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The Hidden History of the White House: Power Struggles, Scandals, and Defining Moments
Presented by the hit podcast American History Tellers, The Hidden History of the White House reveals the behind-the-scenes stories of some of the most dramatic events in American history—set right inside the house where it happened
For more than two centuries, the White House in Washington, DC, has been the stage for some of the most climactic moments in American history. Its walls and portraits have witnessed fierce power struggles, history-altering decisions, shocking scandals, and intimate moments among the First Family, their guests, and the staff.
In the signature style of the popular American History Tellers podcast, The Hidden History of the White House places readers in the shoes of historical figures—from power brokers to everyday Americans alike—who lived through pivotal events that shaped America.
As a fly on the wall of history, you’ll find yourself immersed in:
-Andrew Jackson’s disastrous 1829 inauguration, when a mob overran and trashed the White House.
-Woodrow Wilson’s stroke, which led to his wife Edith serving as shadow president during the final months of his administration.
-President-elect Abraham Lincoln’s clandestine journey to Washington to dodge an assassination plot on the eve of the Civil War.
-Winston Churchill’s wartime sojourn at the White House, during which he and FDR developed plans to defeat Germany.
-Barack Obama’s decision to green-light the Navy SEAL raid that killed Osama bin Laden.
Equal parts social, political, and cultural history—written and presented in the accessible and engaging style for which American History Tellers is famous—The Hidden History of the White House offers readers a rare opportunity to live within the halls of the Executive Mansion, and explore some of the extraordinary people and events that made America what it is today.
For more than two centuries, the White House in Washington, DC, has been the stage for some of the most climactic moments in American history. Its walls and portraits have witnessed fierce power struggles, history-altering decisions, shocking scandals, and intimate moments among the First Family, their guests, and the staff.
In the signature style of the popular American History Tellers podcast, The Hidden History of the White House places readers in the shoes of historical figures—from power brokers to everyday Americans alike—who lived through pivotal events that shaped America.
As a fly on the wall of history, you’ll find yourself immersed in:
-Andrew Jackson’s disastrous 1829 inauguration, when a mob overran and trashed the White House.
-Woodrow Wilson’s stroke, which led to his wife Edith serving as shadow president during the final months of his administration.
-President-elect Abraham Lincoln’s clandestine journey to Washington to dodge an assassination plot on the eve of the Civil War.
-Winston Churchill’s wartime sojourn at the White House, during which he and FDR developed plans to defeat Germany.
-Barack Obama’s decision to green-light the Navy SEAL raid that killed Osama bin Laden.
Equal parts social, political, and cultural history—written and presented in the accessible and engaging style for which American History Tellers is famous—The Hidden History of the White House offers readers a rare opportunity to live within the halls of the Executive Mansion, and explore some of the extraordinary people and events that made America what it is today.
304 pages, Hardcover
First published June 4, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
June 6, 2024
The sign of a good nonfiction book for me is when I get the urge to share all the facts I learned with my husband. Here are just a few of the interesting tidbits of info I discussed during our evening walks:
- The White House had poor living conditions for many years. Rats scurrying all over the place, and the fear a giant chandelier crashing down on guests. President Harry Truman moved out for awhile during the extensive renovations.
- An indoor pool was installed during FDR’s presidency as it gave him the opportunity to exercise. Pres. Lyndon Johnson liked to swim naked and insisted others do as well.
- The Situation Room came to be because of the Bay of Pigs and lack of good communication.
- A female private detective garnered intel that prevented an assassination attempt on Lincoln in the days before his inauguration.
A fascinating read that covers not just the historic building but the issues presidents faced during their terms.
Thank you William Morrow for sending me a free copy! All thoughts expressed are my honest opinion.
- The White House had poor living conditions for many years. Rats scurrying all over the place, and the fear a giant chandelier crashing down on guests. President Harry Truman moved out for awhile during the extensive renovations.
- An indoor pool was installed during FDR’s presidency as it gave him the opportunity to exercise. Pres. Lyndon Johnson liked to swim naked and insisted others do as well.
