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First Ladies Vol II
The closing of a definitive two-volume history, First Ladies is the fascinating examination of the modern role of the Presidents' wives. Enlisting the cooperation of all living First Ladies and gleaning new perspectives from interviews with their families, friends, and staffs, Carl Sferrazza Anthony reveals the remarkable influence of their office. From Jacqueline Kennedy's plan to begin an arts and humanities department to Lady Bird Johnson's impact on the environment; from Pat Nixon's diplomatic missions to Africa and South America to Betty Ford's controversial feminist views; from Rosalynn Carter's agenda of social welfare legislation to Nancy Reagan's media savvy and Barbara Bush's literacy programs, First Ladies shows how seven women heightened awareness and lowered resistance to change, how they often became victims of unvalidated speculation and national tragedy. Their considerable power as unelected presidential advisers was generally underestimated. Now, in First Ladies , the balance of power is authoritatively weighed.
512 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 1991
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
May 27, 2012
Not as fun and informative as volume one probably because I remember all these First Ladies. In fact, at 12-years old in 1961 I wrote to Mrs. Eleanor Roosevelt and she REPLIED personally. That letter is now in the Eleanor Archives of the FDR Presidential Library.
February 21, 2026
I had an ulterior motive in making myself read this, but... it's admittedly a struggle. Even history I SHOULD be interested in... is still history! I just have a built-in aversion to it unless it's cleverly disguised (and even then it's doubtful).
Some of the problem is the stories are written fairly clinically. The events might be interesting enough, but it's very "historical record" in feel—objective, "unbiased." I feel my eyes glazing over despite the enthusiasm that had me reaching for this in the used bookstore (actually library's "pay on the honour system" shelves) and keeping me from immediately just putting it in the free library donations stack for redistribution.
I mean, it'll still go there, but at least I gave a once-over and review first.
Probably the best part is this "series" only runs through Barbara Bush, unlike other books that suggest they maybe only run through Obama but then have a stealth troll included. I mean, I guess there COULD be a Volume III some day, but unless Anthony is immortal, or the presidents become very... not... I doubt it will be any year soon, certainly.
(Or, I guess, if Hillary onwards were RATHER prolific...?)
I do have to give props for this quote, though:
It's a bit odd to read today about there almost wasn't a National Endowment for the Arts, and about criticism surrounding Jackie Kennedy's redecoration of the Blue Room. I wonder how badly she's rolling in her grave considering recent events. I guess that's the other reason it's hard to read history—a weird nostalgia for "maybe it wasn't THAT great then, but at least it was a DIFFERENT not-great than today's not-great" or something.
Recommended for historians! Especially ones interested in the personal behind-the-scenes but sometimes actually-in-front touches the First Ladies had to offer!
Some of the problem is the stories are written fairly clinically. The events might be interesting enough, but it's very "historical record" in feel—objective, "unbiased." I feel my eyes glazing over despite the enthusiasm that had me reaching for this in the used bookstore (actually library's "pay on the honour system" shelves) and keeping me from immediately just putting it in the free library donations stack for redistribution.
I mean, it'll still go there, but at least I gave a once-over and review first.
Probably the best part is this "series" only runs through Barbara Bush, unlike other books that suggest they maybe only run through Obama but then have a stealth troll included. I mean, I guess there COULD be a Volume III some day, but unless Anthony is immortal, or the presidents become very... not... I doubt it will be any year soon, certainly.
(Or, I guess, if Hillary onwards were RATHER prolific...?)
I do have to give props for this quote, though:
"They ought to elect the First Lady," Nancy Reagan had once said onstage in her lead role in First Lady, "and, then, let her husband be president."Wow, that definitely would have solved a few problems, I think. (Pardon me if I don't, in my daydream, imagine how badly that could go, too.)
It's a bit odd to read today about there almost wasn't a National Endowment for the Arts, and about criticism surrounding Jackie Kennedy's redecoration of the Blue Room. I wonder how badly she's rolling in her grave considering recent events. I guess that's the other reason it's hard to read history—a weird nostalgia for "maybe it wasn't THAT great then, but at least it was a DIFFERENT not-great than today's not-great" or something.
Recommended for historians! Especially ones interested in the personal behind-the-scenes but sometimes actually-in-front touches the First Ladies had to offer!
March 1, 2025
An exhaustive account of the American first ladies from 1961 to 1990: Jacqueline Kennedy, Lady Bird Johnson, Pat Nixon, Betty Ford, Rosalynn Carter, Nancy Reagan, and Barbara Bush. The book examines the way they fit into the role of First Lady, and molded it around their interests. The book also examines their relationships with each other. It's a fascinating book.
February 13, 2021
Interesting history of the First Ladies of the US, through Barbara Bush. I only wish there were a third volume!
December 3, 2008
This is actually a very good book. Not dry at all and better than reading fiction based on a first lady
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews