HIDDEN POWER Presidential Marriages That Shaped Our Recent History

Marton describes the twentieth century first ladies, from their engagement to their husbands through their politics, jobs, terms in the White House to the presidency and beyond. In each biographical sketch, Marton discusses the roles of the first ladies within their marriages, and how their relationships with their husbands, from Teddy Roosevelt through George W. Bush, impact upon each administration. Specifically, she focuses on the wives and their influence on the policies and crises of their terms. Hindsight is evident in Marton's analysis of the presidencies from 1900 to the 1950s. The vignettes of the more recent presidencies are more interesting as the events are fresher in the minds of listeners. Jane Alexander reads the narrative in a flat manner, changing tone and pace when she reads documents or dialogue: a most effective technique. Marton's fascinating and well-written descriptions of the first ladies and their roles focus a new light on history and politics as viewed from the "other half" of the partnership. M.B.K. (c) AudioFile 2002, Portland, Maine [Published: FEB/ MAR 02]