In this New York Times bestseller, the White House chief usher for nearly three decades offers a behind-the-scenes look at America’s first families. J. B. West, chief usher of the White House, directed the operations and maintenance of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue—and coordinated its daily life—at the request of the president and his family. He directed state functions; planned parties, weddings and … parties, weddings and funerals, gardens and playgrounds, and extensive renovations; and, with a large staff, supervised every activity in the presidential home. For twenty-eight years, first as assistant to the chief usher, then as chief usher, he witnessed national crises and triumphs, and interacted daily with six consecutive presidents and first ladies, as well as their parents, children and grandchildren, and houseguests—including friends, relatives, and heads of state.
J. B. West, whom Jackie Kennedy called “one of the most extraordinary men I have ever met,” provides an absorbing, one-of-a-kind history of life among the first ladies. Alive with anecdotes ranging from Eleanor Roosevelt’s fascinating political strategies to Jackie Kennedy’s tragic loss and the personal struggles of Pat Nixon, Upstairs at the White House is a rich account of a slice of American history that usually remains behind closed doors.
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Each lady was so very different and it was a nice way to meet
them all.
What a hoot! An inside glimpse at the First Ladies in the mid-20th century. Names we, of course, have all heard of. Makes me wonder at the day-to-day operations of the first families after this book was written, and what the working insiders who care for the White House were treated by them. What a unique perspective on history!
The most famous of the former Chief Usher’s at The White House, J.B. West, gives an insider’s view of America’s most famous address. Mr. West (in a dignified but very readable account) tells us about five of the First Families he worked for who made 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue a home. With great empathy and appreciation, he reminisces about the …
I really enjoyed this insight into the First Ladies as well as the operations within the White House. I would like to read a similar book about the more recent First Ladies. I appreciate the author’s loyalty to those he served by not divulging anything too personal.
I didn’t want it to end. Such a great view into the lives of people who helped shape our country, of people who seem bigger than life and yet want the same things we do for our family. LOVED LOVED LOVED IT!
I loved this book, is very well written and I learned so much about the Presidency, presidents, first ladies and the White House.
And NO dirt!! I liked that the most.
Factual stories and very fair character descriptions. so much fun to read.
Thoroughly enjoyed it.
I enjoyed reading about all the remodeling first ladies did as each one entered the White House . Interesting read.
The author had a knack for characterizing the White House inhabitants, and portraying each of them in a kindly, yet perspicacious light. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
I got this kindle book from Prime reads and I loved it. What a great insight into a different perspective of history. Some of these Presidents were in office before I was born but I knew what my parents and their friends had said about them and what I learned in history class. Well I can tell you that I learned a lot more from J.B. West and it was …
I’ve really enjoyed this book. It shows another side of not only the First Ladies but also life in the White House from a unique perspective. It’s amazing how quickly the staff has to adjust to each first family, especially when the change happens due to the unexpected passing of a president. Great read!
Mr. West’s perspective is priceless and gives an insight few will ever know about. I enjoyed every page and wished his career continued through all the presidencies!
enjoyed a look at life for the first family in the white house though it seems they tried harder to work for the country in earlier days than they do today
Want to read it again
Fascinating information from behind the scenes. I really enjoyed it.
It objectively presented the women and the times and kept up interest.
An unbiased (rare these days) look at the lives of the presidents/first ladies who have occupied the White House since FDR, from an insider who worked with these families on a daily basis.
I have been alive long enough to have known the public side of all these women. I found this a fascinating book. This is not just a history book for the young, I did not know a man like Mr. West even existed. Satisfy your curiosity. Read this book.
Wonderful read. Lots of history behind the doors. Few negative comments from the writer/retired head usher.
A lovely inside look at the daily lives of our first ladies from Eleanor Roosevelt to Lady Bird Johnson.
If you like history, you will love this book. Well written and informative.