Rating the First Ladies: The Women Who Influenced the Presidency

Although first ladies -- the president's wives and other women who served as White House hostesses for bachelor and widowed presidents -- have been political fixtures since the beginning of the presidency, their role and contributions have only recently begun to be appreciated and understood. Rating the First Ladies explores America's growing fascination with the power behind the power -- the women who influenced the presidents. From Martha Washington to Jacqueline Kennedy to Hillary Clinton, journalist and political expert John Roberts ranks these 43 women who have served their country in an unpaid but critical role.

Drawing on political thought and history from the beginning of the nation, John Roberts looks at the president's wives and how they used unelected power to shape their husband's administrations and political destinies. Controversial and compelling, Rating the First Ladies is an important contribution to the understanding of both America's history and Women's history that will change the way Americans view this vital and evolving White House role. Among the first ladies ranked by influence, popularity, and importance are:
-- Sarah Childress, the wife of James Polk, served as his political confidante throughout his career. Even after his death, she was respected as an independent political player.
-- Eleanor Roosevelt, who hired her own social secretary and moved the role of first lady beyond that of a traditional hostess.
-- Abigail Adams, who was the only collaborator her husband, John, could trust during his presidency. Their love letters included in-depth discussions on foreign policy.
-- Margaret Taylor, wife of Zachary and perhaps the most enigmatic ofthe First ladies, leaves behind only one document, her signature on an ordinary household receipt.