An engrossing look at twelve presidential marriagesâfrom Edith and Woodrow Wilson to Laura and George W. Bushâthat have profoundly affected Americaâs history.
âInsightful.... Colorful.... A shrewd and illuminating look at the juncture where the personal and the political overlap.â âThe Wall Street Journal
Marton uncovers the behind-the-scenes dynamics of the ultimate power couples, showing how first ladies have used their privileged access to the president to influence staffing, promote causes, and engage directly in policy-making. Edith Wilson secretly ran the country after Woodrowâs debilitating stroke. Eleanor Roosevelt was FDRâs moral compass. And Laura Bush, initially shy of any public role, has proven to be the emotional ballast for her husband. Through extensive research and interviews, Marton reveals the substantialâyet often overlookedâlegacy of presidential wives, providing insight into the evolution of womenâs roles in the twentieth century and vividly depicting the synergy of these unique political partnerships.