Book Reviews: The White House

The White House: The President’s Home in Photographs and History

When we think of The White House, we conjure up a vision of the Presidency – not its occupancy per se, but the aura that The White House presents: the house of democracy. Through photography, historical text, anecdotes, and unknown facts, Vicki Goldberg has made The White House user friendly. Besides the history of the building and architecture of the house itself, Goldberg recreates the Presidents, past and present – their families, the First Ladies and their contributions, the weddings, the press and photojournalists – with even a section on White House pets.

With decorum, vivacity, and historical moments preserved by the camera, Goldberg takes us inside The White House, as each Presidential family has passed through. Outlining historical events –

• Civil War 
• WWII
• The Cuban Missile Crisis 
• FDR 
• Teddy Roosevelt 
• Harding 
• Coolidge 
• Jackson 
• Lincoln 
• Nixon 
• Clinton 
• LBJ 
• Kennedy 
• Bush 
• Ford 
• Obama

She presents the rooms, the furnishings, Presidential moments, First Lady histories, Presidential families and children, even kitchen staff – from the 1800’s to present.

This is not a pedantic presentation. This volume on The White House is visual as well as prosaic. With something for everyone, from Ronald Reagan laughing at Queen Elizabeth’s jokes, to John Travolta dancing with Princess Din, to John John peeking from the Presidential desk, to Barack Obama’s Portuguese water dog – and then to John, Robert and Jackie Kennedy watching the Moonwalk – this reds like an autobiography of events, with fun filled moments.

Easy to read, audaciously gracious and informative, this book will not sit on your coffee table! A feast of the panorama of the United States passing through one of its greatest enclaves, The White House, there is something for everyone on its pages.

Superb gift – memorable read

The White House: The President’s Home in Photographs and History is a gift you my just want to buy yourself with that Amazon gift certificate that you received for the holidays.

Ratings are based on a 5-star scale 

Overall: 4.5

Review by Broad “A” – Ava 

We received a copy of this title for our book review. All opinions are our own.