- The Situation Room came to be because of the Bay of Pigs and lack of good communication.
- A female private detective garnered intel that prevented an assassination attempt on Lincoln in the days before his inauguration.
A fascinating read that covers not just the historic building but the issues presidents faced during their terms.
Thank you William Morrow for sending me a free copy! All thoughts expressed are my honest opinion.
June 30, 2024
Thanks William Morrow Books for the gifted copy!
I haven’t listened to the American History Tellers podcast, so I wasn’t expecting the “invented or embellished details, such as dialogue” and it took me a bit to adjust to the style. It is noted in the introduction that they do it to bring the moments to life and I understand why they made that choice, but it had me questioning how much of the book was fabricated vs factual. That being said, it’s an easy to read format and I think this style will make it easier for people who don’t typically read nonfiction.
There’s some repetition of info within the chapters - you’d learn that Blair House is the White House’s official guest house and two pages later be told it again. There are also a lot of random and unnecessary descriptions (an architect who loved to dress in ratty clothes and ran around on his blind wife, neither of which has any impact on the story). I’m guessing this was also a style choice in trying to bring the story to life, but for me it felt odd.
In spite of the title, some of the stories are well known, but there were others that were new to me that could fit the ‘Hidden History’ aspect. It’s an entertaining easy read, and even though I prefer a less stylized nonfiction book, I enjoyed it and would recommend it!
I haven’t listened to the American History Tellers podcast, so I wasn’t expecting the “invented or embellished details, such as dialogue” and it took me a bit to adjust to the style. It is noted in the introduction that they do it to bring the moments to life and I understand why they made that choice, but it had me questioning how much of the book was fabricated vs factual. That being said, it’s an easy to read format and I think this style will make it easier for people who don’t typically read nonfiction.
There’s some repetition of info within the chapters - you’d learn that Blair House is the White House’s official guest house and two pages later be told it again. There are also a lot of random and unnecessary descriptions (an architect who loved to dress in ratty clothes and ran around on his blind wife, neither of which has any impact on the story). I’m guessing this was also a style choice in trying to bring the story to life, but for me it felt odd.
In spite of the title, some of the stories are well known, but there were others that were new to me that could fit the ‘Hidden History’ aspect. It’s an entertaining easy read, and even though I prefer a less stylized nonfiction book, I enjoyed it and would recommend it!
July 16, 2024
Interesting stories, but some were rather tedious
Stories were not in chronological order and seemed a bit disconnected.
Stories were not in chronological order and seemed a bit disconnected.
May 19, 2024
Thank you to William Morrow for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
This is a very interesting look at the history of the White House. Among the many interesting topics covered was the building of the White House, its burning in the War of 1812, renovations under President Truman and what was happening in the White House during the Bay of Pigs and the coverage of Lyndon Johnson and civil rights.
Among the top chapters in the book was a discussion of the plot to kill Abraham Lincoln. No, not the successful assassination by Booth or any of the other attempts after he was inaugurated. I mean the alleged plot to kill the President-elect while he was on his way into Washington. But, the book correctly points out that there is still historical debate on exactly how much danger Lincoln really was in.
There is plenty of good material in this book to please any fan of history and of the presidency. It was an extremely enjoyable read.
I give this book an A. Amazon, Goodreads and NetGalley require grades on a 1-5 star system. In my personal conversion system, an A equates to 5 stars. (A or A+: 5 stars, B+: 4 stars, B: 3 stars, C: 2 stars, D or F: 1 star).
April 26, 2024
Thank you, NetGalley and William Morrow for the advanced readers copy. This book was an interesting collection of stories. I was familiar with the story of Barack Obama finding Osama Bin Laden as that occurred during my lifetime and not really that long ago. But it was fascinating to read about some obscure things that occurred in the White House like construction issues and concerns over light fixtures falling on guests. Or reading about a first lady standing in for her husband while he was incapacitated during the final months of his presidency, which I would have thought unheard of. Very interesting read if you are into history or presidents.
April 9, 2024
My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher William Morrow for an advance copy of this history on the building, and some of the momentous events that have happened in this edifice that even with all the events of the last couple of years, still inspires and reminds people of all the possibilities that America is capable of achieving, if only we tried harder.
If walls could talk the White House would be a bard of stories. From its creation, to the short stay of Adams, to Joe Biden today, this building has seen a lot of history, and even more history has been created inside from the final blasts of a canal, to historic dinners, the planning of civil rights legislature, even the filling in of pools. The Hidden History of the White House: Power Struggles, Scandals, and Defining Moments, by Corey Mead takes a look at a place that seems to get overlooked in presidential histories, the building where the First Family resides, a place that has many names but only a select few have been able to call home.
The book was inspired by a podcast American History Tellers, and is broken into essays that range in time and even places, but under a particular theme. There are three sections, Laying the Foundation, which is about the building of the White House, the design and influence that First President George Washington had and the slaves that helped build the building. There is of course the buring and rebuilding following the War of 1812, and the re-re-building following years of neglect forcing Truman and his family to move else where, which lead to its own adventure. Plus a story about Ford and his pool. The People's House deals with events inside, the inauguration of Andrew Jackson and the controlled riot that was his party. The dinner between Booker T. Washington and Theodore Roosevelt, which sent southern papers into storm of condemnation about a black man eating with a white family. And Halls of Power discussing the Nixon tapes, the meeting of Churchill and Roosevelt during the Second World War.
This book was not at all what I expected and I loved almost every page. There is so much history in here, so many facts. Cory Mead is a very good writer not only able to talk about the history, but he brings the characters so much to life. The presidents of course Lincoln and Johnson really come across well here, but the other characters. Kate Warne who was the first Pinkerton detective, who rose to supervisor of female detectives. Ely S. Parker a great friend to Ulysses Grant, who was a Seneca native, and tried his best to become a part of the American dream, only to be told as he was a Native American, he was not American. Mead has a real way of mixing in stories and reminding us that yes these people might have helped change history, but they were just people. The human factor is ignored quite a bit in history. Mead also goes into the building of the White House by slaves, explaining it clearly and succinctly that yes this did happen.
There is a sense of what America has lost in this book. The same racism, the same stupid arguments, the same hate and ignorance keeps appearing and reappearing. To go from Lincoln, Roosevelt, either one, Johnson for civil rights, not Vietnam, to what we have had is just remarkably sad. However there is always hope. This is a great book to inspire people to live up to some of these ideals.
If walls could talk the White House would be a bard of stories. From its creation, to the short stay of Adams, to Joe Biden today, this building has seen a lot of history, and even more history has been created inside from the final blasts of a canal, to historic dinners, the planning of civil rights legislature, even the filling in of pools. The Hidden History of the White House: Power Struggles, Scandals, and Defining Moments, by Corey Mead takes a look at a place that seems to get overlooked in presidential histories, the building where the First Family resides, a place that has many names but only a select few have been able to call home.
The book was inspired by a podcast American History Tellers, and is broken into essays that range in time and even places, but under a particular theme. There are three sections, Laying the Foundation, which is about the building of the White House, the design and influence that First President George Washington had and the slaves that helped build the building. There is of course the buring and rebuilding following the War of 1812, and the re-re-building following years of neglect forcing Truman and his family to move else where, which lead to its own adventure. Plus a story about Ford and his pool. The People's House deals with events inside, the inauguration of Andrew Jackson and the controlled riot that was his party. The dinner between Booker T. Washington and Theodore Roosevelt, which sent southern papers into storm of condemnation about a black man eating with a white family. And Halls of Power discussing the Nixon tapes, the meeting of Churchill and Roosevelt during the Second World War.
