The First Ladies, now in its 12th edition, was first published by the White House Historical Association in 1975. The book profiles the many notable women, from Martha Washington to Michelle Obama, who have served the presidency and the nation and maintained one of the most appealing traditions of the White House ¿hospitality. 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 Mathew Brady.