The White House Its Historic Furnishings and First Families

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The White House: Its Historic Furnishings and First Families by Betty C. Monkman. Abbeville Press: (November 1, 2000). First Edition. … Read more The White House: Its Historic Furnishings and First Families by Betty C. Monkman. Abbeville Press: (November 1, 2000). First Edition. Hardcover: 320 pages. The first detailed history of the White House decorative arts collection, The White House: Its Historic Furnishings and First Families by Betty C. Monkman with photography by Bruce White, has enjoyed singular success amongst decorative arts lovers, history enthusiasts, scholars and casual readers alike.

For two hundred years the White House has served as the residence of our nation's president and his family. John and Abigail Adams were the first residents, and each family ever since has been able to make the White House a comfortable home and to acquire the necessities for handsomely carrying out its additional functions as nexus for state ceremony and entertaining. In captivating detail, this volume--produced in association with the White House Historical Association--reveals how the decoration of the White House has reflected the personal style of our first families and their countless forays into redecorating. Illustrated largely with photographs especially commissioned for this book, as well as historic pictures, The White House focuses on some of our nation's most important heirlooms, including furniture, silver, glass, porcelain, and textiles. Enlivened with stories about the first families and how their furnishings often clashed with the politics of the time, this book is an ideal gift for those interested in the decorative arts, biography, and history. See less