Presidents, First Ladies and Vice-presidents: White House Biographies, 1789-1997

Presidents are key political figures, leading the nation through times of prosperity, depression, and war. Oftentimes they are closely identified with historical eras: the Age of Jackson, Abraham Lincoln and the Civil War, Franklin D. Roosevelt and the New Deal. Bill Clinton's second term as president beginning in 1997 will bring to a close the second full century of the U. S. presidency. From Martha Washington and Dolley Madison to Barbara Bush and Hillary Rodham Clinton, the first lady has been revered as a model for the American people. The first lady's role has evolved beyond the traditional one of serving simply as White House hostess to one of promoting social causes or actively participating in the administration. The vice presidency has always been a constitutionally weak office, with vice presidents called on to perform ceremonial duties or occasionally to break tie votes in the Senate. In the twentieth century the office has gained in stature and influence as modern presidents have expanded the vice president's role in their administrations. The Presidents, First Ladies, and Vice Presidents: White House Biographies 1789-1997 contains biographies of all the presidents, first ladies, and vice presidents. The biographies examine the early lives of these celebrated Americans as well as important events that occurred while they held their offices. The volume begins with a brief look at the president and first lady's daily life in the White House and provides a detailed index.

Lively and informative biographies of those who have served the country as president, vice president, and first lady. Detailed biographies of the presidents are informative and entertaining and are illustrated with three-quarter length portraits. First ladies and vice presidents receive shorter biographies, each of which includes a portrait. An introductory chapter describes the typical routine of a president's business day and the evolving role of the first lady.