Ocean State Libraries

The Pulitzer Prize-winning, best-selling author of "Founding Brothers" and "His Excellency" brings America's preeminent first couple to life in a moving and illuminating narrative that sweeps through the American Revolution and the republic's tenuous early years.

"Abigail Adams was a strong woman far ahead of her time. She urged her husband, President John Adams, to 'remember the ladies' and despite having no formal education herself, she later advocated for equal education in public schools for both boys and girls. She was also the first First Lady to live in the White House! This biography tells the story of Abigail Adams and her role in America's Revolutionary War period"--

Introduces the life of the wife of President John Adams, a woman noted for her opinions on the equality of men and women and the letters she wrote to her husband.

"Fascinating...Gelles has provided a balanced portrait, and her mastery of the period's issues and history is evident on every page. Her treatment of the family... [is] written with understanding and sensitivity... But it is her strength as a feminist historian that makes her treatment of Abigail the most gripping... masterful and captivating." - Washington Times "A landmark... Well-organized and expertly composed, the book is an impressive addition...

"Introduction to the life of former First Lady Abigail Adams, from her childhood to the White House and beyond." --

How the three inaugural First Ladies defined the role for future generations, and carved a space for women in America America's first First Ladies-Martha Washington, Abigail Adams, and Dolley Madison-had the challenging task of playing a pivotal role in defining the nature of the American presidency to a fledgling nation and to the world. In First Ladies of the Republic, Jeanne Abrams breaks new ground by examining their lives as a group. From...