U.S. First Ladies
Making History and Leaving Legacies
(First Edition)
©2024, 346 pages
Paperback list price: $87.95
Cognella Direct Ebook: $74.95
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Filling a gap in academic literature, U.S. First Ladies: Making History and Leaving Legacies, examines how first ladies are uniquely positioned to influence American society, public policy, politics, diplomacy, and life in the White House.
The textbook explores the development and evolution of the role of the first lady, their initiatives and substantive contributions, rhetorical activities, and their lasting legacies throughout U.S. history. Profiles of first ladies from Martha Washington to Dr. Jill Biden help students learn about the women behind the title and their unique journeys. Thematic chapters trace first ladies’ actions on civil rights; significant speeches and communication strategies; impact on the White House, and the Office of the First Lady; political campaigns; and foundations established to sustain their contributions. Student research activities are enhanced through a chapter on primary source materials and lists for further reading. In addition, each chapter features learning objectives, key terms, a chronology of significant historical events, and reflection opportunities.
U.S. First Ladies is an ideal resource for courses and programs in American history, American studies, women’s studies, political science, and media and communication studies.
The textbook explores the development and evolution of the role of the first lady, their initiatives and substantive contributions, rhetorical activities, and their lasting legacies throughout U.S. history. Profiles of first ladies from Martha Washington to Dr. Jill Biden help students learn about the women behind the title and their unique journeys. Thematic chapters trace first ladies’ actions on civil rights; significant speeches and communication strategies; impact on the White House, and the Office of the First Lady; political campaigns; and foundations established to sustain their contributions. Student research activities are enhanced through a chapter on primary source materials and lists for further reading. In addition, each chapter features learning objectives, key terms, a chronology of significant historical events, and reflection opportunities.
U.S. First Ladies is an ideal resource for courses and programs in American history, American studies, women’s studies, political science, and media and communication studies.
Diana B. Carlin is Professor Emerita of Communication at Saint Louis University and a retired professor of communication studies at the University of Kansas. She has taught courses on first ladies at three universities.
Anita B. McBride is Director of the First Ladies Initiative at American University, School of Public Affairs. Her experience includes service in three U.S. presidential administrations at the White House and Department of State and as chief of staff to First Lady Laura Bush.
Nancy Kegan Smith retired in 2012 as Director of the Presidential Materials Division of the National Archives and Records Administration. She is co-editor of Modern First Ladies: Their Documentary Legacy and lectures on first ladies and presidential records.
The three authors write and lecture extensively on first ladies and are founding members of the First Ladies Association for Research and Education (FLARE).
Other Cognella titles by Diana Carlin:The three authors write and lecture extensively on first ladies and are founding members of the First Ladies Association for Research and Education (FLARE).
Other Cognella titles by Anita McBride:
Other Cognella titles by Nancy Kegan Smith:
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“Throughout the history of the United States, our country has benefitted from the knowledge and interests of our First Ladies. Though not elected, First Ladies are given the privilege and the platform to use their voice to improve the lives of the people in our country, and other countries, as well. But the role of the First Lady is ever changing and will always be defined and redefined by the personalities, experiences and passions of the First Lady herself.
I am grateful that this textbook will educate university students across the country about the influence and leadership of our nation’s leading women. And I am looking forward to the day when there will be a first gentleman!”
Mrs. Laura Bush, First Lady of the United States 2001-2009
I am grateful that this textbook will educate university students across the country about the influence and leadership of our nation’s leading women. And I am looking forward to the day when there will be a first gentleman!”
Mrs. Laura Bush, First Lady of the United States 2001-2009
Watch Anita McBride on Episode 247 of the Constitutional Chats Podcast. Titled "A Day in the Life of a First Lady," the episode discusses the unique responsibilities, challenges, and historical significance of this influential role.
Listen to Anita McBride on the E Pluribus Unum podcast, where she talks with Dr. Jennifer London about the role of the American First Lady, including challenges surrounding being a public figure, leading without official authority, and more.
Watch the C-SPAN interview with Anita McBride during which she discusses the First Ladies Initiative, the role and influence of political spouses, especially first ladies, and her coauthored books with Diana B. Carlin and Nancy Kegan Smith.
Read Anita McBride’s op-ed “I’ve Worked With First Ladies. Don’t Underestimate Jill Biden’s Influence on the President.” in U.S. News & World Report.
Watch Anita McBride’s appearance on Fox News discussing the influence of first ladies on their spouses’ presidential reputations and how first ladies are a significant asset on the campaign trail.
Watch Anita McBride on Inside Edition speak about Jill Biden’s role in Joe Biden’s bid for re-election. (Anita’s appearance begins at 1:54.)
Read the Reuters article “Jill Biden a fierce advocate for Biden remaining in the race,” in which Anita McBride is quoted.
Watch the Fox News segment “Biden family ‘not the first’ to face health concerns,” in which Anita McBride is interviewed regarding growing speculation surrounding Joe Biden’s health and ability to seek re-election.
Read the Wall Street Journal article “Jill Biden’s Dilemma: Is Pressing Ahead Still the Loving Thing to Do?” in which Anita McBride is quoted.
Listen to the KPR Presents podcast episode “From Martha Washington to Dr. Jill Biden: First Ladies Get Their Due,” featuring Diana Carlin, coauthor with Anita McBride and Nancy Kegan Smith of U.S. First Ladies: Making History and Leaving Legacies and Remember the First Ladies: The Legacies of America’s History-Making Women.
Read the Finger Lake Times news article “Keuka contributes to ‘First Ladies’ book,” which highlights the benefits (as outlined by students) of using the book in an academic course.
Watch the CBS News segment celebrating the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation’s annual First Ladies Luncheon, which marked Betty Ford’s 50th anniversary as a first lady and also features an interview with Anita McBride on the historic role of the president’s spouse.
Read the Washington Life article “Intrigue and Influence of the First Ladies,” featuring a conversation with Anita McBride about how the style and impact of the White House influenced her own light-filled Spring Valley house.
Read the Stroll Magazine article “Anita McBride draws on her White House experiences and scholarship to coauthor two books on America’s First Ladies.”
Watch Episode 7 of the Majority Rules YouTube show in which host Lauren Leader is joined by Anita McBride to discuss U.S. First Ladies and Remember the First Ladies.
Read the WPBF West Palm Beach news article “Former White House adviser discusses important role first ladies have played in U.S. history.”
Read the AARP article “How Much Do You Know About U.S. First Ladies?” featuring an interview with coauthor Anita McBride.
Listen to Anita McBride talk about U.S. First Ladies and Remember the First Ladies on The Julie Mason Show, a presentation by the SiriusXM POTUS channel.
Read the CNN article“Jill Biden puts Donald Trump on notice as her campaign role comes into focus,” which includes quotes and insight from Anita McBride.
Watch this Fox News segment in which Anita McBride discusses Jill Biden’s influence on the president’s re-election bid and the role of first ladies in presidential administrations.
Read the Politico article “The Biden campaign’s secret weapon: FLOTUS,” which includes a quote and commentary from Anita McBride.
Read the Hollywood on the Potomac article "U.S. First Ladies."
Read the Alexandria Times news article "Remembering the First Ladies: Three pioneers publish first textbook."
Watch Anita McBride on the CBS News broadcast speaking about how former First Lady Rosalynn Carter revolutionized her time in the White House.
Watch Anita McBride on MSNBC's Andrea Mitchell Reports speaking about the legacy of First Lady Rosalynn Carter, who passed away on November 19. The segment highlights Mrs. Carter’s trailblazing efforts in international diplomacy and mental health advocacy.
Read the article "Why Haven't We Learned This Before? New college textbook brings America's first ladies front and center" in East Wing Magazine to learn about what inspired authors Anita McBride, Diana Carlin, and Nancy Kegan Smith to put together the volume, as well as the vast impact of first ladies throughout American history.
Watch First Lady Dr. Jill Biden welcome guests to the White House Historical Association 2023 Presidential Sites Summit and recognize the publication of U.S. First Ladies: Making History and Leaving Legacies. Dr. Biden's comments begin at the 8:20 mark, and she speaks about the book at 9:26.)
“The book is extraordinary. It is a missing part of history.” Watch MSNBC newscaster Andrea Mitchell interview Anita McBride about U.S. First Ladies: Making History and Leaving Legacies HERE.
Listen to Anita McBride on the E Pluribus Unum podcast, where she talks with Dr. Jennifer London about the role of the American First Lady, including challenges surrounding being a public figure, leading without official authority, and more.
