"A first-rate biography . . . For those interested in the complex politics of the 1920s or the changing nature of the status of the first lady, Sibley’s biography offers insight into a complicated and interesting life."—Presidential Studies Quarterly
"Harding’s life, as tragic and controversial as it may have been, has finally received the serious attention that it deserves thanks to Katherine Sibley."—Michigan Historical Review
"Sibley’s absorbing and valuable study portrays Florence Kling Harding as the prototype for modern American first ladies. Florence, Sibley argues, was the engine that powered Warren Harding’s commercial and political successes. . . . To Sibley, [Florence Harding’s] characteristics were indexes of feminism and individuality: Mrs. Harding was successful at business, shrewd politically, and, as first lady in the White House, a media trailblazer at just the right time, when Americans, thanks to the emergence of movies and radio, were starting to measure politicians as much for celebrity as for public policy. . . . [This book is] . . . hard to put down. Considering that [it deals] with a presidency that ended 86 years ago Aug. 2, that's saying a lot."—Cleveland Plain Dealer
“A terrific biography of an important first lady who has never been given the recognition she truly deserves. Sibley not only corrects the historical record about the Harding presidency while revealing the life of a great lady, but also provides a positively fascinating read. No future first lady, or anyone interested in presidential history, should ignore this work.”—John W. Dean, former Nixon White House counsel and author of Warren G. Harding
“Sibley’s lively and thoughtful book draws on dozens of contemporary accounts to bring Florence Harding to life. The gallant ‘Duchess’ was an immensely popular woman whose efforts to expand the visibility of the White House paved the way for Eleanor Roosevelt and Jacqueline Kennedy.” —Kristie Miller, author of Isabella Greenway: An Enterprising Woman
"A terrific biography of an important first lady who has never been given the recognition she truly deserves. Sibley not only corrects the historical record about the Harding presidency while revealing the life of a great lady, but also provides a positively fascinating read. No future first lady, or anyone interested in presidential history, should ignore this work."--John W. Dean, former Nixon White House counsel and author of Warren G. Harding"Sibley's lively and thoughtful book draws on dozens of contemporary accounts to bring Florence Harding to life. The gallant 'Duchess' was an immensely popular woman whose efforts to expand the visibility of the White House paved the way for Eleanor Roosevelt and Jacqueline Kennedy."--Kristie Miller, author of Isabella Greenway: An Enterprising Woman
About the Author
Katherine A. S. Sibley is chair of the History Department at Saint Joseph's University in Philadelphia and author of Red Spies in America.
