Subject
Washington (D.C.) -- Social life and customs Books
Best books
Jack Lait
Washington Confidential
"Washington Confidential" by Jack Lait and Lee Mortimer is a revealing and controversial exposé written in the early 1950s. This book offers a gritty look at the underbelly of Washington, D.C., exploring issues of corruption, vice, and the peculiarities of life in the nation’s capital. Through their journalistic lens, the authors promise an unfiltered narrative that challenges the sanitized image of Washington as the seat of political power. The opening of "Washington Confidential" sets the stage for this exploration by framing the city as a paradox. Lait and Mortimer share their intent to dissect Washington, revealing it as a place of stark contradictions—architectural beauty alongside moral decay. They describe how Washington's political landscape is intertwined with vice, crime, and an extraordinary excess of government employees who engage in dubious activities. Their tone is acerbic and satirical, giving readers a sense that much of what lies beneath the surface of this capital city is overshadowed by a casual acceptance of vice, hinting at a darker reality far removed from the official narratives of governance and reform.
Marian Gouverneur
As I Remember Recollections of American Society during the Nineteenth Century
"As I Remember" by Marian Gouverneur is a recollection of American society during the 19th century, reflecting personal experiences and observations from significant historical moments. Written in the early 20th century, the memoir spans various aspects of life, culture, and notable acquaintances, with emphasis on the author’s own family history. This work aims to shed light on the social dynamics and daily life of Americans across the decades, from a notable female perspective. At the start of "As I Remember," the author shares fond memories of her childhood on Long Island, detailing her family's history and their connections to significant historical events, such as the American Revolution. She provides insights into her early home, the influences of her grandparents, and the life lessons passed down through her family, including anecdotes about the slaves that lived on their property. Additionally, her move to New York City is foreshadowed, suggesting an expansion of her social circle and experiences, as well as a reflection on the changing manners and customs over time. This opening establishes a rich historical context, blending personal narrative with broader societal themes.
Benjamin Perley Poore
Perley's reminiscences of sixty years in the national metropolis, v. 1-2
"Perley's Reminiscences of Sixty Years in the National Metropolis" by Ben: Perley Poore is a historical account written in the late 19th century. The work captures the vibrant social and political life in Washington, D.C., as experienced by the author over several decades. It details the intricacies and personalities of notable figures in American history, including statesmen, diplomats, and socialites, while recounting significant events that have shaped the nation. The opening of this volume sets the stage for an extensive exploration of historical anecdotes and personal reflections related to the American political landscape. It begins with the election of John Quincy Adams as President, outlining the political maneuvering that led to his victory, including Andrew Jackson's accusations of corruption against Henry Clay. Poore details the ceremonial fervor surrounding Adams' inauguration and highlights the contrasting personalities of the prominent figures involved, notably the geniality of Jackson versus Adams' more reserved demeanor. This introductory narrative establishes the tone for the collection, promising a rich tapestry of political drama, interpersonal relationships, and insights into the foundations of American governance during a transformative period.
Sara Agnes Rice Pryor
Reminiscences of Peace and War
"Reminiscences of Peace and War" by Sara Agnes Rice Pryor is a historical account written in the early 20th century. This narrative offers a vivid portrait of life in Washington, D.C., during the politically charged 1850s, as well as personal reflections on the Civil War era from the perspective of a woman intimately connected to the events and society of her time. The author recounts her experiences and observations, emphasizing the social intricacies and the emotional undercurrents of a nation on the brink of civil strife. The opening of the text introduces the reader to the vibrant society of Washington in the 1850s, contrasting it with opinions from notable literary figures who had visited the city. The author paints a picture of a bustling and picturesque capital filled with friendships, social gatherings, and notable figures of the time. She describes the pleasures of urban life, including encounters with prominent citizens, social gatherings in beautiful surroundings, and poignant reflections on the impending conflict that would ultimately reshape the nation. Through her personal lens, the narrative promises to provide a comprehensive look at both the peace and the war that would come to define this remarkable period.
F. U. (Fredrik Ulrik) Wrangel
Från Washingtons salonger och hvardagslif m. m. : $b Skildringar i bref till en väninna
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Helen Herron Taft
Recollections of full years
"Recollections of Full Years" by Helen Herron Taft is a memoir published in 1914. As the first memoir ever published by a First Lady, it offers an insider's view of political and social life in Washington, the Philippines, and the White House during William Howard Taft's presidency. The book chronicles her journey from judge's wife to presidential spouse, revealing her active role in shaping her husband's political career and her experiences navigating the complexities of public life at the turn of the twentieth century.
