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The First Ladies: From Martha Washington to Mamie Eisenhower, An Intimate Portrait of the Women Who Shaped America

by Feather Schwartz Foster

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332737,113 (3.6)None
History. Reference. Nonfiction. HTML:

The Legacies and Personalities that built the White House

As a young nation grew into its own, it was not just the presidents who led the way. The remarkable women of the White House, often neglected by history, had a heavy hand in the shaping of America. The earliest First Ladies of the United States left countless untold legacies behind after their role at the White House was over.

Decidedly different from their modern day counterparts, the nation's first presidential wives made their impact not in terms of political policy or broad social and civic service, but instead with unique, personal, and often long-lasting accomplishments.

Read the unforgettable stories of how:

Martha Washington set the tone for First Ladies and walked the fine line between royal pretention and republican accessibility.

Sarah Polk worked diligently, constantly giving the high office her utmost attention.

Julia Grant not only adapted to the ups and downs of her husband's political career, but flourished wherever she landed.

And it was Nellie Taft's ambition that ultimately led her husband to the presidency.

.
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Information on each first lady ending with Mamie Eisenhower shows the individual personalities and personal struggles of each woman and family. Most of the information I found to be new to me and so intriguing. None of the information was came across as scathing, but gave a balance; ie Eleanor Roosevelt did a great deal of work, but for the many people that loved her there were also those that didn't like her. Some of the reasons were included.
The life of the earlier first ladies was harsher than life today and in the trials and tribulations they endured it shows what strong women they were. ( )
  VhartPowers | Dec 27, 2018 |
Description:

The First Ladies is a brief, yet intriguing portrait of the remarkable women behind our presidents, and the sacrifices they made for our beloved country - the U.S. of A. From Martha Washington to Mamie Eisenhower, Feather Schwartz Foster takes readers on an entertaining, fascinating, and humorous journey through the lives, loves, and personalities of our often overlooked Founding Mothers.

Review:

My parents have always instilled in my siblings and I that history is important, especially the history of our family and of our great country. So when I saw The First Ladies up for review, I grabbed at the opportunity to learn more about the women of the White House. I have taken numerous classes throughout high school and college detailing U.S. government, U.S. history, and democracy, but I have honestly never taken a class where the U.S. Presidents' wives were discussed, or even considered important in our history; and I find that to be a travesty. The only two wives I remember hearing about were Martha Washington and Eleanor Roosevelt, and it was pretty much just said in passing. But now I know so much more! Feather Schwartz Foster's guide to the Founding Mothers isn't just a list of people and their details, but a chance to delve into the little-known lives of the presidents' wives: their personalities, their passions, their accomplishments, and their legacies. The writing style is succinct, yet full of fun and surprising facts; Did you know that William Taft would have never become president if his wife Nellie "forced" him to run? I didn't. Now that I know these things, I would love to read more about them - "The Old Gals". Overall, a wonderfully entertaining read that will leave the reader smiling and inspired. Recommended for everyone who wants a peak into the lives of the White House's first wives.

Rating: On the Run (4/5)

*** I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest and unbiased review. ( )
  Allizabeth | Jan 10, 2012 |
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History. Reference. Nonfiction. HTML:

The Legacies and Personalities that built the White House

As a young nation grew into its own, it was not just the presidents who led the way. The remarkable women of the White House, often neglected by history, had a heavy hand in the shaping of America. The earliest First Ladies of the United States left countless untold legacies behind after their role at the White House was over.

Decidedly different from their modern day counterparts, the nation's first presidential wives made their impact not in terms of political policy or broad social and civic service, but instead with unique, personal, and often long-lasting accomplishments.

Read the unforgettable stories of how:

Martha Washington set the tone for First Ladies and walked the fine line between royal pretention and republican accessibility.

Sarah Polk worked diligently, constantly giving the high office her utmost attention.

Julia Grant not only adapted to the ups and downs of her husband's political career, but flourished wherever she landed.

And it was Nellie Taft's ambition that ultimately led her husband to the presidency.

.

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