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.