Poems by First Ladies: The First-Ever Anthology

This first-ever anthology of poetry by First Ladies features captivating poems by fifteen of these remarkable women. Among the highlights are Louisa Adams’s verse about the passing of John Adams and Thomas Jefferson on the same day, Mary Todd Lincoln’s satire that nearly led to her husband’s death in a duel, sonnets by Dolley Madison, valentines by Eleanor Roosevelt and Michelle Obama, and Lou Hoover compares “Presidents’ Wives” to “twins.”

The collection showcases the accomplishments of First Ladies and their impact on the nation. This anthology reflects evolving gender norms, and the selections document what life—with all of its peaks and valleys—was like for women throughout American history. The sequel to Poems by Presidents: The First-Ever Anthology, Poems by First Ladies provides a deeper understanding of the wives of America’s commanders in chief, offering unique insights into their humanity, values, and politics.

“In this insightful anthology of poetry by 15 First Ladies, Michael Croland shines a light on the intimate thoughts and feelings of these remarkable and influential women. Well-written, well-researched, and chock-full of engaging personal background, Poems by First Ladies gives voice to what is in the hearts of these iconic women through their verse. A must read for history buffs and fans of First Ladies.”
—Ronni Diamondstein, author of Jackie and the Books She Loved
 
“Poems by First Ladies is based on rigorous primary source research and reads as compelling, revealing storytelling. This definitive new record contributes to presidential and American history while providing insight into the hearts and minds of these women we think we know. Every chapter brings a revealing perspective that defies their historical persona.”
—Carl Sferrazza Anthony, First Ladies historian and author of Camera Girl: The Coming of Age of Jackie Bouvier Kennedy
 
“What a literary cabinet of curiosities this book is! Poetry, history, literary criticism, even a musical score—editor Michael Croland has compiled a collection that is entertaining and inspiring, and often quite surprising. . . . First Ladies too often get overlooked and underestimated; this book lets their unique voices be heard.”
—Jason Emerson, editor of Lincoln’s Lover: Mary Lincoln in Poetry
 
“Poems by First Ladies is a delight from first to last—and full of surprises. Meticulously researched and compiled by editor Croland.”
—Feather Schwartz Foster, author of The Colonial First Ladies
 
“Whether it’s Louisa Adams, writing about her family, or Lucretia Garfield, capturing her White House view, the poems in this anthology reveal the personal side of America’s political life. When Grace Coolidge wrote about her deceased son, she said he made her feel ‘the gentle touch.’ This book will do the same for history buffs and poetry lovers alike.”
—Craig Fehrman, author of Author in Chief
 
“This much-welcomed anthology gives a unique insight into the women, both well-known and underappreciated, who too served our country.”
—Marilyn Singer, author of Have You Heard About Lady Bird? Poems About Our First Ladies
 
“With these poems, each First Lady is revealed as the private woman she was walking the halls of the White House of her time. In this book, we can almost hear them whispering deliciously to each other, sharing their most personal thoughts about the world and their lives and husbands.”
—Greg Lawrence, author of Jackie as Editor

“For Louisa Catherine Adams, writing poetry was more than a means to while away the time. It gave her a space and form to explore the uneasy terrain a First Lady naturally found herself in. So it was with many others, who found humor and frustration and beauty in their unique situations. Through their poetry, this book offers an unusual and compelling reflection of American history.”
—Louisa Thomas, author of Louisa Women's American history; remarkable influential iconic women; America 250 Merchandise; US; Jackie Kennedy; Michelle Obama; Wife; Poetry; John Adams; Thomas Jefferson; valentine; Eleanor Roosevelt; impact; nation; evolution; family; country; First Lady; White House; life; husband; beauty; voice; hearts; history; Hillary Bill Clinton; Jimmy Carter; President; Joe Biden; writing; politics; Background; storytelling; Woodrow Wilson; entertaining; Collection; historical; private; surprise; history buff; Commander in chief; anthology; humor; cabinet of curiosities; personal; intimate; feelings; sonnets; verse; literary criticism