What Cabrillo Found by Maud Hart Lovelace

180 pages
Published in 1958
by Thomas Y. Crowell Company
New York, NY

Perhaps students of California history are familiar with the name Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo, but having spent my school years on the east coast, I was not.

So who exactly was Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo and why did Maud Hart Lovelace write a book about him?


What Cabrillo Found by Maud Hart Lovelace is a little known children's book about Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo, a Portuguese explorer who is most noted for his exploration of the west coast of North America during the early 1540s.

Cabrillo lived during a time of great exploration. All around him men sailed off in search of new lands to conquer in the name of their King or Queen. And sometimes in the name of "Christianity" -- though not always with a true desire of spreading the gospel, but rather to gain fame and wealth. Cabrillo was an exception to the latter. He was a man of courage and kindness, who explored, gave names to new lands in honor of the King of Spain, but remained honorable to the natives he encountered along the way. His goal was not to get rich, but to explore the unknown and along the way he made some incredible discoveries that have impacted the world as we know it.

I believe for this reason (and also simply because Mrs. Lovelace spent her later years living in California and called it home) she felt it was vital that Cabrillo's story be remembered and thus she wrote this little book.

The only problem with What Cabrillo Found is that Maud Hart Lovelace had very little research material on which to base her book. There is hardly anything on record about Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo in spite of his importance to North American history. There isn't even a known portraiture or etching of his likeness! Because of this, What Cabrillo Found is generally considered historical fiction, but I think it could be argued that this book could also be categorized as non-fiction and biographical in nature simply for the fact it was written from all the information about Cabrillo that was available at the time.

Still, What Cabrillo Found was an interesting read. Intended for children it reads simply and quickly. It's not one of Mrs. Lovelace's best works, but it was a worthwhile read and one I'd recommend to anyone curious to learn more about this explorer or those who, like me, are curious to read all of Mrs. Lovelace's works.

Overall I am glad I took some time to read this book as it has expanded my interest in North American history.


(Note to those looking for a copy of this book to read: I would suggest checking with your library and library's Inter-Library Loan program first. I found my copy online and paid just a few dollars for a decent hardback minus the dust-jacket. There are still a number of copies available online, but prices vary from as little as $10 to as much as $100.)


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Related links:

• Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo Monument - The National Park Service
• Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo - San Diego History Center, Wikipedia Bio
• What Cabrillo Found: Biblio.com

Known and Unknown: A Memoir by Donald Rumsfeld

832 pages
Published by Sentinel, a Penguin Group in 2011
New York, NY

"My life has spanned more than one third of the history of the United States. As I thought more about this memoir and a title, the idea of the known and the unknown seemed to fit. Not only are there things in this book people believe they known about my life, but there are also things that may surprise and differ from what many may have read or heard or assumed." ~ Donald Rumsfeld

From the first moment I heard about Donald Rumsfeld's memoir, Known and Unknown I wanted to read it. What could be more fascinating than learning the "inside story" of my country's government for the last forty years than from a man who has spent most of his life serving as a Congressman, an Ambassador, and even twice as Secretary of Defense?

Most readers of my generation will of course remember Mr. Rumsfeld as the Secretary of Defense for most of George W. Bush's presidency, but what many of these same people may not realize is that that was not his first appointment to the job. Donald Rumsfeld also served as Secretary of Defense during the Ford administration in 1975. By 2001 he had been both the youngest and oldest person in American history to be appointed to the job of Secretary of Defense. Fascinating...

And that is exactly how I found Known and Unknown, fascinating. I was only 100 pages into the tome (and tome it is, for the text, index not included, reaches well over 700 pages!) and I could hardly put the book down.

During approximately the first quarter of Known and Unknown, Mr. Rumsfeld discusses in some detail the years 1932-1969 -- from his childhood, to the time spent serving in the US Navy, and later as a 29 year-old US Congressman from Illinois. For me this part of the book was a quick history lesson. Some events and people mentioned I remember hearing about, but for the most part his memoir filled in many of the holes left over from my childhood history lessons.

