First Ladies of the United States

It is no secret that Mary Todd Lincoln is one of the least popular first ladies in American history. She was considered a shrew, a spendthrift, and her own son had her declared insane. The truth behind Mary Todd Lincoln lies in the fact that she was unable to conform to the feminine expectations of her times. Well-educated and filled with opinions, she defied conventions and incurred the wrath of the public who hated her for it.

Jacqueline Kennedy, the wife of President John F. Kennedy, is one of the most iconic and beloved First Ladies in American history, lauded for her style and class. But who was the woman behind the image? In this intimate biography, listeners will discover the true Jackie, from her privileged upbringing and education to her marriage to JFK and her life after his assassination.

History remembers her as the gracious wife standing beside Lyndon B. Johnson, but Lady Bird Johnson was much more than just the period of time that she spent at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue in the White House. Born in the piney woods of East Texas to a wealthy but troubled family, Lady Bird overcame tragedy to become one of the most accomplished women of her generation. By age 22, she had earned two college degrees and harbored dreams of becoming a globe-trotting journalist.

Eleanor Roosevelt was no ordinary First Lady. Her life reads like an epic novel: childhood tragedy, political intrigue, personal betrayal, and ultimate triumph. Born into New York's elite Roosevelt family, Eleanor lost both parents by age ten and was raised by a stern grandmother who criticized her appearance and demeanor. The shy, awkward girl nicknamed "Granny" seemed destined for a quiet life in the shadows.

In the 250-year history of the United States, there have been many first ladies, but Nancy Reagan remains one of the most memorable. She and her husband ushered in the 1980s, and during this time, Nancy herself became the public face of many important issues. Most famously, she tackled the growing problem of illegal drug use with the iconic “Just Say No” campaign, an effort that became so widespread and recognizable that it entered American culture permanently.