Women of the White House - by Amy Russo (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

Women of the White House looks at the work, lives and times of the 47 women officially recognized as America's first lady.

Through portraits, photographs, accounts and profiles, the book examines their contributions to the presidencies they supported and to the 230-year history of the role. The women who have held the position have evolved it from White House hostess to campaigner for social causes and a game-changing leadership position. A role model for the world, a powerful political player, a traditional yet modern woman - the position of first lady of the United States is many-faceted, complex and beyond high profile.

In this fully up-to-date book, Amy Russo explores how the social platforms these women established - from Mary Todd Lincoln's work for slaves and soldiers after the Civil War to feminist icon Michelle Obama's fight for girls' education - have not only made the role iconic but also shaped America

Review Quotes

Synopsis: "Women of the White House: The Illustrated Story of the First Ladies of the United States of America" by journalist Amy Russo looks at the work, lives and times of the 47 women officially recognized as America's first lady.

Through portraits, photographs, accounts and profiles, "Women of the White House" examines their contributions to the presidencies they supported and to the 230-year history of the role. The women who have held the position have evolved it from White House hostess to campaigner for social causes and a game-changing leadership position. A role model for the world, a powerful political player, a traditional yet modern woman -- the position of first lady of the United States is many-faceted, complex and beyond high profile.

In this fully up-to-date history, "Women of the White House" also explores how the social platforms these women established (ranging from Mary Todd Lincoln's work for slaves and soldiers after the Civil War, to feminist icon Michelle Obama's fight for girls' education) have not only made the role iconic but also shaped America.

Critique: A unique, profusely illustrated, and impressively informative study, "Women of the White House: The Illustrated Story of the First Ladies of the United States of America" is exceptionally well written and presented, making it an ideal and unreservedly recommended addition to community, highschool, college and university library American History collections in general, and Women in Politics supplemental studies curriculums in particular. It should be noted for personal reading lists that "Women of the White House: The Illustrated Story of the First Ladies of the United States of America" is also readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $13.49).

Editorial Note: Amy Russo is a reporter for the Providence Journal. She previously wrote for the New York Post, HuffPost, and NBC News, where she scripted a daily morning news show. Her work has appeared in USA Today and Foreign Affairs, among others, and her coverage has spanned politics, national news, and the media industry.