This book was not at all what I expected and I loved almost every page. There is so much history in here, so many facts. Cory Mead is a very good writer not only able to talk about the history, but he brings the characters so much to life. The presidents of course Lincoln and Johnson really come across well here, but the other characters. Kate Warne who was the first Pinkerton detective, who rose to supervisor of female detectives. Ely S. Parker a great friend to Ulysses Grant, who was a Seneca native, and tried his best to become a part of the American dream, only to be told as he was a Native American, he was not American. Mead has a real way of mixing in stories and reminding us that yes these people might have helped change history, but they were just people. The human factor is ignored quite a bit in history. Mead also goes into the building of the White House by slaves, explaining it clearly and succinctly that yes this did happen.
There is a sense of what America has lost in this book. The same racism, the same stupid arguments, the same hate and ignorance keeps appearing and reappearing. To go from Lincoln, Roosevelt, either one, Johnson for civil rights, not Vietnam, to what we have had is just remarkably sad. However there is always hope. This is a great book to inspire people to live up to some of these ideals.
June 5, 2024
The Hidden History Of The White House, power struggles, scandals an unforgettable moments in American history by Cory Mead this nonfiction book about the White House and the history comes at you for many different directions theres a chapter on Dolly Johnson one of the first black and the most popular cooks of her day, Booker T. Washington‘s dinner with a young Roosevelt and his family Rose Garfield her service and her life long love and so, so much more from Winston Churchill‘s visit to the White House the day of Pearl Harbor the killing of Osama bin Laden there’s just so many different subjects in this book and I think Cory Mead did a great job not only telling tidbits but expounding on that to tell a full story in each chapter. I really enjoyed this book so much it is definitely a five star read by an experienced author in a great storyteller. Throughout the chapters he even discusses the dilapidation of the White House those who try to make it more homely and attractive and just a lot lot more. I could go on and on until I tell you about the whole book but I will not this is a great read and one I definitely recommend to fans of American history, in most cases useless information. But information that is so interesting. I want to thank William Morrow and HarperCollins for my free arc copy via NetGalley. Please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.
August 30, 2024
Fabulously full of fascinating information regarding not just the building but the history of some of the people who occupied it. I did not know that there had been an earlier attempt on Lincoln's life; that Teddy Roosevelt was the first sitting president to set foot on foreign soil; that "despite the Navy’s lead role, the mission [to kill bin Laden] was officially a CIA covert operation." I was aware that the British had burned the White House during the War of 1812 which led to the entire interior being rebuilt, but I was not aware that, during the Truman era, it was once again gutted due to rotting floors and a rat infestation. I knew there had been a bowling alley somewhere in there, but not that there was a swimming pool and that Nixon, not a swimmer, had it covered over to become the current Press Room. The smell of chlorine can still be detected. Ford had another pool build outside the White House. There are a few "Spotlights" that focus on people or other aspects pertinent to the White House. Rose Cleveland, for example, was Cleveland's sister and his First Lady until he married later in his presidency. It was not made public, but she was lesbian. The White House did not become the House of the People, until Andrew Jackson's administration. I recommend this for anyone interested in "perhaps the world’s most famous building, a living museum of American history."
February 19, 2024
The Hidden History of the White House: Power Struggles, Scandals, and Defining Moments by Corey Mead is a great red that I truly enjoyed.
This is quite the collection of stories telling some of the many fascinating people, events, and scenes that took place in and surrounding our nation’s most famous residence. I loved how each narrative placed the reader right into the mix so one could really feel as if they were there and part of the action.
There are three sections of the book where the stories are grouped into common themes:
Part 1: Laying the Foundation
Part 2: The People’s House
Part 3: Halls of Power
I won’t spoil anything for the readers, as they should be able to truly enjoy the book as I did. If you love American history, then this is for you.
4.5/5 stars
Thank you EW and William Morrow for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 6/4/24.
This is quite the collection of stories telling some of the many fascinating people, events, and scenes that took place in and surrounding our nation’s most famous residence. I loved how each narrative placed the reader right into the mix so one could really feel as if they were there and part of the action.
There are three sections of the book where the stories are grouped into common themes:
Part 1: Laying the Foundation
Part 2: The People’s House
Part 3: Halls of Power
I won’t spoil anything for the readers, as they should be able to truly enjoy the book as I did. If you love American history, then this is for you.
