The Woman Who Knew Everyone: The Power of Perle Mesta, Washington's Most Famous Hostess

by Meryl Gordon

A deeply researched biography of the socialite, political hostess, activist and United States envoy to Luxembourg, Perle Mesta, from New York Times bestselling author Meryl Gordon.

Perle Mesta was a force to be reckoned with. In her heyday, this wealthy globe-trotting Washington widow was one of the most famous women in America, garnering as much media attention as Eleanor Roosevelt. Renowned for her world-class parties featuring politicians and celebrities, she was very close to three presidents–Harry Truman, Dwight Eisenhower and Lyndon Johnson. Truman named her as the first female envoy to Luxembourg, which inspired the hit musical based on Perle’s life – “Call Me Madam” – which starred Ethel Merman, ran on Broadway for two years and later became a movie. A pioneering supporter of the Equal Rights Amendment, she was a prodigious Democratic fundraiser and rescued Harry Truman’s financially flailing 1948 campaign.

In this intensely researched biography, author Meryl Gordon chronicles Perle’s lavish life and society adventures in Newport, Manhattan and Washington, while highlighting her important, but nearly forgotten contribution to American politics and the feminist movement.

Genres: Biography, Politics, Nonfiction, History, Audiobook, Biography Memoir, Womens

473 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 7, 2025

Reviews

[Sharon Brewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had never heard of Perle Mesta, but she sounded like such an interesting person. I knew I had to read this book. When she became a widow, she didn't give up. She gave famous parties, became close with three Presidents and even became the first female envoy to Luxembourg. No matter what life threw her way, she was always busy. I enjoyed learning about this fascinating lady. This is a well-written, well researched book. I also liked the pictures and all the notes the author added at the end. I highly recommend this biography!

[riley]

dnf at ~57% bc my library loan ran out, and i wasn’t invested enough to try to borrow it again

[WM D. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have just finished reading a very detailed and very well done biography on the life of Perle Mesta. It takes the reader from her upbringing in Oklahoma and her eventual marriage to George Mesta . During her career she made friends with 4 presidents and their families.

[Jane Considine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Perle Mesta died in 1975, and I recall references to her in the news while I was growing up, but not yet reading the news or listening to the evening news. She moved in the circles of power in politics and was famous for her lavish parties, many of them apparently paid for by "the Hostess with the Mostest" as she was called. Among her friends were Ike and Mamie Eisenhauer, Harry and Bess Truman, LBJ and Ladybird, and many congressmen, and other movers and shakers across the country. However, she was also the butt of snide comments about her appearance, her wardrobe, her Oklahoma background, and her limited knowledge of world affairs (and geography), finance, and diplomacy. Nevertheless she was appointed official envoy to Luxembourg by Truman and won the support of the people of that country despite efforts by the official diplomatic corps to undermine her authority. She was a longtime supporter of equal rights for women.

[Jen · Rating 2 out of 5]

My thanks to NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for an eARC of this book to read and review.

I like to read about interesting people who have done interesting things and lived in a time period that I missed, which is why I requested this book to read. And Perle was a CHARACTER and WOW did she do some interesting things and live during a time that I find fascinating.

What I didn't find so fascinating was the writing style. I can't quite put my finger on it, but it just didn't work for me and I kept getting kicked out of the story. It was a drag trying to read it and the pacing seemed way off. 133 pages into a 400 plus page book and Perle was in her 60s. Were the last few decades of her life more worth writing about then the first six?

I DNF'd at 54% and she was at that point in her life no longer as involved with politics, unless she came back to it in her 80s or something.

Please don't think this was a bad book from my less than excited review. It was about an interesting person and I have a friend who is more into politics and that era of America than I am and this would be perfect for them. This just wasn't perfect for me, though I do appreciate having the opportunity to read it and to learn a little about a person of whom I knew nothing going into the book.

2, the writing style just didn't click with me but it might for you, stars.

[Ann Chase · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read a review of this in the NYT, and wasn't sure I'd like it, but I reserved it at the library anyway.
I am so glad I did, and spent two cold, rainy days devouring it.

