NPR American Chronicles: First Ladies Audiobook

While the role of the first lady has changed dramatically over the course of the nation's history, one thing remains constant: American's have always been fascinated by the wives of the President. Insights into their formative years, their daily routines within the White House, their influence on the public policies espoused by their husbands, and their bold journey into the modern political spotlight have captivated generations of political historians, social critics and tabloid gawkers alike. NPR presents the story of these iconic women as they apply their unique gifts to help transform the role of women in public and private life. Featuring in-depth profiles of many of our beloved, inspiring, and occasionally enigmatic first ladies, including: Martha Washingtion, Eleanor Roosevelt, Jacqueline Kennedy, Lady Bird Johnson, Betty Ford, Hillary Clinton, Laura Bush, Michelle Obama and more.

Download and start listening now!

“Journalist Cokie Roberts deftly introduces excerpts from interviews with First Lady biographers and First Ladies themselves, which aired over a period of time on NPR. Roberts, one of those interviewed for her books that feature women of the Revolutionary period, gives listeners newly researched information that reveals women’s lives during our nation’s infancy…To hear women who made history as they lived it involves the audience in a special experience and opens a window onto our presidents’ private lives. Winner of the AudioFile Earphones Award.”

— AudioFile