The term and the institution of First Lady are integral–though still evolving–aspects of our political and cultural landscape, and this is the first full treatment of the subject. Covering all 37 women from Martha Washington to Nancy Reagan, the book shows how the role of First Lady was transformed from ceremonial backdrop at best to substantive world figure. Along the way, the book introduces a remarkable cast of characters, many not at all what one would expect of a presidential help-mate. Because of their position, they left remarkably complete records, and their stories offer us a window to view not only this particular sorority of women--holders of what sociologists now call "derivative power"--but also American women in general.