Ladies of Liberty: The Women Who Shaped Our Nation » (Bargain)

Cokie Roberts is a political commentator for ABC News and a senior news analyst for National Public Radio. Along with her husband, Steven V. Roberts, she writes a weekly column syndicated in newspapers across the country by United Media. She is the author of We Are Our Mothers' Daughters, Founding Mothers, and, with her husband, From This Day Forward. She lives in Bethesda, Maryland.

In this eye-opening companion volume to her acclaimed history Founding Mothers, number-one New York Times bestselling author and renowned political commentator Cokie Roberts brings to life the extraordinary accomplishments of women who laid the groundwork for a better society. Recounted with insight and humor, and drawing on personal correspondence, private journals, and other primary sources, many of them previously unpublished, here are the fascinating and inspiring true stories of first ladies and freethinkers, educators and explorers. Featuring an exceptional group of women—including Abigail Adams, Dolley Madison, Rebecca Gratz, Louise Livingston, Sacagawea, and others—Ladies of Liberty sheds new light on the generation of heroines, reformers, and visionaries who helped shape our nation, finally giving these extraordinary ladies the recognition they so greatly deserve.

The Washington Post - Charlotte Hays

Roberts, a veteran Washington journalist and the daughter of former representative Lindy Boggs and the late Hale Boggs, the powerful congressman from Louisiana, is perfectly placed to observe the ins and outs of Washington women. But a note of caution: If you expect a feminist "herstory" with an ideological bent, you'll be disappointed. However, if you love gossipy history, with lively quotes from primary sources (these ladies were fabulous correspondents!), then you'll enjoy this book.

Acknowledgments and Author's Note     xi
Introduction     xv
1797-1801: The Presidency of John and Abigail Adams     1
1801-1805: The First Term of Thomas Jefferson and the Ladies of the Place     64
1805-1809: The Second Term of Thomas Jefferson and Women Talking Politics     121
1809-1813: The First Term of James Madison and the Presidentess     183
1813-1817: The Second Term of James Madison and "The Bravest American Soldier"     247
1817-1825: The Presidency of James Monroe and Some Characters to Contemplate     323
Recipes     395
Cast of Characters     399
Notes     403
Photograph Credits     469
Index     471