American First Ladies, Second Ediiton - Hardcover

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1587652714 ISBN 13: 9781587652714

Publisher: Salem Press, 2006

Synopsis

American First Ladies is a response to the increasingly visible rolethat First Ladies have played in U.S. government as well as theincreasing interest in women's achievements from the birth of the UnitedStates to the present time. The book is designed to meet the needs ofcollege and high school students and those seeking information aboutboth U.S. history and women's history. Designed as a companion toSalem's American Presidents, Second Revised Edition (2 vols., 2006), American First Ladies presents a biographical essay on each of theFirst Ladies in U.S. history

About this title

From Booklist:

First Ladies are "among the most popular and well-known figures in the world," writes editor Watson; however, the public's knowledge of these women and their role is limited. This text is an update of the 2002 edition of the same name and a companion to American Presidents (3d ed., 2006). Watson, professor of political science at Florida Atlantic University, endeavors to familiarize readers with First Ladies, the institution of "First Ladyship," and the "trials and tribulations of presidential spouses."

The encyclopedia's format is similar to the previous edition. It begins with a detailed introductory essay on the significance of the role and institution of the First Lady. The main text contains 44 biographical entries arranged chronologically. Coverage includes presidents' wives, spouses who died before their husbands became president, and female relatives who performed First Lady duties for unmarried or widowed presidents. Each profile is divided into sections including "Overview," "Early Years," "Marriage and Family," "Presidency and First Ladyship," and "Legacy." Nine overview essays come after the profiles and discuss the responsibilities of the First Lady. All articles are signed and conclude with a list of further readings. The work contains useful supplemental features such as a chronological list of First Ladies, a detailed bibliography, and a precise index. Black-and-white photographs and art reproductions complement the text.

One of the primary differences between the two editions of American First Ladies is the entry on Laura Bush, which is now several paragraphs longer. Much of the new material centers on Bush's more active role in the aftermath of 9/11. In addition, the suggested readings in the 2006 version contain new works, such as Hillary Clinton's autobiography and Barbara Bush's 2003 memoirs.

American First Ladies is enlightening and highly readable. The revised edition is recommended for college, high-school, and public libraries but is not essential for libraries that own the 2002 edition. Michelle Hendley
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Review:

"American First Ladies is enlightening and highly readable. The revised edition is recommended for college, high-school, and public libraries." -- Michelle Hendley "Booklist"

About this edition

• Publisher: Salem Press
• Publication date: 2006
• ISBN 10: 1587652714
• ISBN 13: 9781587652714
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 2
• Number of pages: 457
• Editor: Watson Assoc Robert P, Salem Press