This volume explores more than two centuries of literature on the First Ladies, from Martha Washington to Michelle Obama, providing the first historiographical overview of these important women in U.S. history. Underlines the growing scholarly appreciation of the First Ladies and the evolution of the position since the 18th century Explores the impact of these women not only on White House responsibilities, but on elections, presidential policies, social causes, and in shaping their husbands’ legacies Brings the First Ladies into crisp historiographical focus, assessing how these women and their contributions have been perceived both in popular literature and scholarly debate Provides concise biographical treatments for each First Lady

This volume explores more than two centuries of literature on the First Ladies, from Martha Washington to Michelle Obama, providing the first historiographical overview of these important women in U.S. history. Underlines the growing scholarly appreciation of the First Ladies and the evolution of the position since the 18th century Explores the impact of these women not only on White House responsibilities, but on elections, presidential policies, social causes, and in shaping their husbands’ legacies Brings the First Ladies into crisp historiographical focus, assessing how these women and their contributions have been perceived both in popular literature and scholarly debate Provides concise biographical treatments for each First Lady

Profiles First Ladies from Martha Washington to Laura Bush, providing portraits and describing each woman's early life, marriage and family, years as First Lady, and legacy; and also includes articles on the roles that the First Lady plays, an annotated bibliography, and contact information for libraries, museums, and historic sites.

Short biographies of our nation's fascinating first ladies.

Provides profiles of the women who influenced the history of the United States as wives of its presidents.

Turning to primary sources others have overlooked, Sibley challenges the cliches about Florence Harding's time in the national spotlight. She describes her support for racial equality, lobbying for better treatment for veterans and female prisoners and her lifelong interest in preventing animal cruelty.

Which American First Lady never cooked a meal? Was accused of looting the White House? Was once a professional dancer? Find out in this accessible, illustrated reference packed with history and revelations. The First Ladies Fact Book is a comprehensive, fascinating, and intimate look at the life of each first lady from Martha Washington to Michelle Obama. Each profile includes a portrait, key biographical information, and several additional photographs. For each of this historically important women, you'll learn key facts about their childhood and upbringing, early careers, the path to the White House, their impact on the role and the country, and post-FLOTUS highlights. Whether you're browsing, preparing for a tough quiz night or for a classroom report, The First Ladies Fact Book combines the rich facts with fascinating details for history buffs of all ages. Pick-up the companion title, The President's Fact Book -- Revised and Updated.

Presents a collection of chronologically arranged entries of America's first ladies, from Martha Washington, to Laura Bush, and includes brief biographical information, as well as explaining their roles and responsibilities in the White House.

Collects letters, some of which appear as full-size facsimiles, written over the centuries to America's first ladies by ordinary citizens and famous figures, and includes historical information to illuminate the writer's concerns and ideas.

Providing an overview of the history of writing by women in the period, this 2001 Companion establishes the context in which this writing emerged, and traces the origin of the terms which have traditionally defined the debate. It includes essays on topics of recent concern, such as women and war, erotic violence, the liberating and disciplinary effects of religion, and examines the work of a variety of women writers, including Harriet Beecher Stowe, Rebecca Harding Davis and Louisa May Alcott. The volume plots new directions for the study of American literary history, and provides several valuable tools for students, including a chronology of works and suggestions for further reading.