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.

‘This volume is a treasure house of various perspectives of the institution of the First Lady and the remarkable women who have been part of it. Using a thematic rather than a biographical approach, essays present numerous aspects of the First Lady’s position as a commentary on the roles played by women in the American political landscape.’

Maurine H. Beasley - Professor Emerita, University of Maryland, College Park

‘This pioneering thematic volume offers an outstanding and highly useful addition to the growing field of First Lady scholarship. Featuring riveting, well-researched chapters on First Ladies’ close connections with slavery and civil rights, involvement in war and diplomacy, portrayals in film and fashion, as well as activism in social movements—not to mention their legacies on any number of fronts--the work underlines the contributions of these women in a framework which contextualizes them while offering the best kind of comparative history. Complemented by its podcasts, this treatment makes an illuminating contribution to our understanding of U.S. First Ladies.’

Katherine Sibley - Saint Joseph’s University

‘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