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The White House: An Illustrated Tour by Bill Harris
Book Summary InformationAuthor: Bill Harris Edition: Hardcover Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published) Published: 2002-03-01 ISBN: 0762414111 Number of pages: 96 Publisher: Courage Books
Book Reviews of The White House: An Illustrated TourBook Review: Tour-age and the White House Summary: 5 Stars
Like Alice walking into Wonderland, many residents visit the public areas of the White House through its many tours. A few documentaries have been made over the years, but few which track the "life" of the White House itself. Since it plays its own panoramic role in the life of every President who lives there, it deserves its own category in American History as more than simply the home of Presidents. More within the realm of "if these walls could talk" scenes, there is the architectural significance of the changes made there, but there is also the social history of the "home" that becomes a part of each Presidential term. Every President should be publishing his own "view" of the White House, his impressions, his concerns, the significance of living there, changes that might be made, etc., all in an effort to identify the "true" nature of the White House because they are in the best position to evalutate its strengths, weaknesses, and significance, which likely changes relative to the personality of each President who inhabits it, or tries to accommodate his family there. This is something that should be separate from any autobiography he or a First Lady might write because it is its own unique topic, and deserves the attention that any ultra-historical building might require as a result of its potential influence upon those persons. Each President who lives and works there is likely to enter, some with anticipation, but most without a sense of the spectacular wonderland atmosphere that accompanies that journey through time, identified by their own performance, and is possible to be viewed best, from their personal experience of living there. From such personal perspective of America's house, it is possible for ordinary Americans to appreciate what that might be like, what value the home is to the nation, and possibly, how its support (and condition) is essential to American history. It also makes great flavor-fare in respect of historical preservation, while giving a running history of the place from such unique perspectives. It is the most common denominator of each President and from these views, a pattern over time may develop to identify unique perspectives of historical significance, and perhaps something about the Presidential experience as well as the personal attributes and contemplative possibilities of each President. There have been observations previously by several Presidents about the White House, and accumulated and taken together, they offer great insight into the unique experience of being a President, always a valuable exercise from the perspective of the public who must choose one each four years to live there. Because the experience of a President is as much about each person as it is about what each President does during his term, this is a very family-friendly method of reaching those interesting perspectives through which America may relate to its Presidents and their families, and the experience they go through in being President. It is Presidential family entertainment at its best and helps to give character and dimension to each President and the terms in which they serve, and perhaps something of their disappointments, and dreams from such an awe-inspiring place. It's also a wonderful way for Presidents to share their experience with the public, apart from the complications of the nature of the office that are the focus of most historical documentaries.
Summary of The White House: An Illustrated TourThe Rose Garden. The Blue Room. The State Dining Room. The China Room. These terms are as familiar to Americans as their own homes. In fact, the White House is America's own house, home to the mightiest leader on earth and his family. This grand symbol of the power and strength of an entire nation grew from the efforts of many colorful and fascinating personalities. Both Democrats and Republicans, first families and social guests, have graced the halls of the White House and made their respective marks on the unique and unusual history of the building. The history that lies beyond the doors has remained a secret until now. Tours gave some insights, but they are no longer available to the public. What has been missing is a comprehensive visual and historical tour, not only of the halls of the White House but also of the history of this magnificent building. The White House: An Illustrated Tour takes the reader on an exclusive tour of the halls of the White House and details the history of the architects, planners, and engineers responsible for it. State rooms like the Red Room, adorned with a portrait of Martin Van Buren's daughter; relics like the Gingerbread House, a replica of the White House as it looked when John Adams first moved in; and the Diplomatic Reception Room that is the site of the secret deals and pacts of political history. These are but a few of the physical sites the reader visits. Written by best-selling author Bill Harris, a leading expert on historical landmarks and architecture, The White House: An Illustrated Tour lets the reader see, feel, and taste political history in the making.
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