The second quarter of the book recalls Mr. Rumsfeld's time serving as a representative to NATO and White House Chief of Staff during the 1970s, as well as brief mention of the two decades he worked in the private sector for pharmaceutical companies. Again, the mention of people, places and events filled in more of the holes in my personal world and American history knowledge. By the end of the first half of Known and Unknown, Mr. Rumsfeld has brought his story up to the late 1990s, a time in which I have personal memories and the starting point of what I consider "recent history."

The "meat" of Known and Unknown is certainly to be found in the last half of the book. It is in this last half that Mr. Rumsfeld reaches the end of the 20th century and the early years of the 21st. It is a time that I consider "recent history" and to a point "current events." It is a time I remember vividly. Some events I remember reading or hearing about in the news and other events I experienced personally. For me the last half of Known and Unknown was the most fascinating section of the book... And at times it was also quite overwhelming. I was blown away with the amount of detail contained in each chapter. I can only imagine the amount of time and the extent of research that was required to complete this memoir. And I challenge anyone who thinks they know the reasons why America was attacked on 9/11 and why America went to war in Iraq and Afghanistan to read this book. This is not just one man's view, this is a memoir that includes details, facts, quotations, citations, and references that explain the known and the unknown of that period. It was very interesting.

That said, I must admit Known and Unknown is not for the faint of heart. If you tremble at the thought of reading anything political or historical in nature than you probably won't find Known and Unknown an easy read. Mr. Rumsfeld writes well, the entire book is woven together almost seamlessly, which makes it must easier to follow than other memoirs I've read, but the extent of detail does slow the reader down. If you have a predetermined interest in the topic then it is well worth the effort.

All in all, I am glad I took the time and effort to read Known and Unknown. While not every reader may agree with every decision made by Mr. Rumsfeld (or his bosses) I still encourage every reader to consider reading Known and Unknown, if for no other reason than to learn another side to the story that is recent American history.

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Related Links:

• The Rumsfeld Papers 
• World Timeline During Rumsfeld's Life (1932-Present)
• Rumsfeld Library (includes thousands of related documents)
• Known and Unknown (Additional information from the Publisher)

Capitol Hill Cooks by Linda Bauer

384 pages
Published August 16, 2010
by Taylor Trade Publishing
Lanham, MD

When I cook I tend to stick to family recipes or those found within the cookbooks I've been given, or even those posted online. It is definitely a rare occurrence for me to buy a cookbook, let alone borrow one from the library and an even more rare occurrence for me to post a review. But when I first learned of Capitol Hill Cooks: Recipes from the White House, Congress, And All of the Past Presidents I was immediately intrigued. A new release I requested a copy from my library and began flipping through. It is indeed an intriguing cookbook and as such I felt it deserved a little attention by way of a review.

At first glance I assumed Capitol Hill Cooks: Recipes from the White House, Congress and All of the Past Presidents to be a collection of recipes by cooks of the White House and Congress, but I was partly wrong. It is a collection of recipes, but they are from actual elected officials -- Senators, Representatives, and the President and his First Lady. In some ways this is even more exciting for those enthralled by American history and the Who's Who of Washington, DC politics both past and present. My only dispute with this title is that it claims to include recipes from "all of the former presidents" and that's not exactly true. I checked and at least one (Millard Filmore) does not have a recipe attributed to him. Still, the majority do and it's truly fascinating to see what were the favorite dishes of nearly all of our Commander in Chiefs.

Capitol Hill Cooks contains over 200 recipes from 49 states and 2 United States territories. The cookbook is divided by courses. First come the appetizers, then salads, next soups and stews, then side dishes, main dishes, meats, poultry and seafood, breads and finally cakes and cookies, pies and desserts and snacks and sauces. Last a special collection of "favorite dishes of the presidents."

As far as cooking goes, the recipes appear to be fairly simple and straight forward and, for the most part, do not require any special ingredients, though there are the few exceptions.

Personally, while I thought Capitol Hill Cooks was a really clever idea, it unfortunately did not contain enough recipes that I would use to justify my owning a copy. However, before the book is due back at the library I do plan to try a few recipes and I might end up changing my mind, we'll see. The top recipes to catch my eye include: Senator Wicker's (MS) Poppy Seed Chicken, Rep. Honda's (CA) Japanese Chicken Salad, Senator Boxer's (CA) Lemon Blueberry Muffins, and President Reagan's The Reagan Family Cranberry Sauce. And if I feel brave enough I might even try my hand at a favorite of President George Washington's -- Nelly Custis' recipe for Hoecakes or Thomas Jefferson's Chicken Fricassee.

