First Ladies, Third Edition

Completely updated through the inauguration in January 2009, First Ladies, Third Edition covers all the women who have held this esteemed "office" since the founding of the United States. Featuring a new profile of current first lady Michelle Obama, this revised edition includes updates and additions to the profiles of Laura Bush, Nancy Reagan, Rosalynn Carter, Barbara Bush, and Hillary Rodham Clinton. New sources have also been added to the further reading lists throughout and to the bibliography. An in-depth introductory essay traces the history of the first lady, including changes in the idea of what a president's wife should do and be, and how such notions have been affected by society's changing ideas about the role of women. Arranged chronologically by term of presidency, each biographical entry includes a detailed biography emphasizing each first lady's life during the presidency, as well as a chronology, appendixes, and suggestions for further reading. Appendixes listing White House hostesses, first lady "firsts," and first ladies' reflections; a general bibliography; and an index round out this comprehensive edition.