Father/daughter author team John and Claire Whitcomb have previously collaborated on Oh Say Can You See: UnexpectedAnecdotes about American History (1987) and GreatAmerican Anecdotes (1994). John Whitcomb has taught American history for 32 years. Claire Whitcomb has written extensively about houses and history while on the staffs of magazines such as House & Garden, HouseBeautiful and Victoria.
"Fascinating.It's a rich source of information about 40 of our
presidents with dozens of photographs that give new meaning to
in-house." -- Tampa Tribune
"A genuine page-turner.Both wise and witty, Real Life at the White
House is perhaps the most delightful 'house' tour you'll ever
take." -- Victoria Magazine
"Anecdotes are very much the point of Real Life at the White House,
which relates each successive family's experience there." -- New
York Daily News
"...a lively account of private lives being lived in a public
place.The Whitcombs have brought history and architecture together
in a very human story of an enduring monument to American
democracy." -- CNN.com
".. .a lively history of the families who made their homes here and
the ways in which each put a personal stamp - for good or for bad -
on the building." -- San AntonioExpress News
"Real Life at the White House is more than just a probe of
presidential families; it provides in-depth White House history and
examines the role of the First Lady as it changed over the decades.
An intriguing presentation." -- The Bookwatch
"Well-written ... should be read not only to discern the personal
impact of each administration on a famous residence but also to
observe the evolving nature of the presidency itself and its
relation to the citizenry. Recommended for public and academic
libraries." -- Library Journal
"Real Life at the White House is a wonderful history of both the
personal and official sides of America's presidential families.
Claire Whitcomb and John Whitcomb provide an updated, 'user
friendly' introduction to the occupants of 1600 Pennsylvania
Avenue--their highs as well as their lows. This is a fascinating,
concise history of the day-to-day living within America's premier
residence." -- James A. Abbott, Curator of Decorative Arts, The
Baltimore Museum of Art
"A wall-to-wall chronicle of the First House for the bicentennial
of the First Occupant." -- William Seale, author, The President's
House: A History
"A completely new and fascinating White House history filled with
personalized stories of the lives of presidential families. I've
read most White House histories but this one, in my opinion, is the
best. I couldn't put it down." -- Clement E. Conger, White House
Curator, 1970-1986
"Dense with facts, the work, however, is anecdotal and
entertaining...the public, those interested in the structural and
interior evolution of a famous residence, and anyone wishing to
expand their presidential trivia will enjoy Real Life at the White
House: Two HundredYears of Daily Life at Americas Most Famous
Residence." -- H-DC, H-Net Reviews
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