The First Lady has always been a continuous source of interest and intense scrutiny. American First Ladies explores how this position has evolved through history and how each First Lady has adjusted to the demands of being the wife of the President. Beginning with Martha Washington and concluding with a portrait of Laura Bush, each biographical essay provides a chronological account of each woman's life and assesses her place in the development of the institution of the First Lady. Now extensively revised and updated, this acclaimed reference work offers essential facts about each First Lady, including, where available: * Examples of the First Lady's own writings * Contemporary article or memoirs by family and friends * References to relevant newspaper stories and scholarly writings * The location of personal papers and other manuscript sources This new edition is based on the latest research on the history of the Presidency and the role of the First Lady. Each essay presents a balanced, objective and entertaining assessment of each woman's contributions to history, showing how she responded to changes in the Presidency, the role of First Lady and to the evolving social demands on women. Carl Sferrazza Anthony; Thomas H. Appleton Jr., Eastern Kentucky University, USA; Jean H. Baker, Goucher College, USA; James G. Benze Jr., Washington and Jefferson College,