All the Presidents' Children: Triumph and Tragedy in the Lives of America's First Families

by Doug Wead

Book Overview

From Abigail "Nabby" Adams to Chelsea Clinton, George Washington Adams to John F. Kennedy, Jr., the children of America's presidents have both suffered and triumphed under the watchful eyes of their powerful fathers and the glare of the ever-changing public. Whether they perished under the pressure like Andrew Johnson, upheld controversial views like Amy Carter, or carried their father's torch right back to the White House like George W. Bush, all...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 074344633X
• ISBN13: 9780743446334
• Release Date: January 2004
• Publisher: Atria Books
• Length: 464 Pages
• Weight: 1.25 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 8.2" x 10.8"

Customer Reviews

Not just for history buffs

I have read most of the biographies writtern in recent years about America's first families but this book is by far one of the best. The first impression you will get is the amount of work that was put into the research. I have read all the biographies available on Washington, Lincoln, Grant, kennedy, Bush and yet there was information I never read in other books. The color and black/ white photographs are a nice touch.Doug Wead has done a really good job of telling the reader what became of these Presidental children after the White House.

Timeless, Entertaining, Informative

A fun book to read, once you start it's hard to put down. It's easy to find a time frame of your special interest. The reference and source detail is the best I've ever seen. The thorough coverage on every offspring with detailed background on their lives is most impressive. These are stories that need to be told for people to truly understand the high price and sacrifice our presidents and their families make in serving our country. You must own this book for yourself and as a future reference for your children. Doug Wead deserves a special thanks for identifying this unique topic with a first class presentation.

A Superb Inside Look at Presidential Families

This work has two great strengths. First the material is fascinating and includes stories that have been rarely told before. Second the author clearly has an insider's knowledge of what life in the White House is like. The fact that Wead served as an advisor to former President Bush and worked with the current President Bush makes it particularly inviting. I highly recommend it

History Comes Alive

Doug Wead has an approach that is somewhere between history, psychology, gossip, inspiration, and side splitting humor. From young Lincoln to Teddy Roosevelt's daughter, it is hard to put this book down. As a fervent reader of history and biographies, I got not only what I expected, i.e., insight into the family legacies left by our nation's leaders, but also, a very funny, sometimes almost irreverent yet touching narrative with the most unexpected protagonists. Obviously, it's not easy growing up as a President's kid. Weads depiction of historical facts and events is a wonderful time machine that brings us into the most intimate moments and secrets of the anterooms of power. I'd like to get my hands on other books Wead wrote.

Life and Lessons in the Fishbowl

Doug Wead is a master storyteller. In his latest book, he has scripted a fascinating look at presidential kids. It gave me a whole new perspective on such public lives. I think what pleased me most was that he focuses on lessons learned, rather than making a judgment about one part of a life and branding the presidential child in perpetuity. He tells stories of forgiveness and reconciliation, strength and service. I came away with new respect for presidential children who had been tarred with a cynical brush. Of course, he also throws in juicy gossipy bits about Alice Roosevelt Longworth and others to make his readers laugh. Thanks, Doug Wead, for a fascinating read.