Fascinating. . . . First Ladies is a wonderfully generous look at the women who; often against their wishes; took on what Truman calls 'the world's second toughest job.' --The Christian Science MonitorWhether they envision their role as protector; partner; advisor; or scold; First Ladies find themselves in a job that is impossible to define; and just as difficult to perform. Now Margaret Truman; daughter of President Harry Truman and an acclaimed novelist and biographer in her own right; explores the fascinating position of First Lady throughout history and up to the present day.With her unique perspective as the daughter of a First Lady; Ms. Truman reveals the truth behind some of the most misunderstood and forgotten First Ladies of our history; as well as the most famous and beloved. In recounting the charm and courage of Dolley Madison; the brazen ambition of Florence Harding; the calm; good sense of Grace Coolidge; the genius of Eleanor Roosevelt; the mysterious femininity of Jackie Kennedy; and the fierce protectiveness of Nancy Reagan; among others; Margaret Truman has assembled an honest yet affectionate portrait of our nation's First Ladies--one that freely acknowledges their virtues and their flaws.
#764591 in Books Preston; Diana/ Preston; Michael 2005-04-05 2005-04-05Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.30 x 1.00 x 6.20l; .90 #File Name: 042520037X384 pages
Review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Great Biography of the Forgotten BuccaneerBy Sean McCoyWilliam Dampier was a fascinating character. Buccaneer and perhaps a Pirate; Navigator; Scientist; Explorer; Author. He was also one of those people who belie the notion that the brutality of former times is justified because people didn't know any better. He was the embodiment of cosmopolitanism and tolerance in a harsh age ( though the part owner of a slave at one point it seemed to be more of a business partnership than a case of coerced labor; and he obviously had much respect for the "painted prince". ) This is an excellent biography of one of the most interesting people from the golden age of piracy.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. There are lots of great age of exploration books out there. This is not one of them.By ScottDampier certainly led an interesting life; but the author manages to transform his life into dull reading. Her treatment of technical issues such as the challenge of determining longitude for the era's mariners is weak and would be better read on Wikipedia. I am shocked at the number of typographical errors in this book and many other Kindle books I read. Preston refers repeatedly to Panama's San Bias (sic) Islands when I am quite certain she means the San Blas Islands. When an author can't get simple things like this correct it makes me question everything in the book. There are many more interesting seafaring books on the era available. Pass on this one.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Wonderful reading.......By Kelly CruiseI have read most of Diana Preston's books. A Pirate of Exquisite Mind is wonderful; just like her other books.
