Synopses & Reviews
First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton has worked to make the White House a distinctly American showcase -- from historically accurate renovations and acquisitions of important American art, to celebrations of jazz and gospel music and an expanded emphasis on American cuisine. The first family's home has also been distinguished by the diversity of Americans honored and welcomed there. In this lavishly illustrated book, the First Lady invites you into the best-known house in the country and celebrates the very best of American history, arts, and culture.
An Invitation to the White House shows how the White House figures prominently in the cultural and political life of the country, as well as in the life of the first family. You'll have a front-row seat at the full range of White House occasions, from an elegant and historic State Dinner for the Emperor and Empress of Japan to the annual Easter Egg Roll, from a performance by Lou Reed to a private recital for President Clinton by a saxophone quartet. You'll follow a State Visit -- from the planning of the seating arrangements to the arrival ceremonies to the dancing after dinner -- and meet the dedicated staff who work behind the scenes to make it all possible. This is a White House you won't see on any public tour: As historian Carl Anthony writes in his introduction, "This book makes the rooms come alive -- one can almost taste the food and hear the music."
With more than 350 color and black-and-white photographs, menus and invitations from State Dinners and other events, and more than fifty recipes used in the White House kitchens, here is a glimpse of the day-to-day life behind the historic events that take place in the people's house.
About the Author
Hillary Rodham Clinton is America's First Lady. She lives in the White House with the President, their daughter, Chelsea, their cat, Socks, and their dog, Buddy. She is the author of the bestselling book It Takes a Village and Dear Socks, Dear Buddy: Kids' Letters to the First Pets.
Table of Contents
Contents Foreword by J. Carter Brown
Introduction by Carl Sferrazza Anthony
Preserving the House for History
Making This House a Home
Behind the Scenes
"The President and Mrs. Clinton Request the Pleasure of the Company of..."
Welcoming the World Celebrating American Arts and Culture
Honoring Americans
History in the Making
The People's House
Christmas at the White House: An American Tradition
Celebrating the Millennium
Recipes from the White House Kitchens
Credits
Acknowledgments
Indexes