Not all first ladies have been wives of the presidents. Sisters, daughters, nieces and other relatives have assumed the responsibility of the White House hostess, or shared it as necessity required, oftenn for widowed and bachelor presidents. Each woman has a unique story and an important place in history. The First Ladies profiles the many courageous women, from Martha Washington to Laura Welch Bush, who have served the presidency and the nation, and maintained one of the most appealing traditions of the White House - hospitality. Published with the White House Historical Association, this newly re-designed and updated book provides not only a special perspective on national life, but also offers a considered insight into the lives of notable women. The First Ladies are brought to life with portraits drawn from the White House collection, as well as public and private collections, by such artists as Gilbert Stuart, Henry Inman, Howard Chandler Christy and photographer Matthew Brady. Many of the paintings are displayed in the White House along the Ground Floor Corridor and in the State Rooms, where they are seen by visitors today. 50 colour illustrations.