Subject
White House (Washington, D.C.) Books
Best books
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.
Lila G. A. Woolfall
Presiding Ladies of the White House containing biographical appreciations together with a short history of the Executive mansion and a treatise on its etiquette and customs
"Presiding Ladies of the White House" by Lila G. A. Woolfall is a biographical account written in the early 20th century. The book provides a detailed exploration of the lives and contributions of the First Ladies of the United States, offering insights into their roles as hostesses, influential figures, and supportive partners to their presidential spouses. It evaluates their individual styles and the societal impacts they had during their respective administrations. The book includes biographical sketches of each First Lady, spanning from Martha Washington, the first First Lady, to Edith Kermit Carow Roosevelt, and highlights their unique contributions. Each lady is portrayed not just in the context of her husband’s presidency but as a significant figure within the social tapestry of American history. The narratives encapsulate their personalities, individual challenges, and engagement in politics, philanthropy, and social issues of their times. Additionally, the book offers a brief history of the White House itself and outlines the etiquette that shapes the role of the First Lady, making it a comprehensive resource for readers seeking to understand the stature and influence of these women in American society.
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