Customer Reviews

The First Ladies Fact Book: The Stories of the Women of the White House from Martha Washington to Laura Bush

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I am teaching an extra-curricular high school class this semester on the history of U.S. presidents and wives. This book has some very interesting information on the wives of the presidents. I have found fascinating tidbits from this book which kept my students interested even when the presidents might have proven boring! I am enjoying reading the book on a personal note too!

This huge book bollows Mr. Harris earlier book The Presidents Fact Book where he talked of the Achievements, Events, People, Triumphs, and Tragedies of Every President. Obviously in this book he is not talking about the presidents but their wives.

The first ladies have had their own share of the making of history. In recent years, Jackie Kennedy did a lot towards the creation of the Camelot image of the Kennedy years. Hillary Clinton is certainly remembered for her efforts towards creating universal health care.

These are just two small details of the lives of two first ladies. This book has over 700 pages about their lives, their interests, their activities in the white house and the way that they worked with their husbands to assist in the governance of the country.

And yes, there is a color section of pictures featuring mostly the clothes they wore.

This is exactly what I was looking for in a history book not only of First Ladies, but a history of their husbands.

...there has to be a brave woman! That is old saying, but when learning about these women the old saying becomes true. As a child, I read about Martha Washington, Mary Todd Lincoln, Dolley Madison, and Eleanor Roosevelt simply because I found these women interesting on their own. Reading this book and learning about our other First Ladies and their achievements made me realize that some of our Presidents owe their wives a great amount respect. I was surprise to learn that Jane Pierce (disagreed with her husband) and Helen Taft had a strong belief in racial equality. Out of all the First Laides, I came away respecting Abigail Adams who told her husband "Don't forget about the ladies."

This is a great book because it shows how most of these women influence their husbands, their courtships with their husbands, eventful moments in our history, and their place in our country. This book is a must!

Now here is a really great educational book! I wanted to give this book together with Women's Letters by Lisa Gruenwald. Buy these together and have a wonderful women's birthday or Mother's Day gift.
JQ

This made a wonderful gift that keeps "on giving."
The facts are interesting and unusual and it's good to have an insight into the women behind the men that have been in office.
Quite frankly I think most of them could have done a better job than their husbands.
Would highly recommend this to anyone for a good read and quick reference.