First Ladies

This biographical dictionary covers all the women who have held the esteemed "office" of First Lady since the founding of the United States, including 2001's First Lady Laura Bush. An 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 these perceptions have been affected by changes in society overall. The book also offers vital statistics, such as presidents who had no wives during their presidencies, wives who devoted themselves to purely domestic duties, and wives who died during their husbands' terms in office. Arranged chronology by term of presidency, each biographical entry includes: a detailed biography with an emphasis on life during the presidency; a chronology; and suggestions for further reading about the First Lady.