4.5/5 stars
Thank you EW and William Morrow for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 6/4/24.
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August 1, 2024Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of
The History of the White House.
You know the saying...'if these walls could talk...'
If any building has juicy stories to tell, it'd be the White House, the grand symbol and epitome of American democracy.
I'm a fan of American history so I was excited my request was approved.
The book is divided into three sections and reveals behind-the-scene stories of some of the most dramatic events in American history like the Bay of Pigs, the building of the Panama Canal, Teddy Roosevelt's dinner with Booker T. Washington, and the decline of President Woodrow Wilson's health. That was a very sad story.
The writing flows and its obvious the author did his research.
I wonder what stories the author had to leave out because he ran out of room!
I appreciate the photos because visuals add to a story; it never hurts to put a face to the name.
This was a fascinating, intriguing read fans of American history and/or politics would enjoy.
You know the saying...'if these walls could talk...'
If any building has juicy stories to tell, it'd be the White House, the grand symbol and epitome of American democracy.
I'm a fan of American history so I was excited my request was approved.
The book is divided into three sections and reveals behind-the-scene stories of some of the most dramatic events in American history like the Bay of Pigs, the building of the Panama Canal, Teddy Roosevelt's dinner with Booker T. Washington, and the decline of President Woodrow Wilson's health. That was a very sad story.
The writing flows and its obvious the author did his research.
I wonder what stories the author had to leave out because he ran out of room!
I appreciate the photos because visuals add to a story; it never hurts to put a face to the name.
This was a fascinating, intriguing read fans of American history and/or politics would enjoy.
August 19, 2024
This is an entertaining meander through presidential history, but to call it the history of the White House is really a stretch.
There have been several books written that focus specifically on the White House itself, and this one falls well short because the stories chosen here are only tangentially connected to the White House.
It’s also not really accurate to call this a “hidden” history in any capacity. Almost everything in here is common knowledge aside from a handful of factoids. It also wastes a lot of pages in semi-detailed summary major events relating to presidents which most Americans already know. I doubt anyone who picks up this book needs Watergate or the Bay of Pigs invasion explained to them.
The writing and pacing are fine and if you just want a primer on presidential history or are looking to pick up a few fun facts relating to the subject, then this is fine. But a “hidden history of the White House” this is most definitely not.
*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
There have been several books written that focus specifically on the White House itself, and this one falls well short because the stories chosen here are only tangentially connected to the White House.
It’s also not really accurate to call this a “hidden” history in any capacity. Almost everything in here is common knowledge aside from a handful of factoids. It also wastes a lot of pages in semi-detailed summary major events relating to presidents which most Americans already know. I doubt anyone who picks up this book needs Watergate or the Bay of Pigs invasion explained to them.
The writing and pacing are fine and if you just want a primer on presidential history or are looking to pick up a few fun facts relating to the subject, then this is fine. But a “hidden history of the White House” this is most definitely not.
*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
May 13, 2024
Many thanks to Netgalley and William Morrow for an advanced reader's copy of The Hidden History of the White House by Corey Mead. This book is inspired by a podcast, American History Tellers, which I am now interested in listening to. The Hidden Histroy of the White House is a collection of essays separated into three parts. While, most of the stories focused on a single event in history, some stories were quieter and focused more on a president. There were some interesting little known stories shared. I read this book as a slow and steady read, reading only one chapter a day. I thought the author began and finished the book with essays perfectly suited for the beginning and end of this particular book. This is the first book I have read by Corey Mead, and I am ready to get another in my hands. I think this book will make a good book to gift to others as well.
June 27, 2024
If you like the American History Tellers podcast, you’d like this book. It’s written in the same format. Idk how “hidden” these stories are though. Anyone who loves American history and all the books and podcasts that come from it, you’ve probably heard at least 80% (if not all) of the stories in this books. Regardless, it was still a fun read and there’s only a finite number of stories to tell when talking American history. I also like the addition of photos throughout the book. As someone who is constantly googling images while learning history, the photos helped.
