The Cambridge Companion to US First Ladies

A thematic assessment of US first ladies and the political, social, and cultural influence of the women who've served in this role.

Lisa M. Burns (Edited by), Teri Finneman (Edited by)

9781009502795, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 6 February 2025

428 pages
23.5 x 16 x 3 cm, 0.751 kg

'Burns & Finneman have edited an impressive collection of essays on first ladies that underscores their significant influence on social, cultural and political forces in the United States, and throughout the world. The well-written, thoroughly researched thematic organization of the volume makes it especially attractive for classroom use.' Nichola D. Gutgold, Penn State Lehigh Valley

First ladies have always received a great deal of attention and are among the most recognizable figures of any presidential administration. They're often treated as celebrities, making them some of the most prominent women of their eras. Yet many of their stories and contributions have been overlooked. Through a collection of thematic essays, The Cambridge Companion to US First Ladies provides a thorough and compelling examination of the development of the first lady institution, and the political, social, and cultural influence of the women who've served in this role. Topics covered include the evolution of various first lady roles, such as hostess, campaigner, surrogate, diplomat, social advocate, and trendsetter; how first ladies have been political assets and liabilities; the impact of first ladies' speeches and media usage; first ladies during wartime and presidential deaths; the contributions of first lady stand-ins; how presidential spouses have been represented in films; and how these women are memorialized and remembered-or forgotten.

Chronology of US first ladies
1. Introduction Lisa M. Burns
2. US first ladies: political assets and liabilities Tammy R. Vigil
3. First lady stand-ins Mary Stockwell
4. First ladies in wartime Thomas J. Balcerski
5. First ladies and international diplomacy Elizabeth J. Natalle
6. First ladies, slavery and civil rights Sarah Fling
7. First ladies as social advocates Kelly Marino
8. First ladies, suffrage, and the equal rights amendment Melody Lehn
9. Examining the impact of gender norms on first ladies' speeches Newly Paul
10. First ladies as trendsetters Courtney Caudle Travers
11. First ladies' strategic use of electronic media Lisa M. Burns and Shaniece B. Bickham
12. First ladies in film: claiming power through marriage, family and politics Maryanne Borrelli
13. Mourners in chief: examining first ladies' performance after presidential deaths Teri Finneman And Jodi Kanter
14. Legacy, memorialization and public memory of first ladies Barbara A. Perry
Further reading
Index.

Subject Areas: History of the Americas [HBJK]