Betty Boyd Caroli's engrossing and informative First Ladies is both a captivating read and an essential resource for anyone interested in the role of America's First Ladies. This expanded and updated fourth edition includes Laura Bush's tenure; Hillary Clinton's 2008 presidential bid; and an in-depth look at Michelle Obama; one of the most charismatic and appealing First Ladies in recent history. Covering all forty-one women from Martha Washington to Michelle Obama and including the daughters; daughters-in-law; and sisters of presidents who sometimes served as First Ladies; Caroli explores each woman's background; marriage; and accomplishments and failures in office. This remarkably diverse lot included Abigail Adams; whose "remember the ladies" became a twentieth-century feminist refrain; Jane Pierce; who prayed her husband would lose the election; Helen Taft; who insisted on living in the White House; although her husband would have preferred a judgeship; Eleanor Roosevelt; who epitomized the politically involved First Lady; and Pat Nixon; who perfected what some have called "the robot image." They ranged in age from early 20s to late 60s; some received superb educations for their time; while others had little or no schooling. Including the courageous and adventurous; the emotionally unstable; the ambitious; and the reserved; these women often did not fit the traditional expectations of a presidential helpmate. Here then is an engaging portrait of how each First Lady changed the role and how the role changed in response to American culture. These women left remarkably complete records; and their stories offer us a window through which to view not only this particular sorority of women; but also American women in general. "Impressive...Caroli's profiles and observations of American first ladies and their relationship to the media are intelligent and perceptive." --Philadelphia Inquirer
#189665 in Books 2010-07-15Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 5.50 x 1.40 x 8.00l; 1.15 #File Name: 019539285X496 pages
Review
22 of 22 people found the following review helpful. First LadiesBy Kindle CustomerI love history and so got the book about the first ladies of the White House. I found the book enjoyable and informative. I often read several books at one time such as a paperback and one or two books on my Kindle. It was a book that I could lay down and read at various intervals. I wish it had had some charts at the end with summaries of such things as the first ladies name; causes; years they were in the White House; education etc.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. A must read for all AmericansBy LibrarianWith a new administration starting; Americans should read about prior first ladies; who are the foundation for the position today. The diversity shown by these women teaches us about the time period in which they lived; the education they had or didn't have; the problems they faced; and gives clues about the man they either married or for whom they acted as the hostess .Ms. Caroli has gathered these different women together by "categories"; making the reading easy and quick. A clever way to approach a book and a very successful way to write a readable narrative.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. A Fine IntroductionBy JKI've watched Caroli lecture on YouTube; her fine speaking was what motivated me to buy this book.Unfortunately; I expected more than this book delivered. I was a history minor in college with a specialty in presidential history; so I'm not the average reader. it is my fault that I expected more than is delivered here. There is no way that an anthology like this could offer much depth. This is not a criticism of Ms. Caroli's work.I think this would be a great introduction to our First Ladies for someone without any familiarity. Then; they can use this very scant knowledge gained to seek further insight into individual women.
