Synopses & Reviews
Born a sprightly Quaker farm girl in the North Car-olina wilderness, Dolley became a wife, a mother, and soon a griev-ing young widow as yellow fever decimated her family in 1793. Then fate -- through Aaron Burr -- led her to marry James Madison, Father of the Constitution, and a future president. Our hearts understand each other, Dolley wrote. The personal heroism she displayed when she saved the portrait of George Washington at the White House while under attack by the British in 1814 made her a national heroine. Her beauty, stunning dresses, and turbans turned heads. Her tact, charm, and personal warmth were legendary. Her hospitality and diplomatic tact set the high-water mark for every First Lady who followed her, and her courage and integrity made her a role model for all time. Based on more than 2,000 of her letters, this intimate portrait explores the mind, heart, and brave journey of a vivacious, dedicated woman who triumphed over adversity, poverty, and tragedy to help build the new American Republic and define the role of First Lady of the land.