I am particularly interested in reading about how women wielded power in the days when little was given to them. Of course, having money is one way, and being incredibly wealthy shielded Pearl/Perle Mesta from the Depression and many other of life's woes. But she also learned that it gave her social and political capital, and she used it to be a pioneering supported of the ERA. As one of Washington's premier hostesses, she had the ear of Presidents and their wives, diplomats and power-brokers of all stripes. She switched political parties more than once.

This is well-researched and beautifully written. It covers her life in NY, Newport, and Washington and is full of interesting nuggets. For instance, she was very close to the Eisenhower family and godmother to their daughter. When she was Minister to Luxemberg, and Dwight Eisenhower was a governor in occupied Germany, he often spent time in her kitchen because baking relaxed him.

She was much more than just a party hostess and I'm glad that this biography will make sure she is remembered for her feminism and support of women's rights as well.

[Teresa Brock · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Woman Who Knew Everyone
The Power of Perle Mesta,
Washington’s Most Famous Hostess
Author: Meryl Gordon

Not only is this a week researched biography but it is entertaining and heartfelt. Perle Mesta may not be a household name today but she was an activist and a confidant to powerful people in Washington.

I would love to sit down at dinner with this woman and pick her brain and be privileged to learn all she could offer.

Thank you @grandcentralpub ! This was a wonderful book to add to my collection.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'd heard of Perle Mesta but I only knew that she was the "Hostess with the mostest" and that the Broadway show Call Me Madame (starring Ethel Merman) was at least partially based on her. I did not know that she had be the Ambassador to Luxembourg during Harry Truman's administration. She befriended multiple Presidents of the United States and was an early proponent for the Equal Rights amendment.
Of particular note: in 1953(?) she traveled to Russia and discovered that the Ukrainians did not appreciate being called Russians. (Hmmmm!)
All in all a really interesting book.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting life well documented by the author. Enjoyed he Pittsburgh connection and will now visit her grave in Homewood Cemetery.

[Ruth L. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to this mostly on audio. I like these kinds of books because you get to read about history from so many different viewpoints.

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pros :: A readable and enjoyable jaunt back into recent history with a vivacious and joyful woman who worked hard to get the Equal Rights Amendment passed and who knew how throw a party. The “hostess with the mostest” was a hard worker and had a nose for politics and getting opposite sides of the political aisle together. Her reputation spawned a hit Broadway show and a movie, “Call Me Madame.” As a Christian Scientist, she abstained from alcohol yet provided it to her guests. And she adored and worked closely with Harry S Truman, who asked her to be a Minister to Luxembourg. While there, she worked against the diplomatic patriarchy, created good will, and hosted parties for American GIs. Great pictures of her life included.

Cons :: None

Cover art :: 5 out of 5.

[Nancy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting book covering Perle Mesta, the Washington DC “hostess with the mostes” ( yes, that is how it’s spelled in the book) during much of the 20th century. She had great influence with the major political figures of the day and was invited to the White House during each administration. I enjoyed reading about the background stuff of the politicians and politics of the mid part of the century during my teens and 20’s. It is a very looong book, however, and I was a bit relieved when I got to the end!

[EHP · Rating 4 out of 5]

Get Perle her stamp!!!!!! xx

[Shannon Eckman · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️
Saw the NYT Books article on this read and I am so glad I gave it a read! I did not know who Perle Mesta was before, which is a shame since she was such an active figure in the 20th Century. She was more than a party throwing girl, and she should be remembered for working on critical issues from communism, the Civil Rights Movement, to the ERA. She became a highly skilled professional in networking and politics (and if she were a man, I’m sure she would have been in office). I still can’t believe she spent three months in Russia at that point in history! She was ahead of her time and a very entertaining person.

[Eric · Rating 3 out of 5]

Perle certainly knew EVERYONE, but i wasn’t too impressed. Meh.

[Heenz · Rating 3 out of 5]

*ARC COPY*

well, while I can't say I have much interest in politics or the people who preform them, perle mesta sure lived a hell of a life. seems like she was THE person to know for a time if you wanted anything to do with the political world, and her parties sound like a blast.

[Holly Hatfield · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read! Perle Mesta’s story weaves through President Wilson up through President Nixon. I love stories that give insight into other historical figures as it provides additional nuggets of information on each historical figure. Her famous Washington parties brought both Dems and Republicans together. Everyone who was anyone wanted an invite to her parties.

