Inventing a Voice: The Rhetoric of American First Ladies of the Twentieth Century (Communication, Media and Politics)

Wertheimer, Molly Meijer (Editor) / Anderson, Karrin Vasby (Contributor) / Atkinson, Ann J. (Contributor)

ISBN 10: 0742529703 / ISBN 13: 9780742529700

Published by Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, 2003

About this Item

496 pages. 9.25x6.00x1.50 inches. In Stock.

Seller Inventory # x-0742529703

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Inventing a Voice: The Rhetoric of American First Ladies of the Twentieth Century (Communication, Media and Politics)
• Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers
• Publication Date: 2003
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0742529703
• ISBN 13: 9780742529700
• Binding: Hardcover
• Condition: Brand New
• Weight: 0.92 kilograms

About this title

Synopsis

Inventing a Voice is a comprehensive work on the lives and communication of twentieth-century first ladies. Using a rhetorical framework, the contributors look at the speaking, writing, media coverage and interaction, and visual rhetoric of American first ladies from Ida Saxton McKinley to Laura Bush. The women's rhetorical devices varied-some practiced a rhetoric without words, while others issued press releases, gave speeches, and met with various constituencies. All used interpersonal or social rhetoric to support their husbands' relationships with world leaders, party officials, boosters, and the public. Featuring an extensive introduction and chapter on the "First Lady as a Site of 'American Womanhood,'" Wertheimer has gathered a collection that includes the post-White House musings of many first ladies, capturing their reflections on public expectations and perceived restrictions on their communication.

About the Author

NANCY L. HERRON is associate dean for Academic Programs at Commonwealth College, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania. She is recipient of the Penn State Achieving Woman Award.