[Mary Lou · Rating 3 out of 5]

My copy of "First Ladies" is a 2nd edition from 1993, up to and including Hillary Clinton, early in Bill's first term. Other reviews indicate that newer editions are available and that there may have even been a format change. Having said that, my edition covers 49 women, which is a lot of information. Many of the mini-biographies were interesting but, by necessity, hit only the highlights. After awhile it became increasingly difficult to remember specific details about each of the women. Still, worth reading, particularly along with other sources to provide more depth (e.g. I went to youtube on several occasions to look at old footage of Eleanor Roosevelt, Bess Truman and others).

[Lenore Kuipers-Cummins · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was very enlightening, as I never had any idea of the role of the "First Lady" played in the presidency. "The First Lady is the most visible woman in America-and the most admired. From the clothes she wears to the causes she supports, her every move is played out before the scrutiny of a curious nation. People want to know: how does the wife of the president raise her children, decorate her home, entertain her guests? What does she confide to her friends and what does she tell the president?"
I never realized how many children so many of the First Ladies had, and how many died. I did not know about First Lady pensions, and all of the things that First Ladies were expected to do, whether they wanted to or not.
There are over 200 photographs in this book, which give you an interesting perspective of their lives.
There is also an extensive Appendix at the back of the book that gives a biographical look at each one of the First Ladies. I really enjoyed reading this book.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an ok book. I like reading history. I wish there was more on the earlier First Ladies, but I understand lack of resources. Unfortunately it could be difficult to keep track of what went with what First Lady. I’d have liked this book more if it stayed in chronological order rather than groupings.

[LeeAnn · Rating 2 out of 5]

I liked the interesting way this book was arranged.
I also like that the author seemingly updates after each new election (but I wished I had a newer volume than this one).
I admit that I became bored at several points and put this book down to read things that I liked better.
It's a well-written book, and updated versions are likely to be better.

[Apryl McLean · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love reading about the first ladies. I tend to look them up and learn more.

[Natascha · Rating 5 out of 5]

a solid 5/5 - as it serves as a fantastic start into the realm of presidents & first lady biographies. I'd give a sixth star for the added photographs though!

[Renee Panning · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting facts pertaining to their families, being the President's confidant, running the White House, and what they did after leaving.

[Reid Beadel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Absolutely fascinating! We know their husband’s stories, but how the First Ladies’ support the shaping of the United States and their families is truly inspiring.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this. It's a little dated, but there was a lot of fascinating information and pictures.

[Judi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I requested this book on the title only and at first sight thought...crud another encyclopedia-like book, but was pleasantly surprised. The book is divided into 5 chapters: The first one covers the first lady's role as mother, daughter or sibling and how their success could be judged by how they fulfilled these roles. The second cover her role as wife to the President; does she stay in background, forefront or side-by-side and how the public shifts its opinion on how this role should be executed. It also covers each woman's causes such as Nancy Reagan's Just Say No. The third discusses decorating, being a hostess, her spending on such things and wardrobe. I loved the 4th chapter that covers her influence on American women; like when Betty ford made it alright to openly discuss her mastectomy. Chapter 5 tells us what happened to these women after the white house, including burial. And there is also an appendix which lists DOB, how many childrenz etc. The author gives no personal observations which I liked.

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

The subject matter appeared more interesting than the actual read. I found this class of women rather boring. Unfortunately due to lack of records or writings, information on the First Ladies in the 1800's was assumed. At times I was so bored with the book, I wasn't sure which First Lady I was reading about. Glad I'm done.

[Debbie Jacob · Rating 5 out of 5]

This compelling read features more than a biography of each First Lady. The author creates a broader picture to show just how First Ladies reflected society in the time they served. This is the best book I have read on American First Ladies. There was new information to discover about each First Lady.

[Nina · Rating 2 out of 5]

A shallow look at presidents' wives, filled with interesting little facts. Nothing in depth on anyone. Ignored some all together, gave redundant facts on others, and wasn't organized particularly well. But it made for entertaining light reading on a summer afternoon.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading about America's First Ladies. The manner in which the women took on the role of the
First Lady was so varied. I liked reading about the social mores and political climate and how that affected the ladies' take on their time in the White House.

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this for a history project, it was a bit too in depth for what I was looking for, but the pictures were a lovely touch.

2.5/5 stars

[Bonni Sweet · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice trip through History. Some great information on some of the First ladies that I really had never read about.

[Darla Ebert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Surprisingly good considering that there are so many books "out there" just like this one. I like the author's style and presentation of some (often rehashed and repeated) stories and facts.