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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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 witnessed national crises and triumphs, and interacted daily with six consecutive presidents and first ladies, as well as their parents, children and …
Loved this book! Wasn’t sure what to expect when I purchased it, but it exceeded all my expectations! Wonderfully told story of behind the scene stories of the First Ladies of the White House and their families.
Great history lesson. Covers several administrations and families
Easy read.
It was definitely not a page turner or a book which will keep you up at night. It is well written and was interesting to find out how different the first families were.
Definitely not a kiss-and-tell or reveal all the dirt kind of book. Just a straight-forward accounting of life in the White House under several different presidents’ wives. Interesting to read how each First Lady had different tastes in decorating and entertaining. I was also fascinated with the job description of the Chief Usher. That job …
I found this book fascinating and entertaining. An unusual peek into what goes on ‘upstairs in real White House’ told by Usher J. B. West, as he worked alongside five First Ladies: Eleanor Roosevelt, Bess Truman, Mamie Eisenhower, Jackie Kennedy, and Pat Nixon. Filled with anecdotes and insights and told with self-effacing humor and great respect …
I enjoyed all the interesting tidbits about our First Ladies.
This book makes you realize how much the people that work in this old house love I.
The author is discrete and complementary in describing his interaction with first ladies.
This is just a wonderful book.
Interesting to find out little tidbits about our First Ladies
It’s always fascinating to read about reality historical people written by folks that lived and witnessed the times. I throughly enjoyed this account of our first ladies and their powerful husbands!
Loved it. It followed first ladies from Eleanor Roosevelt thru Pat Nixon.
It is a great look into the White House families, especially the wives of the presidents. It was a real fun read.
Really interesting to see how varied the first ladies were In their approach to the Whitehouse.
Respectful and interesting
A good read and a different view of history.
Wonderful telling of real characters and interesting antics of several “First Ladies”.
Rather fun to find out the real personalities of the former presidential wives.
Extreme Insider’s look into running the behind the scenes at the White House, both in the pubic & private quarters.
Informative regarding little known facts about the First Ladies and their lifestyle preferences.