Watch the C-SPAN interview with Anita McBride during which she discusses the First Ladies Initiative, the role and influence of political spouses, especially first ladies, and her coauthored books with Diana B. Carlin and Nancy Kegan Smith.
Read Anita McBride’s op-ed “I’ve Worked With First Ladies. Don’t Underestimate Jill Biden’s Influence on the President.” in U.S. News & World Report.
Watch Anita McBride’s appearance on Fox News discussing the influence of first ladies on their spouses’ presidential reputations and how first ladies are a significant asset on the campaign trail.
Watch Anita McBride on Inside Edition speak about Jill Biden’s role in Joe Biden’s bid for re-election. (Anita’s appearance begins at 1:54.)
Read the Reuters article “Jill Biden a fierce advocate for Biden remaining in the race,” in which Anita McBride is quoted.
Watch the Fox News segment “Biden family ‘not the first’ to face health concerns,” in which Anita McBride is interviewed regarding growing speculation surrounding Joe Biden’s health and ability to seek re-election.
Read the Wall Street Journal article “Jill Biden’s Dilemma: Is Pressing Ahead Still the Loving Thing to Do?” in which Anita McBride is quoted.
Listen to the KPR Presents podcast episode “From Martha Washington to Dr. Jill Biden: First Ladies Get Their Due,” featuring Diana Carlin, coauthor with Anita McBride and Nancy Kegan Smith of U.S. First Ladies: Making History and Leaving Legacies and Remember the First Ladies: The Legacies of America’s History-Making Women.
Read the Finger Lake Times news article “Keuka contributes to ‘First Ladies’ book,” which highlights the benefits (as outlined by students) of using the book in an academic course.
Watch the CBS News segment celebrating the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation’s annual First Ladies Luncheon, which marked Betty Ford’s 50th anniversary as a first lady and also features an interview with Anita McBride on the historic role of the president’s spouse.
Read the Washington Life article “Intrigue and Influence of the First Ladies,” featuring a conversation with Anita McBride about how the style and impact of the White House influenced her own light-filled Spring Valley house.
Read the Stroll Magazine article “Anita McBride draws on her White House experiences and scholarship to coauthor two books on America’s First Ladies.”
Watch Episode 7 of the Majority Rules YouTube show in which host Lauren Leader is joined by Anita McBride to discuss U.S. First Ladies and Remember the First Ladies.
Read the WPBF West Palm Beach news article “Former White House adviser discusses important role first ladies have played in U.S. history.”
Read the AARP article “How Much Do You Know About U.S. First Ladies?” featuring an interview with coauthor Anita McBride.
Listen to Anita McBride talk about U.S. First Ladies and Remember the First Ladies on The Julie Mason Show, a presentation by the SiriusXM POTUS channel.
Read the CNN article“Jill Biden puts Donald Trump on notice as her campaign role comes into focus,” which includes quotes and insight from Anita McBride.
Watch this Fox News segment in which Anita McBride discusses Jill Biden’s influence on the president’s re-election bid and the role of first ladies in presidential administrations.
Read the Politico article “The Biden campaign’s secret weapon: FLOTUS,” which includes a quote and commentary from Anita McBride.
Read the Hollywood on the Potomac article "U.S. First Ladies."
Read the Alexandria Times news article "Remembering the First Ladies: Three pioneers publish first textbook."
Watch Anita McBride on the CBS News broadcast speaking about how former First Lady Rosalynn Carter revolutionized her time in the White House.
Watch Anita McBride on MSNBC's Andrea Mitchell Reports speaking about the legacy of First Lady Rosalynn Carter, who passed away on November 19. The segment highlights Mrs. Carter’s trailblazing efforts in international diplomacy and mental health advocacy.
Read the article "Why Haven't We Learned This Before? New college textbook brings America's first ladies front and center" in East Wing Magazine to learn about what inspired authors Anita McBride, Diana Carlin, and Nancy Kegan Smith to put together the volume, as well as the vast impact of first ladies throughout American history.
Watch First Lady Dr. Jill Biden welcome guests to the White House Historical Association 2023 Presidential Sites Summit and recognize the publication of U.S. First Ladies: Making History and Leaving Legacies. Dr. Biden's comments begin at the 8:20 mark, and she speaks about the book at 9:26.)
“The book is extraordinary. It is a missing part of history.” Watch MSNBC newscaster Andrea Mitchell interview Anita McBride about U.S. First Ladies: Making History and Leaving Legacies HERE.