Along with the tasty there are one or two recipes that made me grimace. Most notable was Rep. Coble's (NC) entry of Breakfast "Brains and Eggs," which do include the real thing: pork brains in gravy. (Ewww!!!) No thank you.

My only grievance with this cookbook is that it contains no pictures. I personally find myself more likely to try a recipe if I can see how the dish is appears. This cookbook could read more like a work of non-fiction if the reader doesn't mind reading all the measurements. Several of the recipes contain brief notes about the history of the dish or a the reason for its inclusion by the elected official. My favorite little tidbit was that the Eggnog recipe credited to George Washington was recently discovered written in Washington's own hand. How cool is that?

All in all, Capitol Hill Cooks is a fun cookbook for those looking for something historic this holiday season. Even though I don't plan to buy a copy I was glad that my library offers the option to preview this cookbook.

PBS Airs Masterpiece Mystery Special: David Suchet On the Orient Express

I know this is a little late, but it's something I really wanted to share since I am a big fan of Agatha Christie.

Last year I read and reviewed Murder On the Orient Express, one of her most recognizable mysteries starring Hercule Poirot. I really enjoyed the read, so when I heard PBS's Masterpiece Mystery would be airing a special about the infamous train I knew I wanted to watch it.

Unfortunately I was unable to catch it when it originally aired on July 7, but was happy to find it listed as a "re-run" several times throughout the month. I was finally able to catch it on last Sunday evening. The special is hosted by none other than Hercule Poirot himself...well sort of. David Suchet actually hosts, but as he has played in the role of Poirot for the last two decades it's easy to think of these two men, one a fictional detective and the other a real-life actor as one and the same. Personally I will be very sorry the day that Suchet announces his retirement from Poirot films.

I am extremely grateful to the producers of this documentary. While watching the program I looked up the actual train and discovered that while anyone can travel on it today tickets are rather pricey -- more than a cruise and without the same amenities (there is now shower/tub in any of the train cars). It's highly unlikely that I will ever spend $1300+ to travel by train from London to Istanbul, let alone Prague, so I truly enjoyed this special opportunity and was content to experience this trip secondhand. David Suchet On the Orient Express was a fascinating documentary that covers not only the history of the train, but allows the viewer to see the intricate and beautiful details of the train as well as the breathtaking views that usually only a passenger would be privileged to see. In addition to the education aspect I found the program very entertaining as Suchet's personal enjoyment and excitement was quite infectious.

If you have yet to catch this hour long documentary on the train made most famous by Dame Agatha Christie's Murder on the Orient Express published in 1934 then there is still time. PBS' Masterpiece has made the program available online for a limited time (July 8-August 6, 2010). You can view it by visiting PBS Masterpiece: David Suchet on the Orient Express. But if you miss it online never fear, you can purchase the special as part of the Hercule Poirot Series X DVD collection at PBS' store or online at Amazon. You might also check with your library to see if this is a DVD they'd consider purchasing to add to their Agatha Christie collection.

And while I'm on the topic I will mention that last week I viewed the most recent adaptation of Murder On the Orient Express which aired on PBS Mystery in early July. It was very well made, though some of the artistic film angles (giving the affect you're on a moving train) were a bit dizzying at times; still it was a good view with only a few changes to the original story plot. I've yet to watch the older adaptations, but I intend too. Although I am a big fan of David Suchet I know as a true Christie fan I must watch the 1974 adaptation with Lauren Bacall, Ingrid Bergman, and Albert Finney to name a few (the list of famous actors and actresses in this film goes on like a list from Who's Who Hollywood in the mid 20th century). Perhaps I should check now to see if my library has a copy.

