Customer Reviews

First Ladies

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I LOVED THIS BOOK! Margaret Truman uses her own unique perspective as the daughter of a First Lady to share a charming look at First Ladies throughout our history.

This is a very interesting, easy-to-read book with a variety of antecdotes illustrating the different roles First Ladies have taken on.

An interesting author in her own right with "first-hand" knowledge of living in the 'Big House'. Tastefully done review of little-before heard of facts and information about America's first ladies. Dolly Madison and Lou Henry Hoover were amazing women. The special qualities, strengths, and human frailities of our country's leading ladies is told in an honest, compassionate, and fascinating manner

From her unique perspective and personal contacts with many Twentieth Century First Ladies, Margaret Truman has told their stories in a most interesting way. The brief biographies primarily cover the years each of these Ladies resided in the White House, although their roles in getting there are not overlooked.

The concept of President and First Lady as political partners is central to the book. How and to what extent each First Lady fits into this mold is carefully examined. The influence that each First Lady has had on her husband and his administration brings some surprises.

We know of the public partners, such as Rosalynn Carter and Hillary Clinton, as well as those such as Lady Bird Johnson, who would do anything to advance Lyndon's career, and Eleanor Roosevelt, the eyes and ears of Franklin, but there were others. Who would have thought of Julia Tyler, the young second wife of John Tyler who, in her year in the White House, orchestrated a whirlwind entertainment campaign to achieve the annexation of Texas. Another second wife, Edith Wilson, virtually ran the country during her husband's two year illness after his stroke. There were those, such as Julia Grant and Helen Taft, who wanted the White House worse than their husbands.

Margaret Truman does an excellent job at categorizing the First Ladies topically. Among the tragic topics are those who may have been killed by newsprint, Rachel Jackson and Lou Hoover. Maligned First Ladies, such as Mary Lincoln, and those who lived with domineering husbands, such as Grace Coolidge, get sympathetic reviews. No sympathies are wasted on the undeserving, prominently Florence Harding.

In this book Margaret Truman gives us a splendid introduction to one of the most crucial jobs in our country. I am glad that I read it. You will be too.

Thank you Ms. Truman for doing what our high school teachers never quite accomplished. You made the past come alive with colorful characters who changed the world. I have a new appreciation for our Presidents and their wives. You accomplished what your father wished -- you wrote the definitive book on the subject and spoke to our hearts. I would love for you to add a chapter about Laura Bush, who has been such an inspiration to us all since 9-11.

This book is a very well researched, excellently written piece of history. Highly recommended non-fiction when you're looking to learn something you didn't learn in high school.

Ms. Truman has succeeded in bringing to life some of the most celebrated women in American history, and also some of the most misundertsood and underappreciated. How many Americans realize that Edith Wilson virtually ran the country while her husband, Woodrow, was incapacitated? Perhaps she should not have, but this book allows you to decide for yourself.

Ms. Truman's accounts are honest and kind, compassionate yet straightforward. So refreshing. A writer who does not intentionally slant her words, instead assumes that readers have enough intelligence to decide for themselves based upon the facts she provides. She tells it like it was and, if she does give her opinion, she tells you it is her opinion. Although I am not a Democrat, as I believe she is, I value her opinion on these women because she is one of so few to have experienced life in the White House first-hand.

There is much of interest here about First Ladies and their husbands. Examples include Eleanor Roosevelt, her many social causes, her relationship with FDR and how she may have affected his health. Betty Ford's personal and public relations battles as the wife of the country's only unelected President. Bess Truman's difficulties in adjusting to life in the White House and her husband's overwhelming new responsibilities at a critical point in U.S. History. Dolly Madison's personality and loyalty which made her an invaluable asset to her husband, James, but not necessarily a favorite of many others. Martha Washington who helped oversee the birth of a nation, with no precedent to help guide her in this new role. And critics, always critics, then and now.

There were even some First Ladies who may not have been so terrific, such as Mrs. Taft, but that you will have to read and decide for yourself. This book is very well-written and easy to get into, a worthwhile journey into the real lives of some fascinating women.

THIS WAS A VERY INTERESTING BOOK AND GAVE AN INSITE TO THE LIVES OF THE WHITE HOUSE FIRST LADIES. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK.

I have been collecting First Ladies' autographs as a hobby, and wanted to know more about the women whose signatures I was hanging on my office walls. This book takes the reader through an exciting, humorous, interesting, and at times touching ride through our country's history. Even though I am a long-term history afficionado, I can honestly say I learned a lot from this book. There are so many things that seem to have been glossed over in "traditional" history education, and this book helps to fill in many gaps by revealing a very human side to both the presidents and their wives. By reading this book, one not only learns about the first ladies, but also about the period in American history that corresponds with the respective husband's tenure as President. Of note, the information provided is mostly limited to the time spent as "First Lady", but does give a bit of background on the women's lives prior to their White House days. In addition, there is a chapter entitled "Is There Life After The White House?" which explores in more depth certain First Ladies' (Jaqueline Kennedy Onassis, Ladybird Johnson for ex)travels and doings after their husbands were no longer president. After each chapter, I found myself looking up portaits online, and wanting to know more. Though this book does not cover every First Lady, and does not include the current First Lady (Hillary Clinton is the last), it is nonetheless a well-written, thorough book on the First Ladies that it does discuss, and is guaranteed to bring a new vantage point to the reader on American history, social life, and human perserverance. Of note, this is not a book with a feminist slant - it is objective, and intelligently written, with only slight opinion commentary by the author. Even the commentary that does exist is presented as an "aside"; in otherwords, the reader is not made to feel that Mrs. Truman's opinions are the only valid ones, but instead, the reader is allowed to form opinions from the facts presented. I highly recommend this book.

A well-written book on the First Ladies, and given the author, we do find many personal anecdotes on the ones of the 20th century. And many of these First Ladies have a wonderful longevity. Ms. Truman is equally funny and vibrant with the First Ladies before the 20th century.

How different they all were. One could vaguely divide them into apolitical and political. Margaret's mother would fall into the latter category and of course Eleanor Roosevelt would be at the far end of the fully involved politically.

I suppose she seems somewhat overly generous in her evaluation of Jackie Kennedy - but this can be over-looked because of her tormented life. I detected some hostility to Eleanor as I think she stands well above any of the First Ladies. This is definitely an entertaining read from an opinionated author who has a good and personal understanding of the history involved.

First Ladies: An Intimate Group Portrait of White House Wives
Purchased at Amazon.

I am very interested in American History. My favorite section of it is the Men who have been our presidents & their wives & families. Margaret Truman was very knowledgeable in that aspect. She want there as a teenager & left to go to college. Some of the families had very sad lives, in & out of the White House.
Some came from poor backgrounds & others from wealthier backgrounds. Another words, from all parts of America & from all over the country.
All first ladies do not run or seek their jobs, they are there because of a husbands desire to be president of the USA.
Some enjoy the job, and truly add their input, be it political, beautification of their surroundings or just a helpmate, such as Eleanor Roosevelt, who traveled the world, even during World War II, checking things that her husband was unable to do, because of his physical handicap.Some are very unhappy there & stay in the background & little is known of them. Others become famous in their own right & not only enjoy their time there, but become well known for the rest of their lives.
They are really fascinating people in their own right & deserve to have their personal stories told, for future generations to admire. I like the little unknown trivia stories & that is fascinating to read about, especially as related to the president, their wives & children.