TLDR; if you are a history buff who wants new stories, this ain’t it. If you just appreciate history and love re-hearing it or just starting out on a history journey, it’s perfect.
TLDR; if you are a history buff who wants new stories, this ain’t it. If you just appreciate history and love re-hearing it or just starting out on a history journey, it’s perfect.
July 10, 2024
What a fabulous read! Mead has a marvelous story telling voice and the way he describes the events in the book -- even though they happened 250 years ago give or take -- you feel like you are in the room with the various people. I was struck by some of the post-civil war events....pre-1900 ones -- how we haven't come all that far. I have to admit the chapter that was a white knuckle page turner for me, even though I clearly remember that day, was when Obama oversaw bringing bin Laden to justice. I was also drawn to the stories of the first ladies who did more, so much more, than general history has told us. We have some amazing women in our history.
June 1, 2024
Inside the iconic White House, history unfolds and legends are born. Well-researched and easy-to-read, this enjoyable book takes the reader on an immersive journey through the halls of power, revealing the pivotal moments, scandalous secrets, and intimate stories that have shaped America.
Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.
Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.
June 9, 2024
I loved this book! It's a collection of well-written and engaging stories, offering us an insider's view of some of the most significant events in White House and American presidential history, many of which will be new to most readers. The twist—and author Corey Mead's special skill—is to bring readers inside the events via his detailed and vivid storytelling.
July 1, 2024
(Audiobook) A compilation of podcasts associated with the history of the White House and its occupants. However, the compilation was not placed in any logical order (chronological or thematic). Thus, it felt like listening to an extended podcast best of hits. Maybe read in small chunks, like a podcast, is the best for this work. All at once, it doesn’t work as well for the material.
July 12, 2024
I loved this book! It was an easy historical read that didn’t get too bogged down in the minutiae. A lot of interesting stories about many presidents and famous events linked to their time in office. Also facts about the White House itself, from the beginning, to being burnt down by the British to almost collapsing during the Truman administration. Different additions, changes etc.
August 12, 2024
This book has many secrets and goes into the struggles and scandals that other books I have read don't cover. For instance the 1812 when the British came to the White House and the things they did. There are many stories about the history of the White House and the people who were in it. i found some of the stories hard to believe.
July 4, 2024
Lots of good insight into the history of the White House. I particularly enjoyed the knowledge of how the house was built and rebuilt. There were quite a few stories that I had not heard before, which was very interesting.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 10, 2024
Good overview of White House
As a historian, I’m always looking to expand my knowledge of the Presidency and the White House. Mead has done an excellent job with providing some fascinating details. One section I’m uncertain as to why it was included was the Panama Canal chapter.
As a historian, I’m always looking to expand my knowledge of the Presidency and the White House. Mead has done an excellent job with providing some fascinating details. One section I’m uncertain as to why it was included was the Panama Canal chapter.
August 24, 2024
A quick read on the history of the White House. Snippets of several presidents and their time in the Executive Mansion are detailed. I did not find any new revelations in this book, but for the casual reader, I think this would be viewed as a better book than I thought.
June 9, 2024
Who doesn’t love a back room look at other people’s lives? Lots of fun and many surprises. Love it!
July 2, 2024
I learned some things, but was left hoping for more intrigue!
July 8, 2024
Entertaining relellings of oft told tales
July 10, 2024
Interesting asides to some of the more impactful moments in our country’s history.
July 11, 2024
An engaging account of key moments in White House history.
July 28, 2024
As a longtime fan of the American History Tellers podcast, I enjoyed this book. I would have, however, preferred it to be in chronological order.
August 1, 2024
Found it very interesting and loved learning about the history of the different rooms
August 10, 2024
This was a decent wave-top series of anecdotes among several presidencies. It did contain a few hidden gems on various presidents that I hadn’t picked up from their individual biographies, which have this book a unique feel. When it comes to modern presidencies it was weighted a bit heavily toward highlighting accomplishments of the Democrat presidencies while overlooking those of the Republicans.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews