Description:
This volume explores more than two centuries of literature on the First Ladies, from Martha Washington to Michelle Obama, providing the first historiographical overview of these important women in U.S. history.
- Underlines the growing scholarly appreciation of the First Ladies and the evolution of the position since the 18th century
- Explores the impact of these women not only on White House responsibilities, but on elections, presidential policies, social causes, and in shaping their husbands' legacies
- Brings the First Ladies into crisp historiographical focus, assessing how these women and their contributions have been perceived both in popular literature and scholarly debate
- Provides concise biographical treatments for each First Lady
Review Quotes:
"It was not so long ago that books about first ladies attracted very little scholarly attention or even popular notice, beyond some well-worn tales such as Dolly Madison's heroism or Mary Todd Lincoln's eccentricities. A new and welcome addition to this literature comes from editor Sibley. Sibley's stable of talented authors includes accomplished scholars like Maurine Beasely and Robert Watson, as well as lesser-known writers and experts in the field of public history. Each of the 40 essays is accompanied by a list of sources consulted, as well as suggestions for further research. It is refreshing to see that publishers are still courageous enough to publish reference volumes like this in the age of the internet and digital research." Summing Up: Highly recommended. Undergraduates through scholars, and general readers.
--B. Miller, University of Cincinnati-Clermont