Edna M. (Edna Mary) Colman
White House gossip : $b from Andrew Johnson to Calvin Coolidge
"White House Gossip: From Andrew Johnson to Calvin Coolidge" by Edna M. Colman is a historical account written in the early 20th century. This work shares anecdotal narratives and insider details regarding the personal lives and political environments of various U.S. presidents, starting from Andrew Johnson's administration through to that of Calvin Coolidge. The focus includes notable events, scandals, and the social milieu that surrounded the White House during these critical periods in American history. The opening of the book introduces Andrew Johnson’s tumultuous presidency following the assassination of Abraham Lincoln. Colman vividly depicts the atmosphere of grief and suspicion in Washington, alongside Johnson's immediate challenges, including demands for revenge against the conspirators of Lincoln's murder and the complex task of reuniting a fractured nation. The text hints at Johnson’s fierce determination and the political environment fraught with tension, as he attempts to maintain Lincoln's policies while navigating his impending conflict with Congress and public sentiment. This introduction sets the stage for the broader discussions and revelations that will unfold throughout the subsequent presidential administrations.
Francis J. (Francis Joseph) Grund
Aristocracy in America. From the sketch-book of a German nobleman. vol. 1 (of 2)
"Aristocracy in America: From the Sketch-Book of a German Nobleman, Vol. 1" edited by Francis J. Grund is a historical account written in the early 19th century. This work serves as a commentary on American society through the lens of European aristocracy, exploring the cultural and social dynamics between the classes in a burgeoning republic. The primary focus appears to be an examination of the aspirations toward aristocracy among Americans and the various societal pretensions that arise from it. The opening portion of the text sets the scene for a detailed exploration of American aristocracy as viewed by a German noble and his editor. In a reflective introduction, the editor outlines that the observations originate from a journey across various American cities, specifically zeroing in on the class distinctions and societal behavior of the upper echelons of society. The narrative unfolds through a mix of personal anecdotes and the setting of conversations among well-to-do individuals, revealing their often ironic disdain for democratic principles and their yearning for aristocratic status. Notably, it hints at the tensions between natural social aspirations and the country’s foundational ideals of equality, setting the stage for deeper explorations in the following chapters.
Francis J. (Francis Joseph) Grund
Aristocracy in America. From the sketch-book of a German nobleman. vol. 2 (of 2)
"Aristocracy in America: From the Sketch-Book of a German Nobleman" edited by Francis J. Grund is a historical account written in the early 19th century. The work explores the perceptions and experiences of a European aristocrat traveling through early American society, contrasting its social hierarchies and values with those of Europe. The author investigates the dynamics between different social classes, particularly focusing on the emerging American aristocracy and its complicated relationship with the lower classes. The opening of the text introduces the author's arrival in Boston, where he observes the city's unique blend of old-world charm and new democratic ideals. He details the exclusivity of the higher classes, their disdain for the lower orders, and the economic realities of the American aristocracy. The narrative reflects the tension between wealth and class status in a society that values individual merit over lineage, while also highlighting the often self-imposed boundaries that separate different social groups. Through his interactions and observations in various locations, the German nobleman critiques the emerging social order and the contradictions inherent in American egalitarianism, setting the stage for a deeper examination of these themes in the ensuing chapters.
Margaret Brown Klapthor
White House China of the Lincoln Administration in the Museum of History and Technology
"White House China of the Lincoln Administration in the Museum of History and Technology" by Margaret Brown Klapthor is a historical account written in the mid-20th century, specifically in the 1960s. This publication delves into the significance of the china used during President Abraham Lincoln's administration, focusing on the efforts of First Lady Mary Todd Lincoln to procure suitable porcelain for entertaining at the White House. The book serves not only as an exploration of the Lincolns' choice of china but also aims to shed light on the broader history of Presidential china in the United States. The text outlines the circumstances surrounding Mrs. Lincoln's urgent need to acquire china upon her arrival at the White House, as the existing stock was insufficient for official functions. Through detailed accounts of her shopping excursions in New York City and Philadelphia, the book illustrates how Mrs. Lincoln not only chose a new dinner service, famously known as the "Solferino" set, but also experienced controversy regarding the cost of the china and allegations of impropriety in its purchase. Klapthor supports her narrative with contemporary records and anecdotal evidence, revealing how the china reflects not just aesthetic choices but the political and social dynamics of the era. The work ultimately underscores the historical importance of Presidential china and its role in American political culture.
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