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Summary: The Story of the White House, By A Famous First Daughter
Review: Former First Daughter Margaret Truman offers the reader an entertaining, anecdotal account of life at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. Her focus is on the White House as a home, though its role as a seat of power is not neglected. As a result, you can expect to learn more here about the first wives, children, doormen, Secret Service agents, maids, gardeners, cooks and others who have lived and labored behind these famous walls..although the presidents themselves aren't entirely overlooked.The exterior the White House presents to the world has changed little in two centuries...but the interior has been undergoing an almost constant process of destruction and renewal. We learn about the 1814 torching of the president's house by invading British troops; the addition of greenhouses, which gave way to the west wing at the beginning of the 20th century; almost constant sprees of redecoration and reconfiguring of the public and family rooms, all of which culminated in the complete reconstruction of the White House during the Truman years. There are chapters about the rambunctious children, the unusual pets, the glamorous weddings, riotous inaugural balls and other historic events that have enlivened this historic mansion. You will get a sense of the behind-the-scenes preparation that goes into welcoming a visiting head of state or similar dignitary. There are two sections of illustrations, one in color, that further help the reader share in Truman's wonder and appreciation of this historic house.
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Summary: Inside the White House by a Famous First Daughter
Review: Margaret Truman is, of course, the daughter of President Harry Truman and his wife Bess. She is the most prolific writing child of any American Chief Executiv. Margaret Truman has written several mysteries and histories about life in Washington which are written in a popular style easy to understand and enjoy.
As Ms. Truman opens the door to our White House she lets us discover the fascinating men and women who have lived at 1600
Pennyslvania Avenue. She discusses such various topics as: 1. White House Weddings.
2. Relations between the Presidents and the Media
3. The Children of Presidents who have lived in the White House
4. White House Presidential Pets
5. The kooks and crazies who have tried (and in some cases been successful) in assasinating our chief executive.
6. She describes the growth of the White House from its first occupancy by John and Abigal Adams in 1800. The history of the White House building, grounds, gardens and additions are discussed.
7. How the routine of a White House day changed with every administration-when they awoke to what they liked for dinner!
Ms. Truman has written in a charmingly simple style which is nevertheless based on her well done historical research. This is a book anyone regardless of age or party affiliation could enjoy.
I recommend it highly!
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Summary: The President's House : A First Daughter Shares the History
Review: Serving as a national monument, home, and goldfish bowl to two centuries of presidential families, the White House would have much to say if its walls could talk. The former first daughter channels some of its story, taking the listener behind the scenes for a fascinating chronicle of her former home and its denizens-the Presidents, First Ladies, children, pets, staff, dignitaries, and ordinary people who walked its halls and garden paths (did you know the White House is bibbed by an 18-acre private park?). Truman regales us with anecdotes, descriptions, and her own memories, conveyed with the zest of a raconteur and the affection of an insider. Sandra Burr's clear, untheatrical diction makes one feel as if Truman herself is telling the tale. The savvy listener will want to borrow the book concurrently since it is enhanced with 75 captioned color and black-and-white photos. This sturdy library edition will survive numerous circulations. Highly recommended
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