Upstairs at the White House
By J. B. West & Mary Lynn Kotz
- Release Date: 2013-10-01
- Genre: Biographies & Memoirs
Description
In this New York Times bestseller, the White House chief usher for nearly three decades offers a behind-the-scenes look at America’s first families.
J. B. West, chief usher of the White House, directed the operations and maintenance of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue—and coordinated its daily life—at the request of the president and his family. He directed state functions; planned parties, weddings and funerals, gardens and playgrounds, and extensive renovations; and, with a large staff, supervised every activity in the presidential home. For twenty-eight years, first as assistant to the chief usher, then as chief usher, he witnessed national crises and triumphs, and interacted daily with six consecutive presidents and first ladies, as well as their parents, children and grandchildren, and houseguests—including friends, relatives, and heads of state.
J. B. West, whom Jackie Kennedy called “one of the most extraordinary men I have ever met,” provides an absorbing, one-of-a-kind history of life among the first ladies. Alive with anecdotes ranging from Eleanor Roosevelt’s fascinating political strategies to Jackie Kennedy’s tragic loss and the personal struggles of Pat Nixon, Upstairs at the White House is a rich account of a slice of American history that usually remains behind closed doors.
Reviews
Upstairs at the White House - very appropriate!
4By EdgeMollyWell written with respect to the presidency, families and the White House....which is my “house” also. Enjoyed it.Good read
5By Ms.LauralouEnough gossip, yet Mr. West certainly seems to be a very kind and principled man. Glad I read the book.review
5By murryconradthere are a few spelling mistakes and grammar mistakes but I thoroughly enjoyed the readThis book is a wonderful read
5By Sandy K. S.I enjoyed every minute of reading this book. Loved the stories and insight to the White House, the First Ladies and all that happened there throughout the years.Upstairs at the White House .
5By annamaria83I really enjoyed reading this book and was fascinated what really was going on in that " house ".I was somewhat disappointed that it was so old fashioned looking and not at all glamorous in spite of the fancy ladies that lived there. I sincerely hope that today's White House is more modern and enjoyable to live in.Great Book
4By vertigo52Very interesting and well-written book about the Chief Usher's work in the White House under Presidents FDR, Truman, Eisenhower, Kennedy, Johnson and part of the Nixon administrations. There is a lot of fascinating history here, as well as fun tidbits about how each President and his wife ran the White House. I learned a lot and really enjoyed it.