First Ladies

Carl Sferrazza Anthony

HarperCollins, Mar 27, 1992 - History - 688 pages

In this previously untold story of a unique role and its evolving definitions, Carl Sferrazza Anthony has produced "an entirely new take on the first ladyship" and "an awesome work of scholarship" (Library Journal).

Opening with a historic trip made in 1789 by Martha Washington from Mount Vernon to New York, then the capital city, First Ladies brings these women alive as never before in a saga of intertwining lives, friends, rivals, and allies. Among the women profiled in this first of a definitive two-volume history: Dolley Madison, Julia Tyler, Mary Lincoln, Julia Grant, Nellie Taft, Edith Wilson, Grace Coolidge, Eleanor Roosevelt, and Mamie Eisenhower. From the Federalist to the Antebellum periods, through the Gilded and Jazz ages, from the Great Depression to the Fabulous Fifties, thirty-four women confronted the towering events of American history. They also helped establish its course. We also glimpse the early years of the living First Ladies, from Jacqueline Kennedy to Barbara Bush.

What people are saying

Review: First Ladies Vol I

User Review  - Joyce Becker - Goodreads

Excellent reference book.

Review: First Ladies Vol I

User Review  - Nicole Sunderlin - Goodreads

I did not like the format of this book, I was more interested in a few chapters dealing with each First Lady, how he made them all swoop together was not a smooth translation like I am sure the author wanted.

About the author

Carl Sferrazza Anthony is the nation's leading authority on the political power and social influence of First Ladies, and his written extensively about the First Families. He is the author of several books including America's First Families and As We Remember Her: Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis in the Words of Her Friends and Family, which includes exclusive interviews with Senator Ted Kennedy. He has written for George, American Heritage, The Washington Post, The New York Times and many other publications and is a contributor to Voter.com.

Bibliographic information

• Title: First Ladies; Volume 1 of First Ladies: The Saga of the Presidents' Wives and Their Power, Carl Sferrazza Anthony
• Author: Carl Sferrazza Anthony
• Edition: illustrated, reprint
• Publisher: HarperCollins, 1992
• ISBN: 0688112722, 9780688112721
• Length: 688 pages
• Subjects: Biography & Autobiography / Historical; Biography & Autobiography / Presidents & Heads of State; History / General