Enjoy a fascinating and novel look at the U.S. presidents, the first families, and American history—all through the lens of hair.
In Combing Through the White House, you will explore American history in a whole new way, as you discover how hair has influenced the presidency and the public and private lives, personal scandals, and tragedies of the men and women who have occupied the White House.
You will go deep into the history of fascinating topics like:
- Abraham Lincoln's famously ridiculed appearance and the surprising role hair played in both his presidency and assassination
- John F. Kennedy's connection to James Bond and how hair factored into his vast image-making and infidelities
- The lush tradition of collecting hair as a way of honoring leaders, remembering our loved ones, and preserving their memories
- Scientific hair analysis and how DNA has been used to solve long-standing presidential mysteries
- The connection of hair to the lives, loves, scandals, and tragedies that shaped presidents, first ladies, and the nation at large
This unique window into the past shines entertaining new light on the decisions, relationships, and tragedies that have shaped the role of the president and the place of the U.S. in the world. Whether you're interested in presidential trivia or historical mysteries, Combing Through the White House personalizes the past through an element of life we can all relate to—hair—giving you new glimpses into your country and even yourself.
Theodore Pappas -- for nearly 30 years, the Executive Editor and Chief Development Officer of Encyclopaedia Britannica -- is the author of five books. His work has been discussed and published in assorted publications, including the New York Times, Chicago Tribune, Wall Street Journal, The Spectator (London), The American Scholar, The New Yorker, Vanity Fair, and History. He is a frequent public speaker with extensive media experience, appearing multiple times on the NBC TODAY Show as well as on CBS Evening News, CBS Sunday Morning, CNN, FOX News radio and television, NPR’s All Things Considered, QVC TV, BBC Radio, and scores of podcasts. He works from Scottsdale, Arizona. To schedule an author talk or interview, or to order a signed copy of a book, contact the author at theopapp@gmail.com.