Inside the White House: America's Most Famous Home the First 200 Years

by Betty Boyd Caroli

hardcover, dust cover shows wear with a few small rips, excellent binding and clean inside pages

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Politics, Coffee Table Books

224 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1992

Reviews

[Jeff · Rating 4 out of 5]

I joked recently that this is one of the top ten books titled, Inside the White House, but honestly, that may have been true when it was released in 1993. I learned a few new things, and really enjoyed my time spent with the featured presidential families.

The pictures were great, and a few of those were also new to me. I do wish there had been more of them to fill some of the white spaces—particularly in the chapter about the White House as museum.

Mostly I found the text to be historically accurate, though it started a bit rough as the author mentioned how many of the executive mansion’s builders were foreign-born, but mentioned nothing of the slaves who contributed.

I wanted more about Truman’s redo of the interior, but there are plenty of other writings focused on that. The book did not lack in information on other presidents’ changes to the White House, and said much of Theodore Roosevelt’s personal touches. I had never see the cartoon on p. 177 featuring new president Taft entering a room where literally every feature had TR’s toothy grin and pince-nez.

Oddly, it appeared that most attention was given to recent 1-term occupants of the White House: Kennedy, Hoover, Ford, Carter, and the first Bush, and even Pierce and Buchanan got more attention than they usually do. One could almost miss any mention of the Reagans. The then-newly-elected Clintons make an appearance at the end of the book.

This was a fun read and look, but not likely to be a top-ten on any list in 2025. Still, I was thrilled with what I learned, and feel even closer to “the people’s house” than I did before.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

this was very interesting book about the white house and it's inhabitants.

[Wilson Trivino · Rating 4 out of 5]

The people’s house, the White House is the heart and soul of the USA. It symbolizes the power of the people. It is also a living house with the President works and lives. The book celebrates its 200 years full of facts and photographs capturing the beauty. The text is fun and flavorful and will help anyone get a better appreciation of this national treasure.

[Amy Roebuck · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have enjoyed books like this one since I was 9 years old. History, pictures, maybe a little gossip.

[Marguerite · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book on the White House. Love the history. Highly recommend.

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

A little dry at times, but quite interesting.

[Jamie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great for history nerds!