Her close relationship with the Trumans was rewarded by Truman giving her the Ministership of Luxembourg in 1948. Mesta not only overcame extreme misogyny by the Foreign Service diplomats in Luxembourg but she endeared herself to the people of Luxembourg and put it on the map. She also had a close relationship with the Eisenhowers and they visited her several times in Luxembourg while Ike was serving in army in Paris after the war. Mesta continues her work in the 1960s and was enamored with LBJ. She did not endear herself to the Kennedy’s as she was too old to be a part of their hip crowd.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Perle Mesta was a name I frequently saw in the news growing up in the 60s and 70s. I really had no idea who she was other than a person who threw parties. She sounded like a formidable woman but the way the book was written was kind of boring. The author repeated the line "hostess with the mostes'" from the musical based on Perle's life, "Call Me Madam" so many times I ended up mostly being annoyed by it. And she frequently repeated other things such as Perle's younger sister being an actress who was so successful but gave up her career for marriage and children. That must have been repeated at least 10 times.

Anyway, far too much detail about politics (for me anyway because I have no interest in the goings-on in DC). And the cover is strange since Perle and Jackie really never socialized at all!

[Renee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mesta was an interesting woman. Though mostly known for her parties, she was also a champion of the ERA and was surprisingly non-racist for someone of her time and upbringing. I most admired the fact she through weekly parties for servicemen during her time as ambassador to Luxembourg. A lot of people talk about supporting our troops, but few are willing to really spend money on it. I was also impressed she was able to be good friends with the Trumans, Eisenhowers, and Johnsons at the same time.
The biggest failing of the book is that I didn't get much of a sense of what Mesta was really like as a private person. She's mostly portrayed gauche, brash, and gaffe prone. All of that is true, but there had to be more. She had to have many more good qualities to become the premiere hostess of Washington.

[Kay Marie Platt · Rating 5 out of 5]

More than just a party host

I was aware of Perla Mesta from the society pages of the 1960’s and ‘70’s. What I didn’t know was how much she was an early champion of women’s rights and her efforts on behalf of the ERA. Definitely a woman who was more than a party host and should not be lost in history.

[Victoria Summerville · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well, I made it through this and it was hard as I wanted to DNF about 2/3 of the way through. I did not find Perle a very likable person and she certainly did not relate to the real lives of people (although she clearly thought she did). With all the claims of being pro civil rights and pro ERA she did not deliver. She did have an interesting life and knew lots of movers and shakers in Washington during her time, but I wasn't impressed with her.

[Sharon A. · Rating 1 out of 5]

I should have known when I got this book from the library it would be much too much for me. I was very interested in Ms Perle but not this interested. An article would’ve been plenty for me.

[Carilyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn’t judge this book by its cover, but I confess, I selected it based on the cover. I love a good biography and was intrigued by this powerhouse of a woman, whose name I’d never heard before and appeared to be sharing an intimate laugh with Jackie Kennedy. It turns out that the subject might have spent more than half her life rubbing elbows with the power players of our nation’s capital, but Mrs. Kennedy was not among them (you'll find out more when you read the book). That didn’t deter from my enjoyment from Meryl Gordon’s latest exceedingly well-researched and fascinating story of a woman to whom many might have appeared to simply be a flighty social butterfly who knew how to entertain and used her millions to host lavish parties for the political set with no other objective than get into the good graces of politicians, but they would be wrong. Perle Mesta was well ahead of her time and was a force for good, for change, for women’s causes. Though Mesta had immense wealth, she had great hardship, family strife, the loss of a husband who had her back, as many admirers as she had, there were just as many who poked fun and did so publicly with great spectacle, but Perle kept on keeping on. She was no hothouse flower. After all, she was tight with three presidents, Truman, Eisenhower, and LBJ. Imagine that. She not only raised funds for the Democratic party, but her influence also carried weight, she was a staunch supporter of the ERA and was appointed envoy Luxembourg when only a few women at the time held such an honor. Gordon’s book is a lesson in history about a woman who left an indelible mark, appreciated by many, shunned by others, yet she didn’t let much stand in her way. My heart ached for Perle for what she endured but the author portrayed her as stoic, not letting much get her down, loyally caring for extended family and friends, an admirable trait. What a riveting, remarkably well-told story.

