Rosalynn Carter - (Modern First Ladies) by Scott Kaufman (Hardcover)

About the Book

The first scholarly study of the most influential first lady between Eleanor Roosevelt and Hillary Clinton focuses on Rosalynn's contributions to the role--from attending cabinet meetings to testifying before Congress on mental health care--as a representation of the changing roles of women in 20th-century America.

Book Synopsis

Before Hillary, there was Rosalynn.

Rosalynn Carter--the most politically active first lady since Eleanor Roosevelt--was sometimes called the second most powerful person in the United States. Even when her husband Jimmy Carter's approval ratings sank to record lows, she still tied with Mother Teresa as the most admired woman in the world.

In this first biography of Rosalynn Carter since 1980 and first book-length account since her own 1984 memoir, Scott Kaufman depicts a hard-working first lady whose energetic style sparked an administration that seemed to have lost its way--and who accomplished far more than she received credit for. He particularly examines how this activist first lady became a lightning rod for controversy when she took on roles that some considered inappropriate. Not only her husband's sounding board and adviser, Mrs. Carter at times seemed to serve as a virtual copresident, sitting in on cabinet meetings, testifying before Congress, and traveling abroad as the president's personal representative to discuss substantive issues with foreign officials.

Kaufman challenges outdated stereotypes about the first lady dubbed a "Steel Magnolia," showing readers a talented, purposeful woman who pursued an ambitious agenda as the president's equal partner. Meticulously researched and balanced, his account provides the fullest account to date of her efforts on behalf of the mentally ill and of her diplomatic trips to Latin America and Asia. It also addresses the irony that, despite the strides she made in advancing her office beyond that of mere hostess, Rosalynn Carter had a difficult relationship with feminists who believed that she failed to take their interests to heart.

Drawing upon recently released documents from the Carter Library, as well as on interviews with President and Mrs. Carter and the latter's White House aides, Kaufman's insightful narrative illuminates both the Carter years and the changing roles of women in the late twentieth century, while objectively critiquing Rosalynn Carter's part in a presidency that fell short of its promise. It portrays a dynamic and influential individual who undeniably helped mold the institution of first lady into its modern form.

Review Quotes

"A great read about a first lady who carved out a nontraditional role during transitional times in the nation's history. . . . Reveals new depths in its portrait of the purposeful and assured wife of our 39th president."--Mary Finch Hoyt, former press secretary to Rosalynn Carter and author of East Wing: Politics, the Press, and a First Lady

"A balanced portrait of an ambitious, brilliant, and hardworking woman. It details the many roles Rosalynn played in support of President Jimmy Carter and also documents the ambivalence of the American public to some of her activities."--Betty Glad, author of Jimmy Carter: In Search of the Great White House

"A succinct, highly readable biography."--Register of the Kentucky Historical Society

"Kaufman uses interviews, press accounts, and some official papers to present a solid, balanced portrait of Rosalynn Carter, a first lady who left observers baffled about what role she was playing. . . . Kaufman reveals an active woman who worked hard for mental health, elder care issues, and the ERA."--Journal of Southern History

"We can all benefit from Kaufman's careful examination of Rosalynn Carter's remarkable record. .Not only did she compile an impressive list of 'firsts, ' she openly acknowledged her clout, something her predecessors had hesitated to do. . . . Kaufman leaves no doubt about how she earned her place on the list of top ten."--Journal of American History

"Kaufman has done a fine job of putting Rosalynn Carter's work in historical context. Accessible to a general audience, this book is a well-written and timely addition to the ongoing American conversation about the place of women in political life."--H-Net Reviews

"A valuable addition to the Modern First Ladies series. The 'equal partner' thesis is supported, illustrated, and confirmed by the fact that 'the president saw her as an equal and as someone he could trust.' A positive addition to the historiography of the Carter legacy."--Georgia Historical Quarterly