Containing new or updated material this volume presents thirty-nine interpretative biographical essays on all first ladies, from Martha Washington to America's newest first lady, Laura Bush. "From Martha Washington to Laura Bush (pre-term), this work includes 39 extensive biographical essays which interpret the changing role of the First Lady in American history. Far greater depth than most other work of this sort." -- Pennsylvania School Librarians Association Best Reference Titles 2001 selection"If your library needs a good reference book on the first ladies, this would be an obvious choice." -- Against the Grain