Thank you to NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reading this book, you bounce between being appalled and celebrating how Perle managed to be the center of the political world with her money. Perle, originally with the spelling of Pearl, married in her thirties to a man (with a tricky past) twenty years her senior.

Her husband's work required some presence in Washington, DC. In comes Perle. For the coming decades, Perle would rule DC, with and without her husband (widow). She switched parties from Republican to Democrat with FDR and was all in for Truman (the loyalty went both ways). She would host exclusive parties and everyone wanted an invite: Supreme Court Justices, Presidents, Congress, Congressional Aides, Cabinet members etc...Either party, you just wanted to be on the list. I am positive a lot of deals were made or influenced by her soirees. The only president to decline was Kennedy. Perle preferred LBJ, and when he lost the nomination to Kennedy, she endorsed Nixon. She felt Kennedy's father was buying the election, and he was far too young. She also had pointed remarks towards Jackie, for his years in office, her house was a little quiet.

Due to exorbitant spending, bad investments, and keeping her nephew afloat, she had to downsize her lifestyle, but the parties continued. Her most notable public achievement was being a minister to Luxembourg (one level below ambassador), the first woman to represent the US overseas. Luxembourg's people LOVED her, Eisenhower would cook her steak in her kitchen, and despite going straight to Truman with all of her problems or getting the government to pay for travel that was clearly of a personal business venture, she wouldn't report the horrid career staff who tried to take her out every chance they got. For better or worse, Perle was center of the DC elite, and she used it to her advantage.

[Kelly_Hunsaker_reads ... · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Woman Who Knew Everyone By Meryl Gordon introduced me to Perle Mesta, a woman whose name should still be known. And, truthfully, I think the subtitle of this one does her a disservice. She was far more than a hostess.

Perle Mesta found a way to wield political power, finding herself in the inner circle for several US Presidents, friendly with Hollywood insiders, known to all the wealthiest and most powerful men and women for decades. She had both social and political power and respect.

Yes, she was a hostess, who brought people of power together. But more important to me -- she was one of the pioneers of the Equal Rights Amendment. She fought hard for women's rights. She had the ear of Presidents, diplomats and others, and she never failed to bring attention to the needs of women. And, although she considered herself a Democrat, she often supported the Republican candidates. She was respected by the most powerful of both parties.

There were some wonderful intimate moments where Perle (who was then the Minister to Luxembourg) opened her home to Dwight Eisenhower (who was governor of occupied Germany), allowing him to bake in her kitchen because he found it relaxing. Their friendship was such that she was named godmother to his daughter.

One complaint: I rather hate the cover and title. I feel both do her an injustice. As I said, the woman was far more than a hostess. And, the photo chosen actually makes Jackie Kennedy look like the central figure, which is ironic as the women did not like one another.

Thank you @grandcentralpub for my #gifted copy!

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perle Mesta has been long overdue for a reexamination and luckily, a very talented researcher and writer undertook the task. Perle Mesta was born into a well-off family and then married George Mesta, Italian immigrant and founder of Mesta Machine Works in Pittsburgh. They were married a relatively short time when George Mesta died. His widow never remarried, but devoted her time and money to political activism through social influence. Close friends with both Harry Truman and the Eisenhowers, she professed to be a Democrat, but frequently supported Republicans--namely Eisenhower and later Nixon. She never took to the Kennedys and her criticisms of JFK and Jacqueline Kennedy limited her access to the White House during his presidency. However, she was also close to Lyndon and Lady Bird Johnson (despite her earlier defection to Nixon's camp).

Often dismissed as a mere socialite, Mesta wielded enormous political influence with her bipartisan entertaining and careful curation of place settings. A supporter of the Equal Rights Amendment, she was also slightly advanced for her time in the area of civil rights. Her time in the embassy in Luxembourg was a highlight for her politically and personally and the parties she gave for GIs and students in the area show her compassion.

