First Ladies : An Intimate Group Portrait of White House Wives

Rating:
Summary: Good book to read in this '96 election year.
Review: An interesting author in her own right with "first-hand" knowledge of living in the 'Big House'. Tastefully done review of little-before heard of facts and information about America's first ladies. Dolly Madison and Lou Henry Hoover were amazing women. The special qualities, strengths, and human frailities of our country's leading ladies is told in an honest, compassionate, and fascinating manner

Rating:
Summary: Political Partners
Review: From her unique perspective and personal contacts with many Twentieth Century First Ladies, Margaret Truman has told their stories in a most interesting way. The brief biographies primarily cover the years each of these Ladies resided in the White House, although their roles in getting there are not overlooked.

The concept of President and First Lady as political partners is central to the book. How and to what extent each First Lady fits into this mold is carefully examined. The influence that each First Lady has had on her husband and his administration brings some surprises.

We know of the public partners, such as Rosalynn Carter and Hillary Clinton, as well as those such as Lady Bird Johnson, who would do anything to advance Lyndon's career, and Eleanor Roosevelt, the eyes and ears of Franklin, but there were others. Who would have thought of Julia Tyler, the young second wife of John Tyler who, in her year in the White House, orchestrated a whirlwind entertainment campaign to achieve the annexation of Texas. Another second wife, Edith Wilson, virtually ran the country during her husband's two year illness after his stroke. There were those, such as Julia Grant and Helen Taft, who wanted the White House worse than their husbands.

Margaret Truman does an excellent job at categorizing the First Ladies topically. Among the tragic topics are those who may have been killed by newsprint, Rachel Jackson and Lou Hoover. Maligned First Ladies, such as Mary Lincoln, and those who lived with domineering husbands, such as Grace Coolidge, get sympathetic reviews. No sympathies are wasted on the undeserving, prominently Florence Harding.

In this book Margaret Truman gives us a splendid introduction to one of the most crucial jobs in our country. I am glad that I read it. You will be too.

Rating:
Summary: Political Partners
Review: From her unique perspective and personal contacts with many Twentieth Century First Ladies, Margaret Truman has told their stories in a most interesting way. The brief biographies primarily cover the years each of these Ladies resided in the White House, although their roles in getting there are not overlooked.

The concept of President and First Lady as political partners is central to the book. How and to what extent each First Lady fits into this mold is carefully examined. The influence that each First Lady has had on her husband and his administration brings some surprises.

We know of the public partners, such as Rosalynn Carter and Hillary Clinton, as well as those such as Lady Bird Johnson, who would do anything to advance Lyndon's career, and Eleanor Roosevelt, the eyes and ears of Franklin, but there were others. Who would have thought of Julia Tyler, the young second wife of John Tyler who, in her year in the White House, orchestrated a whirlwind entertainment campaign to achieve the annexation of Texas. Another second wife, Edith Wilson, virtually ran the country during her husband's two year illness after his stroke. There were those, such as Julia Grant and Helen Taft, who wanted the White House worse than their husbands.

Margaret Truman does an excellent job at categorizing the First Ladies topically. Among the tragic topics are those who may have been killed by newsprint, Rachel Jackson and Lou Hoover. Maligned First Ladies, such as Mary Lincoln, and those who lived with domineering husbands, such as Grace Coolidge, get sympathetic reviews. No sympathies are wasted on the undeserving, prominently Florence Harding.

In this book Margaret Truman gives us a splendid introduction to one of the most crucial jobs in our country. I am glad that I read it. You will be too.

Rating:
Summary: A Charming look at our First Ladies
Review: I LOVED THIS BOOK! Margaret Truman uses her own unique perspective as the daughter of a First Lady to share a charming look at First Ladies throughout our history.

This is a very interesting, easy-to-read book with a variety of antecdotes illustrating the different roles First Ladies have taken on.

Rating:
Summary: Being A First Lady Has Never Been Easy
Review: Ms. Truman has succeeded in bringing to life some of the most celebrated women in American history, and also some of the most misundertsood and underappreciated. How many Americans realize that Edith Wilson virtually ran the country while her husband, Woodrow, was incapacitated? Perhaps she should not have, but this book allows you to decide for yourself.

Ms. Truman's accounts are honest and kind, compassionate yet straightforward. So refreshing. A writer who does not intentionally slant her words, instead assumes that readers have enough intelligence to decide for themselves based upon the facts she provides. She tells it like it was and, if she does give her opinion, she tells you it is her opinion. Although I am not a Democrat, as I believe she is, I value her opinion on these women because she is one of so few to have experienced life in the White House first-hand.

There is much of interest here about First Ladies and their husbands. Examples include Eleanor Roosevelt, her many social causes, her relationship with FDR and how she may have affected his health. Betty Ford's personal and public relations battles as the wife of the country's only unelected President. Bess Truman's difficulties in adjusting to life in the White House and her husband's overwhelming new responsibilities at a critical point in U.S. History. Dolly Madison's personality and loyalty which made her an invaluable asset to her husband, James, but not necessarily a favorite of many others. Martha Washington who helped oversee the birth of a nation, with no precedent to help guide her in this new role. And critics, always critics, then and now.

There were even some First Ladies who may not have been so terrific, such as Mrs. Taft, but that you will have to read and decide for yourself. This book is very well-written and easy to get into, a worthwhile journey into the real lives of some fascinating women.

Rating:
Summary: First rate praise for "First Ladies"
Review: Thank you Ms. Truman for doing what our high school teachers never quite accomplished. You made the past come alive with colorful characters who changed the world. I have a new appreciation for our Presidents and their wives. You accomplished what your father wished -- you wrote the definitive book on the subject and spoke to our hearts. I would love for you to add a chapter about Laura Bush, who has been such an inspiration to us all since 9-11.