Provides profiles of the women who influenced the history of the United States as wives of its presidents.

Examines the parts played by the wives and other relatives who filled the role of first lady, and describes how they profoundly impacted each president's admini

“[A] gossipy, but surprisingly deep, look at the women who help and sometimes overshadow their powerful husbands.” — USA Today From the #1 New York Times

Examines the parts played by the wives and other relatives who filled the role of first lady, and describes how they profoundly impacted each president's admini

Looking at the personal interaction between each first lady from Martha Washington to Laura Bush and the mass media of her day, Maurine H. Beasley traces the gr