This is a wonderfully written and impeccably researched book that shows the true import of Mesta's party-giving. #TheWomanWhoKnewEveryone #NetGalley

[Lily · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this fascinating and incredibly researched biography, readers discover the incredible life of Perle Mesta, a wealthy and well-traveled Washington widow who earned her status as one of the most famous women in America. From throwing parties and working closely with three presidents to becoming the first female envoy to Luxembourg, Perle’s incredible life and fascinating adventures as a hostess and supporter of the Equal Rights Amendment will entrance readers with their spectacle, intensity, and excitement. The incredible details pulled from her personal papers and exploring the 1930s, 1940s, 1950s, and 1960s and their incredible changes to American society and politics are explored in a new light which focuses on Mesta and the upper-class female experience of these fascinating historical moments. Entertaining and well-written, the biography is detailed and absolutely intriguing, revealing a ton of fascinating information and insight into the life of this forgotten and powerful woman. The incredible exploits and adventures read like a novel, but the fact that every word is true only makes this more exciting and interesting. Readers will love this vibrant and complex world that Gordon has brought to life, and the brilliant details and historical research will totally draw readers into this fascinating and immersive new biography.

Thanks to NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for the advance copy.

[Bethany Swafford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perle Mesta, a wealthy Washington widow, became one of America’s most famous women, renowned for her glamorous parties attended by politicians and celebrities. Close to three presidents—Truman, Eisenhower, and Johnson—she was appointed by Truman as the first female envoy to Luxembourg, inspiring the Broadway hit Call Me Madam. A trailblazer for women’s rights and a key Democratic fundraiser, she played a pivotal role in rescuing Truman’s 1948 campaign.

I had never heard of Perle Mesta before, but I’m always ready to learn about a woman who lived life her own way. And Perle Mesta certainly did that! At an age when some women might consider taking a step back, Perle was throwing elaborate parties for politicians. She was the woman who knew just about everyone she thought worth knowing.

While reading this, I felt rather sad for her. She lost her husband and then seemed to fill her life with politics. But she never seemed to feel sorry for herself. She had the money to do what she wanted and, most of the time, she did just that.

Overall, this was an interesting look into the life of a woman who was larger than life. Readers who enjoy biographies about strong-willed women will enjoy reading this one.

I received an advance reader copy via NetGalley and all opinions expressed are my own.

[Wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an interesting biography. Perle Mesta passed away in the 1970's so I don't remember ever hearing about her. She had married a very wealthy man, who passed away leaving her a very wealthy widow at a fairly young age. She loved to plan and give parties, lunches, and teas, and did so for the upper-crust of Washington D.C. society. Her heyday was in the 1950s and 1960s. She was big friends with Truman and Eisenhower and their spouses and later with Lyndon Johnson and his wife Ladybird. Ironically, she was not great friends with JFK and Jackie did not like her, so I find it ironic that there is a picture of her and Jackie on the cover. She loved to attend political conventions and she was an ambassador to Luxembourg and used to throw parties for the American GIs in Europe. All at her own expense, not the government. She was a very social person and loved having other people around. Her parties mixed Democrats and Republicans so they could socialize in a non-political environment, something that might be useful today when everything is so split along party lines. Perle (originally Pearl) sounds like she was a kind and upbeat person, even if she had a tendency to blurt out something inappropriate now and then.

[Angela Caprio · Rating 3 out of 5]

Perle Mesta’s life was inherently very interesting, but the narrative style of the book made it hard to get through. Sometimes it would feel like a history book, and sometimes the author would insert her own thoughts or feelings randomly in a paragraph like “imagine the conversations the two of them could’ve been having,” and it really took me out of the narrative. It was also hard to tell if the author liked Perle Mesta or not? The book makes it clear that she was a controversial figure/not universally liked, but in a way that sometimes felt like the author was degrading her.

I also wonder how much someone who has never spent time in DC would enjoy the details of her life. The author is constantly referencing exact addresses, neighborhoods in DC a tourist would never see, and lesser known clubs and spots around town. I enjoyed it as someone who lives here and recognizes the addresses and place names, but this would’ve been totally meaningless to me if I didn’t live here.

The story definitely did make me wonder why she’s no longer a recognizable name today, and I am glad that her story is out there for a younger generation.