Meet the First Ladies of the United States—sometimes inspiring, sometimes tragic, always fascinating—women who, though often unsung, helped hold the nation together in its infancy and advance it as a world power. More than simply serving as America's "hostesses," many of the nation's First Ladies played vital roles in shaping their husband's presidency and serving as political activists in their own right. From Martha Washington to Michelle Obama, their inspiring stories come alive in this handsomely illustrated encyclopedia. Within its pages, the First Ladies are revealed as human beings who, one day, awoke to find the eyes of the world upon them. The book differs from others by showcasing America's First Ladies in their own words, as flesh-and-blood individuals. Readers will discover which First Lady held off Napoleon's army with a toy sword, why women had to be "pale, frail, and ailing," and which First Lady was called "Sunshine" and which was "Hellcat." Each entry includes a biographical essay that details the life of the woman and places her within the political, social, and cultural context of her time. Each also offers a related primary document that helps define the First Lady's legacy as well as a short bibliography for further information. Written in a lively, compelling style, this highly readable volume is perfect for junior high, high school, and college students as well as the general public.

This volume explores more than two centuries of literature on the First Ladies, from Martha Washington to Michelle Obama, providing the first historiographical overview of these important women in U.S. history. Underlines the growing scholarly appreciation of the First Ladies and the evolution of the position since the 18th century Explores the impact of these women not only on White House responsibilities, but on elections, presidential policies, social causes, and in shaping their husbands’ legacies Brings the First Ladies into crisp historiographical focus, assessing how these women and their contributions have been perceived both in popular literature and scholarly debate Provides concise biographical treatments for each First Lady

From the manger of Jesus Christ to the 21st century, this encyclopedia explores more than 2,000 years of Christmas past and present through 966 entries packed with a wide variety of historical and pop-culture subjects. Entries detail customs and traditions from around the world as well as classic Christmas movies, TV series/specials and animated cartoons. Arranged alphabetically by entry name, the book includes the historical background of popular sacred and secular songs as well as accounts of beloved literary works with Christmas themes from such noted authors as Charles Dickens, Louisa May Alcott, Hans Christian Andersen, Pearl Buck, Henry Van Dyke and others. All things Christmas are available here in one comprehensive volume.

Short biographies of our nation's fascinating first ladies.

President Rex Funck is a loutish, lying old bully whose affairs have deeply hurt his stunning wife Natalia, a former model from Slovakia. Now he wants to get her pregnant so voters will see him as a macho stud and re-elect him in a landslide. Natalia despises Funck too much to go through with it. With the help of Angel, her gay Mexican hairdresser and BFF, she secretly flees the White House. To take her place they leave Moon, a ballsy trans woman who impersonates FLOTUS at a Miami drag-queen show. Natalia’s suspenseful escape becomes a personal journey of self-awareness with unexpected twists and outrageous characters. Meanwhile, when the truth comes out about Moon at the White House, all hell breaks loose. In The First Lady Escapes: FLOTUS Flees the White House, Natalia proves herself a true American hero by saving her beloved adopted country from getting Funcked. 'A rippingly funny and surreal lampoon, the comic relief we so desperately need from the twisted absurdity of our current political horrors. It will leave you gasping with laughter and Trumpetized all at the same time.' 'I can’t stop laughing! I’m buying a hundred copies to pass out at the next Women’s March!'

Examines United States Presidential First Ladies through 2003.