Related Links:
- Murder On the Orient Express by Agatha Christie (review)

- Murder On the Orient Express starring David Suchet, Eileen Atkins (PBS, Masterpiece Mystery 2010)
- Behind the Scenes: Murder On the Orient Express
- Q&A with David Suchet on Hercule Poirot

- Book Travel on the Orient Express

- Agatha Christie Reading Challenge Carnival

- Agatha Christie Blog Tour (September 1-30, 2010)

The Way We Live Now by Anthony Trollope

802 pages
Published in serial form 1874-1875
Reprinted Barnes & Noble Classics, 2005
New York, NY

I can't help but find it a little ironic that a few weeks after I first discovered Angela Thirkell and her Barsetshire novels my book club settled upon reading an Anthony Trollope novel. For those who don't know/remember, Anthony Trollope wrote a series of six books set in the fictional county of Barsetshire, which some 80 years later Angela Thirkell used as inspiration for 29 of her own novels set in that same fictional county. (While Trollope's novels were about the people of Barsetshire in the mid 19th century, Thirkell's were her own creation of the people of Barsetshire in the early and mid 20th century.)

The book selected by my book club was not one of Trollope's Chronicles of Barsetshire, but one of Trollope's longer stories, The Way We Live Now, which although not popular upon first publication has in recent years come to be considered Trollope's best work.

The Plot:
"Ruthless greed, relentless self-promotion, corporate swindles and scandals on a grand scale -- indeed it sounds like 'the way we live now.' Though Anthony Trollope's title actually refers to 1870s England, his scathing satire of a money-mad culture cuts close to the contemporary bone. At its center stands Augustus Melmotte, a crooked financier whose enormous schemes ensnare an array of avaricious aristocrats, politicians and 'important people.' Among them are Lady Carbury, who earns the family bread by churning out fatuous potboilers, and her spendthrift, ne''er-do-well son, Felix, who sets his sights on Melmotte's dangerously beautiful daughter, Marie. meanwhile Felix's sister, Hetta, falls for Melmotte's partner, Paul, who's encumbered wiht an American fiancee, herself a widow who may have shot her husband. As the frauds expand and the romantic entanglements grow ever more complex, Trollope revels in the antics of his characters while pillorying the corruption of their morally bankrupt society." (Summary courtesy of the publisher)

My Thoughts:
I thoroughly enjoyed this read. The story plot is thick (so much happens within the story over the course of six months) and the characters richly colorful and quirky.

Some readers might liken Trollope to Dickens, but I think in some ways Trollope is actually better than Dickens. The Way We Live Now is a long book, almost as long as Dickens' Bleak House or Little Dorrit, yet not once did I feel the story lagged or that Trollope was rambling as I admit I have felt from time to time with Dickens. Another aspect that I liked about Trollope's writing is that his characters seemed a little less stereotypical. On the downside I can't say that I loved any of the characters in The Way We Live Now. I liked some of the characters and I completely despised some of the others within The Way We Live Now, but none tugged at my heartstrings as in books like Bleak House.

One similarity between Dickens and Trollope is the ending. Both Dickens and Trollope ended their novels with a "happy ending" -- although in the case of The Way We Live Now that doesn't mean every character lives happily-ever-after or has all their problems solved, but it does mean that the reader finishes the book satisfied.

The Way We Live Now is a satire, which means Trollope was writing tongue-in-cheek as he criticized and commented on various aspects of life in England during the latter decades of the 19th century. His writing is filled with interesting and thought provoking snapshots and at the same time is witty and entertaining. Although a long read (with 100 chapters) The Way We Live Now is not a difficult read. I particularly enjoyed the vivid imagery that Trollope's words painted and jotted down many passages in my Book of Books.

Some might be discouraged by the length of The Way We Live Now, as I mentioned it runs to 100 chapters and depending on the publication can average around 800 pages. It took me 25 days to finish, but it was definitely a worthwhile read and one I highly recommend to any reader. I bounced back and forth between reading the actual book and listening to the complete book read aloud with the free LibroVox iPhone application. Having finished and thoroughly enjoyed The Way We Live Now I am definitely planning to explore more of Trollope's works in the future. As for The Way We Live Now, this is one book I'd advise you to buy rather than borrow.

On a related note, PBS Masterpiece Theater produced a mini-series adaptation of The Way We Live Now in 2001 starring David Suchet (Hercule Poirot) and Matthew Macfadyen (Pride and Prejudice). I watched this series in 2007 at a time when, sadly, I'd never heard of Anthony Trollope. The movie is fairly true to the book. Some aspects of the story did not transfer to the screen, others did not transfer very well, which means you don't get the full depth of this story by watching the movie alone. But I do believe watching the adaptation does help a reader gain a better understanding of the story as a whole and also helps keep who's who amongst the characters clear within the reader's mind while they read.

I will add that the movie ending and the book ending are different, but only slightly so and both still end happily. The only objection I had to the movie was the addition of some bedroom-type scenes, though not obscene were enough to leave the viewer without doubt as to the intimacy of the character's relationships. Upon further reflection I believe this interpretation is typical of society's views within the 21st century, but not what Trollope intended in his book. It just doesn't work with the social views of the 19th century. Yes, affairs occurred, but not for characters of these types. Still I enjoyed the miniseries and recommend it to anyone who has read the book or requires some assistance in understanding the story before setting out to read the novel.

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Related Links:
* Anthony Trollope Society
* Anthony Trollope.Com
* Anthony Trollope USA
* PBS: Masterpiece Classics: The Way We Live Now
* E-book: The Way We Live Now (Project Gutenberg)
* Audio-Book: LibroVox: The Way We Live Now

The Headmistress by Angela Thirkell

346 pages
Published in 1944,
Reprinted by Moyer Bell August 1995

I chose to read The Headmistress as my next read by Angela Thirkell simply for the fact it is widely considered by readers as Thirkell's best novel. At the time I assumed it didn't matter the order in which one read Thirkell's Barsetshire novels. I thought after reading Wild Strawberries (4th in the Barsetshire series) that even though each Barsetshire book is connected the story threads between each novel isn't connected enough to matter the order in which they are read... And to a degree that is true; most of Thirkell's novels are hardly "sequels" and yet they are woven together with references to people, places, and events that make reading them in order much more enjoyable. I realize now that it was a bit of a mistake for me to read The Headmistress ahead of the other 11 books preceding it in the series. As I read I often found myself on the outside of an inside joke or memory, which took away some of the richeness of the story. And yet, this did not stop me from enjoying this charming read.

The Plot:
"The Beltons of Harefield Park, in financial straits endemic to the times, have leased the ancestral home to the Hosier’s Girls School whose headmistress, Miss Sparling, a cut above the "nouveau riche" students, is welcomed into village society. Sam Adams, a wealthy, self-made industrialist, and his lumpish daughter Heather are introduced and we glimpse 'the thin entering wedge' into the solid front of the old gentry. Mixo-Lydians backed by Dr. Perry's wife, and Slavo-Lydians, clients of the mildly obnoxious Mrs. Hunter, barely avoid violent confrontation; it is Mr. Adams who gives short shrift to their belligerent solicitations. And we meet again the bemused Mrs. Updike whose self-battering, as she careens through life, gives new meaning to 'accident-prone.' Miss Sparling reaches an "understanding"... {spoiler removed}...and strong willed Elsa Belton is corralled by [a man] {again spoiler removed} who declines to be jilted. The poignant relationship between Mrs. Belton and her charming but prickly younger son, Charles, on embarkation leave, cuts through the lightheartedness and brings the war home." (Summary Courtsey of The Angela Thirkell Society)

My thoughts:
I found The Headmistress not nearly as exciting and entertaining as Wild Strawberries. The characters weren't quite as lovable and the conversations not quite as humorous. But perhaps this is because I was missing so much by skipping the earlier books? I'm not sure. Even so, I did enjoy the day-to-day happenings within the story. It was interesting to read of life in a small English village during World War II. How different are the lives of the Beltons and Miss Sparling when compared side by side with my own. Not only does an ocean and 70 years separate us, but the more obvious fact of real life vs. fiction. Still, I really enjoyed Angela Thirkell's story telling and I look forward to reading more about the Beltons, who appear in at least six more novels within the Barsetshire series. But first, I plan to go back and start the series over properly with her first novel, High Rising.

For those interested in sampling Angela Thirkell's books without finding themselves knee deep into the series I'd suggest starting with Wild Strawberries or perhaps, as I am, the first novel, High Rising. Then once you are a little more familiar with the characters and their history pick up a copy of The Headmistress.

Angela Thirkell is a wonderfully entertaining writer and I am so glad to have the opportunity and access to her novels.

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Related Reviews:
Wild Strawberries (1934)

John Adams DVD - Mini Review

John Adams

HBO Miniseries, Spring 2008

I am embarrassed to admit I have never finished reading John Adams by David McCullough. Early in our marriage my husband and I tried to read it together, aloud before bedtime. We made it maybe two chapters in before that tradition died. Reading before aloud before bedtime just doesn't work for us.

Since then the book has sat on my bookshelf awaiting my renewed interest, but that fact didn't stop me from watching the miniseries adaptation by HBO now available on DVD.

The miniseries is made up of seven 1-hour segments, which shouldn't take very long to watch... but took me four months. I had to borrow the DVD's from my local library at least five times before before I actually finished watching it -- but it was well worth the time.

The miniseries is well made and relatively accurate. I say relatively because I know there were some things left out (any strong focus on Adams' religious beliefs) and there were some things portrayed differently than historians believe is the truth (i.e. Adams' relationship with his youngest son, Charles). But over all it was a very good adaptation of the book... which I now have renewed interest to read.

I though the choice in actors was well made and the settings, costumes, etc. just added to the richness of the film. The only complaint I have outside of the above liberties taken is the sound quality. At times the conversations were so low I could barely make out what was said. I'd turn the volume way up only to be blasted when someone yelled or some loud noise was made. It was a tad annoying.

But that said, my favorite part was actually an extra on the DVD -- an interview with author David McCullough. It's a 39 minute interview covering the life of McCullough and his works. Very interesting and it causes me to retract my previous statement. If I could meet any living author I would choose McCullough. I'd forgotten about him when I answered the meme, but he is definitely someone I'd like to meet.

All this to say... I need to read John Adams. (I've read at least one other McCullough book and it's worth the time it takes to read.) I enjoyed John Adams the miniseries, but know the book will be even better.

For those who haven't seen the miniseries, yes I'd recommend it. But be warned. There are two scenes of nudity. The first is when a man is tarred and feathered, the second is when a women undergoes a mastectomy. There's enough warning for the viewer to look away if you know these instances exist.

For those of you who have seen the miniseries and have read the book -- leave your comments. I'd love to hear what you think.

Pariotism

Today is the 7th anniversary of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. I have a stack of books that I want to review, including some really cute children's books, but while sitting at my desk my radio suddenly went silent. I realized they were observing a moment of silence for the victims of September 11. The silence was then followed by our National Anthem. I felt a swell of pride as I heard the music and my thoughts turned towards books on American patriotism, heroes, and the like.

Have you read a book or several books that have filled you with feelings of patriotism and love for your country -- be it the United States or somewhere else in the world? If so, what was it?Please leave a comment and let me know which and why. It doesn't have to be current history or current heroes, it could be heroes from history too.

Manhunt: The 12-Day Chase for Lincoln's Killer by James Swanson

There are many books I have read in the past and now wish to tell you about, but it seems like cheating to post a review so long after having read the book. Nevertheless from time to time I have posted such reviews because I believe they are worthy of some attention. And so... here is yet another.

I read Manhunt: The 12-Day Chase for Lincoln's Killer in the fall of 2006. My husband has met/seen the author at various functions in the past and so when we came upon this book in a bookstore we both were very curious to read it -- not only because of the very slight acquaintance with the author, but also because of the fascinating subject matter.

Manhunt opens with the morning of Good Friday 1865 and follows the steps of John Wilkes Booth as he plans the assassinations of President Abraham Lincoln and several members of his executive cabinet. As the story progresses the author describes in accurate detail the actions of Booth and his gang as they make their attacks upon their victims leading to injury and in at least one case death. While a few pages are dedicated the details of what happened to the other members in Booth's gang as they made their escapes the focus of the book is upon Booth himself and his escape south.

Be warned both the actual and the attempted assassinations, as well as a few other events in the book, are a little grizzly, but not so bad that I was unable to finish the book. If you can handle a newspaper article about a murder, read a history book about a crime or even or watch a crime show on TV today (which can be a lot worse), you can handle the historical facts surrounding the injuries and deaths to subjects within this book.

I've always loved history and I'm particularly fond of American history. Swanson's book is an excellent weaving of history and story telling, which makes for a definite page turner. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Although it is historically accurate it does not read as a history book. At 391 pages (excluding notes and bibliography) this book was a relatively quick read -- I think it might have taken me two weeks to finish (this was when I was working full time and didn't have as much time to read). We own a hardback copy, but most libraries should have this on their shelves as it is a recent publication.

First Ladies by Margaret Truman

First Ladies: An Intimate Group Portrait of White House Wives by Margaret Truman is an interesting book about the women behind the most powerful men in our country.

Margaret Truman's authority as an author of White House and First Lady history is grounded not only by her degree in American History, but also her personal experience in the White House. Her father, Harry Truman served as Vice President under Franklin D. Roosevelt and later as President on his own right. Thus, Margaret had first hand experience living for several years with a First Lady, her mother Bess Truman.

My first thought when I picked up this book was that it would include biographical sketches of each First Lady and maybe a little of what life was like for her in the White House. I was in for a surprise.

While some biographical information is included in this book, it is by no means a biography of the 43 First Ladies (*The book was published during the Clinton administration, so while the count at the time was 42 Presidents the First Lady count includes second wives of Presidents). The best way to capture what this book is about is to use Harry Truman's quote from the beginning of the book, an obvious inspiration to his daughter, "I hope some day someone will take time to evaluate the true role of the wife of a President, and to assess the many burdens she has to bear and the contributions she makes." That is exactly what this book is about.

Throughout the book Margaret Truman highlights various First Ladies during their life in the White House and their relationship with the President, their husband. Very little information is given about their childhood and life proceeding the White House or life after the White House. As I said, it is not meant to be a biography.

I should note that Truman does not include every one of the First Ladies. I noticed that some of the lesser known ladies were not mentioned at all and a few were mentioned only in a passing. I was a little disappointed in this as the book didn't seem quite complete without a paragraph or chapter dedicated to each first lady, but that may be just my opinion.

One other note that is rather obvious to the reader from the very first chapter -- Harry Truman was a Democrat. Margaret Truman writes as a Democrat and she makes no apologies for her worldview.

A case in point: the set up of the chapters. For the first half of the book Truman's focus is mainly on Presidents and their wives elected from the Democratic Party starting with the "darling" of them all -- JFK and his wife Jackie. After a few chapters of mid 20th century politicians (Kennedy, Truman, Roosevelt, Wilson, etc.) Margaret turns to the first First Ladies (i.e. Martha Washington, Dolly Madison, etc.) and focuses on early politics (Federalists and Anti-Federalists).
Oddly enough -- or maybe because of her political views (or... maybe the fault of the book's editor), Margaret doesn't get around to discussing Republican Presidents and their First Ladies until over halfway into the book. When she does get to them she has very little in the way of positive comments to make about either husband or wife, an exception being her admiration of the relationship between certain Republican Presidents and their First Ladies, although she also makes the statement that while she admires this, she cannot admire their political views. Fair enough, we were warned -- she is a Democrat. To be fair, I think Maragret made an effort to be objective as she wrote, but in the end her political views did color her text.

If a reader has a dislike for the Democratic party they may find the book a little irritating at times, but if the reader is willing to look past this, they will find an interesting portrait of our First Ladies.

Interesting... That is exactly how I found the book. It was interesting, but not by my definition fascinating. My copy was 355 pages and for the most part was an easy read, though not one I could do in one sitting. It took me about a week to work this one. I'd recommend it to anyone curious to learn more about the relationship between First Ladies and their President husbands as well as what they accomplished while in the White House. I'd also suggest borrowing it from your library if you can. I was gifted my copy and think I may donate it to our library now that I'm done with it. It wasn't in my view one worth storing on my bookshelf to re-read in the future.

On the other hand, if you run across Margaret Truman's The President's House I highly recommend reading that book and even purchasing a copy. It's a book on the history of the White House and its grounds. I read it a few years back and found it absolutely fascinating, a book I definitely plan to re-read some day.

As a side note, I noticed two other recently published books on First Ladies available through Amazon.com. The First Ladies Fact Book: The Stories of the Women of the White House from Martha Washington to Laura Bush by Bill Harris and Ladies of Liberty: The Women Who Shaped Our Nation by Cokie Roberts. I've heard little to nothing about either of these books and would be interested if anyone out there has read them and what they thought of them.