Bringing together the work of notable historians, political scientists, and sociologists, ""The Presidential Companion"" is a collection that demonstrate the political relevance of first ladies throughout U.S. history and the dramatic expansion of their power during the twentieth century. This anthology fills a gap in scholarship about the position of first lady and reveals the political acumen and activism of a number of the holders of this unofficial executive office. The contributors reveal how the office has grown in political influence, from Martha Washington's selection of furnishings for the presidential mansion to Hillary Rodham Clinton's leadership of the President's Task Force on National Health Care Reform. Bringing this second edition up to date are two new chapters on the first ladyship of Laura Bush and on analyzing public perceptions of Laura Bush and Hillary Clinton.

Foreword by: Melanne Verveer