What do you think?
Rate this book
First Ladies
As we move toward the year 2000, Americans continue to debate the job of First Lady. How much power does the position actually hold? How publicly should that power be wielded? First Ladies tells the story of this curious institution and the evolution of these women's role from ceremonial
backdrop to substantive world figure. This expanded edition brings us up to the present, examining the legacies of our three most recent First Nancy Reagan, credited with raising the job to that of "Associate President"; Barbara Bush, who took a more traditional approach); and Hillary Rodham
Clinton, widely billed as the person responsible for changing the job completely. Covering all thirty-nine women from Martha Washington to our current First Lady and including the daughters, daughters-in-law, and sisters of presidents who sometimes served as First Ladies, Betty Boyd Caroli
explores the background, marriage, and accomplishments and failures in office of each woman. This remarkably diverse lot included Abigail Adams, whose "remember the ladies" became a twentieth-century feminist refrain; Edith Wilson, who alone controlled access to the President when he suffered a
stroke; Jane Pierce, who prayed her husband would lose the election; Helen Taft, who insisted on living in the White House, although her husband would have preferred a judgeship; and Pat Nixon, who perfected what some have called "the robot image." They ranged in age from early 20's to late 60's;
some received superb educations for their time, while others had little or no schooling. Including the courageous and adventurous, the emotionally unstable, the ambitious, and the reserved, these women often did not fit the traditional expectations of a presidential helpmate.
Depicting how these women used the "magic wand" given to them, Caroli reveals not only how each First Lady changed the role, but also how the role changed in response to American culture. Because of their position, these women left remarkably complete records, and their stories offer us an
insider's view not only of their lives but also of the history of American women in general.
backdrop to substantive world figure. This expanded edition brings us up to the present, examining the legacies of our three most recent First Nancy Reagan, credited with raising the job to that of "Associate President"; Barbara Bush, who took a more traditional approach); and Hillary Rodham
Clinton, widely billed as the person responsible for changing the job completely. Covering all thirty-nine women from Martha Washington to our current First Lady and including the daughters, daughters-in-law, and sisters of presidents who sometimes served as First Ladies, Betty Boyd Caroli
explores the background, marriage, and accomplishments and failures in office of each woman. This remarkably diverse lot included Abigail Adams, whose "remember the ladies" became a twentieth-century feminist refrain; Edith Wilson, who alone controlled access to the President when he suffered a
stroke; Jane Pierce, who prayed her husband would lose the election; Helen Taft, who insisted on living in the White House, although her husband would have preferred a judgeship; and Pat Nixon, who perfected what some have called "the robot image." They ranged in age from early 20's to late 60's;
some received superb educations for their time, while others had little or no schooling. Including the courageous and adventurous, the emotionally unstable, the ambitious, and the reserved, these women often did not fit the traditional expectations of a presidential helpmate.
Depicting how these women used the "magic wand" given to them, Caroli reveals not only how each First Lady changed the role, but also how the role changed in response to American culture. Because of their position, these women left remarkably complete records, and their stories offer us an
insider's view not only of their lives but also of the history of American women in general.
496 pages, Paperback
First published May 14, 1987
7 people are currently reading
75 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
March 1, 2022
DNF. Got 1/3 then stopped when I encountered the author using the term “niggardly”. Yup no time for racist authors. I was already slightly suspect of her writing up to that point because it’s a history book which cites nothing. Also it’s from the 1990s so better stuff has been written since. Don’t Easter your time.
July 25, 2017
I thought this book was really interesting. Learned not just about the ladies, but about history and culture.
Want to read
April 16, 2013CH 1: Setting Precedents-- The First Presidents Wives (1789-1829)
Martha Washington: strong, independent woman. Martha awaken to dozens of curious women to her Cherry Street house; hostess; returned the calls of ALL women who came to her door & left calling cards.
Abigail Adams: strong, spunky woman. Woke 5 am for "family arrangements," afternoon: "First Lady" work--returned 60 visits in 3-4 afternoons; entertaining Senators and ladies; only one "who had shaped the job more than it shaped her."
Dolley Madison: vivacious personality. Hostess to Jefferson's guests during his 2 terms; played a visible role his her husband's term; made improvements to the interior of the White House; not only called on others but invited them to the President's house.
Elizabeth Munroe: private & courageous. Nothing would change her daily schedule; beautiful woman at age 54 yrs., focused on dresses from France ($1,500 each); decided to have a private wedding for daughter Maria with very little Washingtonians on the guest list. His 2nd term, she stayed away from WA for months.
Louisa Catherine Adams: courageous & submissive. John Quincy Adams wrote out exactly what he wanted her to do regarding the wives of legislators --"each morning he prepared a set of cards for her to visit and she stared on her hated rounds. Congress convened, new round of of callers. Gave large Ball for General Jackson -- did everything (1400 invites, 800 guests)-- "singled out for years to come as the model of everything a party should be."
Martha Washington: strong, independent woman. Martha awaken to dozens of curious women to her Cherry Street house; hostess; returned the calls of ALL women who came to her door & left calling cards.
Abigail Adams: strong, spunky woman. Woke 5 am for "family arrangements," afternoon: "First Lady" work--returned 60 visits in 3-4 afternoons; entertaining Senators and ladies; only one "who had shaped the job more than it shaped her."
Dolley Madison: vivacious personality. Hostess to Jefferson's guests during his 2 terms; played a visible role his her husband's term; made improvements to the interior of the White House; not only called on others but invited them to the President's house.
Elizabeth Munroe: private & courageous. Nothing would change her daily schedule; beautiful woman at age 54 yrs., focused on dresses from France ($1,500 each); decided to have a private wedding for daughter Maria with very little Washingtonians on the guest list. His 2nd term, she stayed away from WA for months.
Louisa Catherine Adams: courageous & submissive. John Quincy Adams wrote out exactly what he wanted her to do regarding the wives of legislators --"each morning he prepared a set of cards for her to visit and she stared on her hated rounds. Congress convened, new round of of callers. Gave large Ball for General Jackson -- did everything (1400 invites, 800 guests)-- "singled out for years to come as the model of everything a party should be."
February 22, 2015
My copy of "First Ladies" is a 2nd edition from 1993, up to and including Hillary Clinton, early in Bill's first term. Other reviews indicate that newer editions are available and that there may have even been a format change. Having said that, my edition covers 49 women, which is a lot of information. Many of the mini-biographies were interesting but, by necessity, hit only the highlights. After awhile it became increasingly difficult to remember specific details about each of the women. Still, worth reading, particularly along with other sources to provide more depth (e.g. I went to youtube on several occasions to look at old footage of Eleanor Roosevelt, Bess Truman and others).
October 10, 2021
This book was very enlightening, as I never had any idea of the role of the "First Lady" played in the presidency. "The First Lady is the most visible woman in America-and the most admired. From the clothes she wears to the causes she supports, her every move is played out before the scrutiny of a curious nation. People want to know: how does the wife of the president raise her children, decorate her home, entertain her guests? What does she confide to her friends and what does she tell the president?"
I never realized how many children so many of the First Ladies had, and how many died. I did not know about First Lady pensions, and all of the things that First Ladies were expected to do, whether they wanted to or not.
There are over 200 photographs in this book, which give you an interesting perspective of their lives.
There is also an extensive Appendix at the back of the book that gives a biographical look at each one of the First Ladies. I really enjoyed reading this book.
I never realized how many children so many of the First Ladies had, and how many died. I did not know about First Lady pensions, and all of the things that First Ladies were expected to do, whether they wanted to or not.
There are over 200 photographs in this book, which give you an interesting perspective of their lives.
There is also an extensive Appendix at the back of the book that gives a biographical look at each one of the First Ladies. I really enjoyed reading this book.
August 11, 2019
This was an ok book. I like reading history. I wish there was more on the earlier First Ladies, but I understand lack of resources. Unfortunately it could be difficult to keep track of what went with what First Lady. I’d have liked this book more if it stayed in chronological order rather than groupings.
March 11, 2020
I liked the interesting way this book was arranged.
I also like that the author seemingly updates after each new election (but I wished I had a newer volume than this one).
I admit that I became bored at several points and put this book down to read things that I liked better.
It's a well-written book, and updated versions are likely to be better.
I also like that the author seemingly updates after each new election (but I wished I had a newer volume than this one).
I admit that I became bored at several points and put this book down to read things that I liked better.
It's a well-written book, and updated versions are likely to be better.
November 30, 2018
I love reading about the first ladies. I tend to look them up and learn more.
June 10, 2021
a solid 5/5 - as it serves as a fantastic start into the realm of presidents & first lady biographies. I'd give a sixth star for the added photographs though!
April 19, 2023
Interesting facts pertaining to their families, being the President's confidant, running the White House, and what they did after leaving.
January 21, 2024
Absolutely fascinating! We know their husband’s stories, but how the First Ladies’ support the shaping of the United States and their families is truly inspiring.
January 1, 2025
I really enjoyed this. It's a little dated, but there was a lot of fascinating information and pictures.
August 23, 2012
I requested this book on the title only and at first sight thought...crud another encyclopedia-like book, but was pleasantly surprised. The book is divided into 5 chapters: The first one covers the first lady's role as mother, daughter or sibling and how their success could be judged by how they fulfilled these roles. The second cover her role as wife to the President; does she stay in background, forefront or side-by-side and how the public shifts its opinion on how this role should be executed. It also covers each woman's causes such as Nancy Reagan's Just Say No. The third discusses decorating, being a hostess, her spending on such things and wardrobe. I loved the 4th chapter that covers her influence on American women; like when Betty ford made it alright to openly discuss her mastectomy. Chapter 5 tells us what happened to these women after the white house, including burial. And there is also an appendix which lists DOB, how many childrenz etc. The author gives no personal observations which I liked.
November 8, 2013
The subject matter appeared more interesting than the actual read. I found this class of women rather boring. Unfortunately due to lack of records or writings, information on the First Ladies in the 1800's was assumed. At times I was so bored with the book, I wasn't sure which First Lady I was reading about. Glad I'm done.
July 8, 2016
This compelling read features more than a biography of each First Lady. The author creates a broader picture to show just how First Ladies reflected society in the time they served. This is the best book I have read on American First Ladies. There was new information to discover about each First Lady.
April 16, 2018
A shallow look at presidents' wives, filled with interesting little facts. Nothing in depth on anyone. Ignored some all together, gave redundant facts on others, and wasn't organized particularly well. But it made for entertaining light reading on a summer afternoon.
July 20, 2012
I enjoyed reading about America's First Ladies. The manner in which the women took on the role of the
First Lady was so varied. I liked reading about the social mores and political climate and how that affected the ladies' take on their time in the White House.
First Lady was so varied. I liked reading about the social mores and political climate and how that affected the ladies' take on their time in the White House.
September 3, 2016
I read this for a history project, it was a bit too in depth for what I was looking for, but the pictures were a lovely touch.
2.5/5 stars
2.5/5 stars
November 15, 2015
A nice trip through History. Some great information on some of the First ladies that I really had never read about.
November 21, 2015
Surprisingly good considering that there are so many books "out there" just like this one. I like the author's style and presentation of some (often rehashed and repeated) stories and facts.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews