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Customer Reviews (1)

The Woman Behind the Throne in America.
Not all of the First Ladies were Presidents' wifes.Some were unmarried, others widowers.The women who did serve as official hostess were all unique and individual in what they tried to do.Not often does a woman have the chance to do such elaborate entertaining, at least not in the old days.Sarah Polk banned dancing at the White House and insisted on a strictly formal regime.Dolly Madison had been in charge of gay (the old definition), happy occasions and had a cake named after her.Mrs. Lincoln would have been the grand dame had she not become unglued after the death of son Tad, and witnessing the murder of her husband.Mrs. Kennedy brought an elegance and bought all new china for entertaining.She was as much like a movie star as we ever had, even with her little Marilyn Monroe voice.

As First Lady, Mrs. Johnson took on an outside project of having wildflowers planted along the Interstates of her hometown, Texas. The beauty along the highways (they lack dense trees and foliage like Tennessee) was so noted, and many years later we have red poppies and other wildflowers in clumps and bunches at some spots along our wide system of interstates. Perhaps other states have followed suit.

Claudia (called Lady Bird from her youth) chose a jonquil-yellow long gown with matched coat, complete with sable, to emulate the preceding First Lady. The color of bright, vivid yellow is probably the reason her gown is not in the Smithsonian collection. It might have gone across big in Dallas, but not in D.C., even if it was created by a New Yorker. Mary Todd Lincoln chose a royal purple velvet gown, as befitting her wealthy status in Kentucky. You'd think she might have come from Knoxville as purple is the choice of many women here.

Claudia's father was a farmer and businessman aptly named Thomas Jefferson Taylor. She had a fabulous education and graduated from the University of Texas with a law degree thirty years before Hillary got hers. So she could have been the first First Lady to be a lawyer, though she did not practice as she was married soon after graduation and raised two lovely daughters.

As wife of the Vice president, she went on official trips with her husband to 33 countries. She went to Dallas as the wife of the Vice President and returned as the First Lady. The assassin's bullet took the life of the most popular U. S. President ever in the state of Texas on November 22, 1963. Lyndon took the oath of office on the plane carrying Kennedy's body back to the nation's capital. He was always an impatient man and led this country into an inner turmoil which will never be over. Amid the chaotic confusion that followed after JFK's untimely death, she was thrust to the forefront, assuming duties and responsibilities of hostess at the White House during the days of deep mourning. All traces of the Kennedys were obliterated as if they had never been in the White House. It was a travesty against such a fine politician, his family, and the country who stayed glued to the t.v. set to watch John-John salute his father's casket on the horse-driven cortege. Nothing the Johnsons achieved in office will ever erase that from the souls and consciences of his "fellow Americans." She was the perfect mate for the politician who had to have his way -- gracious and kind. Her family background helped her to serve our country in a stately way.

The White House is the place all Americans desire to tour.The day I took my boys to Washington, DC, it was closed (off-limits to the public) as they were entertaining the Russian leader.Even Dulles House where he spent the night was blocked to traffic.We went around in circles but we inadvertently found the Westgate Hotel and I got out of the car to take Geoffrey's picture as he is the one who recognized it. ... Read more

Book Description
According to numerous scholars and pundits, JFK's victory in 1960 symbolized America's evolution from a politically Protestant nation to a pluralistic one. The anti-Catholic prejudice that many blamed for presidential candidate Alfred E. Smith's crushing defeat in 1928 at last seemed to have been overcome. However, if the presidential election of 1960 was indeed a turning point for American Catholics, how do we explain the failure of any Catholic--in over forty years--to repeat Kennedy's accomplishment? In this exhaustively researched study that fuses political, cultural, social, and intellectual history, Thomas Carty challenges the assumption that JFK's successful campaign for the presidency ended decades, if not centuries, of religious and political tensions between American Catholics and Protestants. ... Read more

Book Description
An entertaining and informative compilation of stories about America's first ladies, from Martha Washington to Hillary Clinton. The private accomplishments and peculiarities of these women are explored with energy and wit. Illustrated and indexed. ... Read more

Book Description
Presidents from Herbert Hoover to Bill Clinton, this book features memoirs and souvenirs reflecting on their lives and formative experiences in youth, and brief summaries of their careers showing how each developed a special regard for schooling and the i ... Read more

Book Description
In The Way to Win, two of the country’s most accomplished political reporters explain what separates the victors from the victims in the unforgiving environment of modern presidential campaigns.

Mark Halperin, political director of ABC News, and John F. Harris, the national politics editor of The Washington Post, tell the story of how two families–the Bushes and the Clintons–have held the White House for nearly a generation and examine Hillary Clinton’s prospects for extending this record in 2008. Based on years of research, including private campaign memos and White House communications, The Way to Win reveals the surprising details of how the Bushes and Clintons have closely studied each the other’s successes and failures and used these lessons to shape their own strategies for winning elections and wielding power.

In the case of George W. Bush, the strategic genius is Karl C. Rove, arguably the most influential White House aide in history. For the first time, Halperin and Harris cut through the myths and controversies surrounding Rove to illuminate in brilliant, behind-the-scenes detail what he actually does–his Trade Secrets for winning elections.

In the case of the Clintons, the chief strategist is Bill Clinton himself. Drawing on their fifteen years reporting on and interviewing him, Halperin and Harris deconstruct and decipher the Clinton style, identifying the methods that all candidates can use in their pursuit of the White House.

The Way to Win takes a lively and irreverent approach, but Halperin and Harris also show the disturbing ways that American politics has become a Freak Show–their name for a political culture that provides incentives for candidates, activists, interest groups, and the news media to emphasize ideological extremism and personal attack. For the first time, Halperin and Harris describe how Freak Show campaigns orchestrated by the likes of Internet pioneer Matt Drudge forced Al Gore and John Kerry to lose control of their public images (with considerable help from the candidates’ own ineptitude) and lose the White House.

On the brink of what will be one of the most intense, most exciting presidential elections in American history, The Way to Win is the book that armchair political junkies have been waiting for. Filled with peerless analysis and eye-opening revelations from the trenches, it is a must read for everyone who follows American politics. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (31)

Interesting Book and Easy to Read
The majority of this book is very interesting and easy to read.I gave it three stars because the last third of the book begins repeating itself and spends too much time discussing Hillary Clinton's chances.I really enjoyed the look back at political history and the strategy used to win elections and defeat opponents.This book would be better if it was shorter.If you are interested in strategy or presidential elections, then I recommend this book.The chapters are short and it is well written.

Great book - politics today, like it or not (hope you don't)
For one who lives outside the US, here's a book that makes you dive head-first into how US politics are done today. Will these techniques spread to other countries? With a few adjustments, they most probably will.
Learning about how Kerry's announcement was shrinked to a short novel about his hairdo sure makes you laugh (c'mon, let's have have some sense of humor...) as it also makes you think about the future of Democracy... and about its essence. In the end, hasn't it always been about emotional appeals, abotu the small stuff that makes each voter tilt left or right?

Good for political junkies; some of their 2008 predictions already rendered irrelevant
As well-stated by others here, "Way to Win" is 'geeky' and 'for political junkies.'If you're looking for the type of delectable, fascinating 'inside the bus' reporting that is found, for example, in Newsweek's traditionally superb post-election special, well, here is not the place.While authors Mark Halperin and John F. Harris are definitely capable of that oeuvre, herethey've produced a more analytical body of work analyzing what has made Clinton (both of them), Bush (43) and Karl Rove successful.Moreover, we're also shown what made Kerry and Gore unsuccessful.

What strikes me is the non-partisan stance of the book - the authors have lots of very positive statements about each of the four main protagonists (the Clintons being one successful pair, and Bush/Rove the other).It says a lot about the authors' ability to dispense dispassionate judgment that they're able to offer readers extensive, constructive looks at Hillary Clinton and Karl Rove without tipping their hands to feeling the least bit of antipathy towards one or the other.That's quite an achievement.

Despite all that, what strikes you at the very end of the book is how much of the book's conclusions have already been rendered irrelevant:

- John McCain is held up as the candidate who should fare best, given his mastery of the book's "trade secrets."[Right now, this looks like a major 'oops' - as I write this McCain has just made dramatic cuts to his staff and has only a small amount of funds in the bank.]

- Mark Warner and George Allen are touted as looking good for 2008.'Oops' and 'Yikes!'

- Candidates and fundraising heavyweights Mitt Romney and Barrack Obama are nowhere to be seen.

- Rudy Guiliani merits brief attention, but only as an erstwhile senatorial candidate against Hillary in 2000.

Of course, much of that stuff is extraordinarily difficult to predict.It's more an indication of the "strangely fluid political times" (as Fortune aptly pegged it in a recent cover story) than of Halperin & Harris' prognosticating capabilities.

Was the Title "Tips We Hope Will Help Hillary Win in 2008"?
I am a political junkie, so it never hurts to do a bit of opposition research.I hoped that this would be a balanced look at the climate surrounding the 2008 election.The authors acknowledge the power of the new media.However, they seem to lament the rise of a counter balance to the liberal ABC, NBC, CBS established media.They somehow label conservative media options as "Freak Show".While forged documents, Koran flushing, missing weapons story being held for final weekend, seem to escape the "Freak Show" label.What the authors need to understand is that the new media has risen because the old media has not done a balanced job for many years.
Secondly, there are just way too many rules layed out in this book.The bottom line is that Bill Clinton connected with regular people better than Bush the first or Dole.Likewise, GW has the ability to connect with regular people far better than the stiff, rigid, aloof candidates like Gore and Kerry.
The problem I see for Hillary in '08 is that she lacks the "it" that Clinton and GW have.She comes off as cold and calculating rather than a real person.Throw all the rules out.Our next president will be someone who normal people feel they can identify with.

Great Analysis of the Past Elections, but 2008's Another Story
A most interesting book in that two astute observers of the American political scene make comments on the upcoming 2008 election. It does promise to be an interesting election. As usual, to win the Democratic primary you have to appeal to the hard core left wing - something both Hillary and Obama do. On the other hand, traditionally you have to go pretty far right to win the Republican primary, but neither MaCain nor Giuliani have done so.

Then after going far out on the wing, you have to come back to the center in order to win the election, because the country is positioned at neither wing. Hillary and Obama have a long way to go to get to the center.

The logic presented in this book is fascinating. But it's early in the political silly season. There's room for lots of surprises. This is a jolly good read (or listen in the case of the CD's), just don't take it too seriosly at this early stage. It's a lot about what happened in the past. But it's a new election. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

WONDERFUL!
If you ever wanted to see the Presidents bedroom or the First Lady's dressing room....get this book - a truly WONDERFUL treat! ... Read more

Book Description

Faced with divided advisers, limited options, contradictory evidence, and the profound global consequences of their choices, how do presidents reach a decision in a time of crisis? As a speechwriter and close adviser to John F. Kennedy, Ted Sorensen, whom theNew York Times referred to as Kennedy's "brilliant alter ego," drafted many of the president's key public statements and was a participant in some of the toughest decisions made by an American president. In the shadow of potential nuclear war, John F. Kennedy had to weigh, with extreme, sometimes excruciating delicacy, his options as he responded to the Cuban Missile Crisis, the construction of the Berlin Wall, and other domestic and foreign crises. In these famous lectures, Sorensen draws on his firsthand experiences in the Kennedy White House to analyze the political and personal dimensions of presidential decision-making and the necessary attributes of an effective leader. In particular, Sorensen emphasizes knowing and remaining open to all options; the need to make an informed, prudent, and resolute choice; the importance of avoiding any appearance of deception; and the necessity of understanding decisions made by past presidents and recognizing the limitations of presidential power.

This edition includes a new preface by the author, comparing the very different decision-making styles of George W. Bush and John F. Kennedy. Sorensen argues that Bush's failure to seek support from the international community, explore all his options, and fully investigate the facts presented to him have contributed to U.S. difficulties in Iraq. In light of the findings of the 9/11 Commission and the numerous accounts of George W. Bush's decision to go to war in Iraq, Sorensen's observations offer timely insights and analysis as the United States and the American president confront a new set of challenges.

Amazon.com
Drawing on thousands of pages of archival material and on interviews with surviving associates, presidential biographer Reeves paints a complex, sometimes disturbing portrait of the man forever enshrined as Tricky Dick.

"I have decided my major role is moral leadership," Nixon wrote in 1972 in one of his myriad memos to himself. (As Reeves writes, "Whatever else he accomplished, Richard Nixon produced more paper and tape than any president before or since.") That resolution quickly collapsed; instead, as the Vietnam War shaded into defeat and protests at home mounted, Nixon sank into a siege mentality, seeing himself as a lone crusader at war with the rest of the world. Reeves examines the cat-and-mouse quality of Nixon's relations with his inner circle and family, as well as the excruciating collapse of national leadership in the wake of missteps, miscalculations, and sheer crimes. Rigorous and thoughtful, Reeves's book adds much to our understanding of Nixon's troubled presidency--and of his troubled soul. --Gregory McNamee Book Description
Who was Richard Nixon? The most amazing thing about the man was not what he did as president, but that he became president at all. Using thousands of new interviews and recently discovered or declassified documents and tapes, Richard Reeves's President Nixon offers a surprising portrait of a brilliant and contradictory man.

Even as he dreamed of presidential greatness, Nixon could trust no one. His closest aides spied on him as he spied on them, while cabinet members, generals, and admirals spied on all of them -- rifling briefcases and desks, tapping each other's phones in a house where no one knew what was true anymore. Reeves shows a presidency doomed from the start by paranoia and corruption, beginning with Nixon and Kissinger using the CIA to cover up a murder by American soldiers in Vietnam that led to the theft and publication of the Pentagon Papers, then to secret counterintelligence units within the White House itself, and finally to the burglaries and cover-up that came to be known as Watergate. President Nixon is the astonishing story of a complex political animal who was as praised as he was reviled and who remains a subject of controversy to this day.

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Who was Richard Nixon? The most amazing thing about the man was not what he did as president, but that he became president. In President Nixon, Richard Reeves has used thousands of new interviews and recently discovered or declassified documents and tapes -- including Nixon's tortured memos to himself and unpublished sections of H. R. Haldeman's diaries -- to offer a nuanced and surprising portrait of the brilliant and contradictory man alone in the White House. President Nixon is a startling narrative of a desperately introverted man who dreamed of becoming the architect of his times. Late at night, he sat upstairs in the White House writing notes to himself on his yellow pads, struggling to define himself and his goals: "Compassionate, Bold, New, Courageous...Zest for the job (not lonely but awesome). Goals -- reorganized govt...Each day a chance to do something memorable for someone. Need to be good to do good...Need for joy, serenity, confidence, inspiration." But downstairs he was building a house of deception. He could trust no one because in his isolation he thought other people were like him. He governed by secret orders and false records, memorizing scripts for public appearances and even for one-on-one meetings with his own staff and cabinet. His principal assistants, Haldeman and Henry Kissinger, spied on him as he spied on them, while cabinet members, generals, and admirals spied on all of them -- rifling briefcases and desks, tapping each other's phones in a house where no one knew what was true anymore. Nixon's first aim was to restore order in an America at war with itself over Vietnam. But in fact he prolonged the fighting there, lying systematically about what was happening both in the field and in the peace negotiations. He startled the world by going to communist China and seeking détente with the Soviet Union -- and then secretly persuaded Mao and Brezhnev to lie for him to protect petty White House secrets. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (38)

Functional History.
This is a solid work of Presidential scholarship. I appreciated its "worm's eye" view because it allows for the presentation of a great many primary source materials and documents that are invaluable for summing up the bizarre man who was President Richard Nixon. Reeves reveals a fair amount of personal bias and dislike for his subject here, but, fortunately, the intrusions of his point-of-view are not ubiquitous. Reeves seems to unquestionably believe that busing was good for blacks and it appears that he has an affinity for most government programs; a stance that is totally unwarranted. That being said, the work remains well-organized, clear and valuable. Reeves is a biographer and journalist so, unlike some of the other reviewers, I was glad that he did not share with us his psychological observations of the President. In all likelihood, they would have been ungrounded. Alone in the White House is a good, but not great, book.

Man-in-the-center look at one of the compelling political figures of our time.
Mr. Reeves look at the Nixon presidency from the vantage point of the President himself provides the reader with a fascinating look at one of the most compelling political figures of our time.

To paraphrase Bob Dole, it was a miracle that Nixon ever made it to the pinnacle of political power. From the very first day in office, we are given the picture of a man who is both elated that he has reached his destiny, but at the same time is unable to savor the moment. Although the book does not deal with RN's life, Reeves does a masterful job at painting a portrait of a man embittered by the cut and thrust of politics. We see a man who has his eye on his enemies, real and imagined, and who is bound and determined to triumph over him.

Reeves does indeed show us the "who, what, when, where..." of the Nixon presidency, yet resists the temptation of playing amateur psychologist and does not address the "why" of Richard Nixon.

Instead we are treated to a story of a man who was truly "alone in the White House." However, this title is misleading, for Nixon's penchant for solitude, and secrecy are only part of the story. A better title for this book would have been "President Nixon: The Remaking of the Presidency," because that is exactly what he set out to do.

Reeves presents a balanced look at RN. We see him at his best; statesmen, "architect" of foreign policy, strategic thinker, and visionary for a stable world order.

We also get a look at the man at his worst; the many "horrors" of Watergate, his pathological Jew-baiting, his thin-skinned reaction to the press, his obsession with being seen as a "man of the people," and on and on. In sum, there is much to dislike about Richard Nixon; there is also much to admire.

After reading a book like this, one has to wonder what would the Nixon legacy have been if he chose not to cover up Watergate and lanced the boil, dug deep, and plowed ahead to finish his second term. Reeves' book shows all too clearly, and poignantly, that "the Old Man" was incapable of doing anything but he did at the time, which is a shame. RN's legacy is that he left a stain on the body politic that has engendered a cynacism toward politics.

Reeves does it again!
Reeves delivers an exciting and wonderful book that chronicles Nixon's presidential years. This book begins with Nixon entering office and ends on the day he leaves office.It goes day by day through the presidency and gives you a good sense of what the Nixon administration was thinking and what was happening in the country at the same time. From foreign policy with China and Russia to domestic problems like Kent State this book covers everything you would want to know about the Nixon Administration. It is easily five stars.The book is very readable and is a great reference guide for those who just want to learn about Nixon or those who want to study his administration in depth.

Book Review
I found this a fascinating look at presidential power and gave me further insights into Nixon and the power structure that existed around him.I remember the days of Watergate but this gave me new insights and background information about what actually went on.It's truly a slice of living history.Also the similarities between Vietnam and Iraq are almost frightening...perhaps some of those in command should read this too.

Good
I finished Richard Reeve's "President Nixon" this week. I have read several books about Nixon. I don't really know why he has always fascinated me. I suppose it is because he had the potential to do so much good, and he had so many successes in his first term to throw it all away in the end because of a pack of lies. Reeves' book is a long one, at around 600 pages, but Reeves is a pretty decent writer, and it makes going through the book a pleasant experience. Much to my amazement, late in the book, he correctly revealed the identity of Mark Felt as deep throat- and since the book came out in 2001- that was years before the Felt made the revelation himself. Nixon was certainly focused on foreign matters, and cared little about domestic issues, leaving it to his henchmen- principally Ehrlichman. Kissinger is portrayed as a dangerous, vain egotist, out for glory, often sulking when upstaged by Secretary of State Rogers. Having read several books about Nixon, this one reaffirms a theme that appears over and over- something went wrong with Nixon's mental state around 1971 or 1972.

Superceding Theodore White, I think the book is probably a decent enough starting place for understanding Nixon, and with the bibliography at the end, you can go from there.
... Read more

Book Description
Paul Cook-historian, world traveler and author, former Colorado StateTrooper, college instructor for criminal justice and European protectiveservice director, has written a story that some have declared could neverhappen in real life.Mr.. Cook thinks otherwise.Based on years ofresearch to include a personal visit to the Executive Mansion, comprehensiveinternational experience with foreign secret service organizations andextensive protective service training in Berlin, London and the UnitedStates, Mr.. Cook takes the reader inside the White House before, during andafter it has been occupied by Middle East terrorists.It is InaugurationDay and the terrorists have kidnapped the President, First Lady,President-elect and his wife to be held for world changing politicaldemands.

What is America going to do? Who will be the President of the UnitedStates? Will there be war? Does the American government collapse? The worldholds its collective breath while watching the United States in its mostdangerous crisis yet.

Siege at the White House is a fast paced, surprised-filled thrillerbased on fact that will keep you on the edge of your seat to the very lastparagraph. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

couldn't put it down
This is the first book that I have read by this author, Paul Cook. I'm really looking forward to reading more of his books. This book kept me totally involved from beginning to end. As I was reading "Siege at the White House" I felt as if I was in the story and couldn't wait to see what would happen next. Not only did I feel I was in the story itself, but the story was very believeable.It sent shivers up my spine to think how easy this fiction could be an nonfiction. I suggest anyone that likes reading a good thiller, mystery, or about terrorism, would enjoy this book. I would put Mr Cook up there with Tom Clancy, W.E.B. Griffin, and Robin Cook.

It will keep you reading
I could not put it down.I would rate this book up there with Tom Clancy's.

I think that it takes a look at the world today and provides a scenario that no one thinks will happen.We are too open with our borders and that makes this story a very real possibility.

Read this book, it's great. ... Read more

Book Description

Customer Reviews (14)

I am a huge fan of Jackie Kennedy
I love reading and learning about Jackie Kennedy and feel she is the personification of elegance, class and grace.She was the EPITOME OF STYLE.For anyone that is an admirer of hers you won't be disappointed with this picture book (except I wish more photos had been in color so we could see her clothes in their natural hue). But it is evident Mr. Cassini is a very talented designer and Jackie was the ultimate subject.It is very easy to see why the world was obsessed with what she was wearing and how her style has influenced fashion for years on end.Great coffee table book.

Camelot - A Brief Shining Moment
I have always admired Jackie Kennedy for her style, grace and elegance.Therefore, Oleg Cassini's informative and illustrative book about the dresses he had designed exclusively for Jackie whilst being First Lady of America truly delighted me.

Her reign (sadly) of a thousand days of "magic" was all too short for our mere mortals.A great coffee book table, I will always treausre it.

FASHION ICON
This is the BEST by far on Jackie Kennedy's simple but elegant fashion style.Oleg Cassini was personally selected by Jackie to design many of her outfits during her time as first lady.This book includes not only Cassini's finished articles of clothing, but also the original sketches he used in designing the clothes.On many pages he includes personal notes of thank you from Mrs. Kennedy, as well as requests for specific gowns or other items for special occasions.Not only was Jackie a fashion statement, she set the stage for years to come in the fashion industry!Oleg Cassini is a magnificent and world-renowned fashion designer, and will no doubt be long remembered for his fashion creations for Jackie Kennedy!The photos are stunning, and beautiful as ever...portraying Mrs. Kennedy all over the world wearing his designs.If you are a Jackie Kennedy admirer, Oleg Cassini follower, or a Fashion History buff; this is a remarkable book to add to your collection...more than worth the price!

An Exquisite Book Capturing an Exquisite Woman
I bought this book in 1995 when it first came out, it has held up beautifully, and is one of my all time favorite books about Jackie.

A large, coffee table book that is filled with exquisite photos from Jackie's wedding day to President Kennedy through her time as First Lady, and her later years.

Jackie has always been one of my favorite role models, and Oleg Cassini did one fantastic job in showing the sketches of clothing illustrations, as well as when and where Jackie wore them. He gives wonderful and detailed paragraphs of information that are respectful of Jackie. The book also has clear copies of the many letters of gratitude Jackie has written, as well as the many activities she was involved in.

It is a true and dignified portrait of Jackie's greatest 1,000 days, and is a timeless treasure, showing the class, dignity, heart, and soul of a woman who will forever remain eternal.
HIGHLY Recommended for the beautiful and dignified manner with which it is presented.

Top Jackie Fashion Book !
As far as I am concerned this is THE top book about Jackie's Fashions and I have either read, bought, or extensively reviewed all of them. This big coffee table book written by Oleg Cassini contains more information, better pictures and sketches than any other book about Jackie's fashions. In fact,I would say in some ways it is almost a biography of Jackie albeit a heavily illustrated one. Do not let the new influx of books about Jackie's fashions deter you from buying this book. The new books that came out around the time of the exhibit of her fashions at the Met are all ok .And Hamish Bowles book about the exhibit was the best of the three released during this timeframe. However none of these books match the lushness of Cassini's book! ... Read more

Book Description
In case you've ever wondered, the walls at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue have eyes and ears -- and, what's more, they don't miss a thing. Now, listen up because the walls have a thing or two to tell you!

During President John Tyler's presidency, the White House was such a mess that it was called the "Public Shabby House."

President William Howard Taft was so large that he had to have a jumbo-size bathtub installed -- one big enough for four people.

President Andrew Jackson's "open door" policy at the White House resulted in 20,000 people showing up for his inauguration party. (The new president escaped to the quiet of a nearby hotel!)

President Abraham Lincoln didn't mind at all that his younger sons, Tad and Willie, kept pet goats in their White House bedrooms.

Children all across the country sent in their own money to build an indoor swimming pool for wheelchair-bound President Franklin D. Roosevelt so that he could exercise.

President Harry S. Truman knew it was time to renovate the White House after a leg on his daughter's piano broke right through the floor.

Hear these funny, surprising stories and more about the most famous home in America and the extraordinary families who have lived in it.

... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

A Lighthearted Look at the First Families
Interesting, amusing and remarkably well illustrated, the book was of interest to both my nine year old and my four year old. I must to admit to having learned a thing or two myself. ... Read more

Product Description
No first lady in American history influenced fashion as decisively as Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy. Although she spent fewer than three years in the White House, the wife of President John Kennedy left an indelible imprint on style throughout the world. Published to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Mrs. Kennedy's fashion inauguration, this tasteful pictorial presents 80 original gowns, suits, dresses, and accessoriesseveral of which you will recognize from the lost Camelot years. Exquisite. ... Read more