Book Review: America’s First Ladies: A Historical Encyclopedia and Primary Document Collection of the Remarkable Women of the White House

Abstract

America’s First Ladies: A Historical Encyclopedia and Primary Document Collection of the Remarkable Women of the White House, by Nancy Hendricks is a complete history of the women who have often played a behind the scenes role during their time in the White House. This encyclopedia provides a thorough examination to the history of First Ladies and how they have changed since Martha Washington. In the introduction, Hendricks gives context to the position of the First Lady and includes detailed information such as when the title of First Lady was first used. Many First Ladies have been criticized, both for their lack of engagement as well as for being too engaged; this volume fills in the background of who these important women were and what they have meant to our country.