Inventing a Voice: The Rhetoric of American First Ladies of the Twentieth Century [Hardcover]

Inventing a Voiceis a comprehensive work on the lives and communication of twentieth-century first ladies. Using a rhetorical framework, the contributors look at the speaking, writing, media coverage and interaction, and visual rhetoric of American first ladies from Ida Saxton McKinley to Laura Bush. The women's rhetorical devices varied-some practiced a rhetoric without words, while others issued press releases, gave speeches, and met with various constituencies. All used interpersonal or social rhetoric to support their husbands' relationships with world leaders, party officials, boosters, and the public. Featuring an extensive introduction and chapter on the First Lady as a Site of 'American Womanhood,' Wertheimer has gathered a collection that includes the post-White House musings of many first ladies, capturing their reflections on public expectations and perceived restrictions on their communication.Molly Meijer Wertheimeris professor of speech communications and affiliate associate professor of women's studies at Pennsylvania State University, Hazelton.

Molly Meijer Wertheimer'sInventing A Voiceis an excellent addition to the first lady research shelf. Addressing an area not usually examined by first lady historians, this ambitious book examines the rhetorical discourse of first ladies from Ida McKinley to Laura Bush. The essays are interesting and well-researched and provide perspective on the most difficult unpaid job in America. Myra G. Gutin, Rider University

This collection offers new insights into the private and personal lives of America's First Ladies through an examination of their rhetorical discourse and image. Essential. Choice Reviews

By utilizing both traditional and alternative approaches to the study of mass communcation, the authors reveal the complexities of political outreach and exchange as conducted by the presidents' wives. First ladies, these authors maintain, have invented their voicl³Ò