Finally, a Biography of the Most Popular First Lady Ever

    /24-7PressRelease.com/ - Washington, DC, May 1, 2005 - It took over 100 years after her death, but the first extensive biography of the most admired woman in America and the first to be called "First Lady" has been released. Harriet Lane, America's First Lady 2005 is the second in a series by famed presidential biographer Milton Stern. Following on the heels of the highly successful America's Bachelor President and the First Lady 2004, Harriet Lane, America's First Lady tells the story of the niece of President James Buchanan, whose youth, beauty, charm and grace earned her the title "Democratic Queen," and whose advocacy work earned her the title "Great Mother of the Indians."

Only released a few days ago, and the reviews are in:

"We look forward to including Harriet Lane, America's First Lady in our library collection. It is a unique addition to the reference material available to employees and scholars. Our staff is always interested in learning about Mount Vernon Ladies' Association and its Regents and Vice-Regents. Lily Macalester's friendship with Harriet Lane will certainly be of interest to them, as will Harriet Lane's consideration of the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association in her will. ... Congratulations on concluding this most noteworthy project! ... We wish you much success with your future endeavors." - The George Washington's Mount Vernon Estate and Gardens Library Staff

"This is a well-written, well-researched book that reads like a novel. This book, by Milton Stern, outlines the life and times of Harriet Lane. You will get to know her intimately, and you will be amazed at her tenacity and big heart. Mr. Stern has created a wonderful written portrait of Harriet Lane that we can all learn and benefit from." - BookReviews.com, Atlanta, Georgia

"This is a great read and an important book. Through detailed research, Mr. Stern has brought Ms. Lane back to life, and in so doing, he has preserved the memory of an important figure in our nation's history." - Andrew Marcus, Washington, D.C.

"From tomboy to hostess of fabulous White House parties, Stern relates the real story of Harriet Lane — A delightful read. A scholarly work that reads like a novel and has plenty of footnotes for the more advanced study of American presidential history. A long overdue account of the life and times of Harriet Lane, the niece of America's only Bachelor President, James Buchanan. Stern also brings to light the very likely fact that Buchanan had a decades long homosexual relationship with Senator William Rufus Devane King. The Jackie Kennedy of antebellum America, Harriet Lane's role as lady of the house, hostess, and escort of James Buchanan enabled him to entertain as Senator, Ambassador, and President of the United States. A sexy, athletic and cultured woman, adored by high society, and an outspoken supporter of the poor, sick, and enslaved, Harriet Lane was a real doer in philanthropy. Harriet Lane, America's First Lady is a must read for anyone interested in American women's history." - Beverly Nissenbaum, Washington, D.C.

"Stern's "Harriet Lane, America's First Lady" is as entertaining as it is informative - a fun, pithy read." - Gilbert Swift, New York City

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From her debut in London society to her scandalous inaugural gown to her days as the grand dame of Washington society, Harriet Lane earned the admiration of women all over the world. In addition, her legacy thrives to this day through the Harriet Lane Outpatient Clinics, The Pediatric and Teaching Hospital at Johns Hopkins University, St. Albans School for Boys in Washington, DC, the Smithsonian American Art Museum and countless other beneficiaries of her great generosity.

Asked why he wrote her story, Stern replied, "I have total respect for Harriet Lane, who in a time when women did not have political clout, used her intelligence and charm to push legislation through Congress that aided prison and hospital reform and stopped the illegal liquor trade on Indian reservations." He continued, "And she entertained in a style that would not be witnessed again until Jackie Kennedy became First Lady 100 years after Lane left the White House."

Harriet Lane, America's First Lady is now available, go to http://www.harrietlane.net for more information.

Milton Stern will be giving a lecture at James Buchanan's Wheatland on November 15, 2005, entitled, "Harriet Lane's continuing influence on the cities of Baltimore and Washington." Go to http://www.wheatland.org for more information.

Milton Stern is available for lectures, readings and interviews:
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 202-247-1149


FROM THE BOOK JACKET

HARRIET LANE, AMERICA'S FIRST LADY
2005 Milton Stern, ISBN 1-4116-2608-7

She was the niece of America's Bachelor President and his official hostess in Lancaster, London and Washington. Anyone who met her was instantly enamored. Queen Victoria bestowed upon her the title "Honorary Ambassadress." The Washington press corps proclaimed her "Our Democratic Queen." The Chippewa named her "the Great Mother of the Indians." And she was the first White House Hostess to be called "First Lady." Ships were named for her. Songs were written about her. And women dressed like her. She was the most admired woman in the country and established a style of entertaining never before seen in the White House. She was the first of her kind to be an advocate for social causes: hospital and prison reform and the plight of the American Indians. And only she could get away with beating the Prince of Wales at bowling!

Her world was guided by tragedy, yet she lived every day to the fullest. She conducted herself with grace and dignity and dedicated her life to the perpetuation of the memories of those dearest to her heart. Although no monument has been dedicated in her memory, her legacy lives on in Baltimore and Washington through a pediatric hospital, a school for boys, a museum of art, and a monument to her beloved uncle.

No Washington guest list was complete without her, as a society columnist once wrote, "There is no more elegant figure in the official and social gatherings during the season than the niece of President James Buchanan." More than twenty years after her death, she was named one of the most memorable women in American History.

With her beauty, charm, and generosity of spirit, America's First Lady will always be Harriet Lane.

It took over 100 years after her death, but the first extensive biography of the most admired woman in America and the first to be called "First Lady" has been released. Harriet Lane, America's First Lady 2005 is the second in a series by famed presidential biographer Milton Stern. Following on the heels of the highly successful America's Bachelor President and the First Lady 2004, Harriet Lane, America's First Lady tells the story of the niece of President James Buchanan, whose youth, beauty, charm and grace earned her the title "Democratic Queen," and whose advocacy work earned her the title "Great Mother of the Indians."

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