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Upstairs at the White House: My Life with the First Ladies Kindle Edition

4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 19,788 ratings

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In this New York Times bestseller, the White House chief usher for nearly three decades offers a behind-the-scenes look at America’s first families.
 J. B. West, chief usher of the White House, directed the operations and maintenance of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue—and coordinated its daily life—at the request of the president and his family. He directed state functions; planned parties, weddings and funerals, gardens and playgrounds, and extensive renovations; and, with a large staff, supervised every activity in the presidential home. For twenty-eight years, first as assistant to the chief usher, then as chief usher, he witnessed national crises and triumphs, and interacted daily with six consecutive presidents and first ladies, as well as their parents, children and grandchildren, and houseguests—including friends, relatives, and heads of state.
 
J. B. West, whom Jackie Kennedy called “one of the most extraordinary men I have ever met,” provides an absorbing, one-of-a-kind history of life among the first ladies. Alive with anecdotes ranging from Eleanor Roosevelt’s fascinating political strategies to Jackie Kennedy’s tragic loss and the personal struggles of Pat Nixon,
Upstairs at the White House is a rich account of a slice of American history that usually remains behind closed doors.
 
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Editorial Reviews

Review

“I think he is one of the most extraordinary men I have ever met.” —Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis
“If he were at court he would be called Head Chamberlain. . . . He finds solutions to so many problems with quiet efficiency.” —Lady Bird Johnson in
A White House Diary\

“This memoir by the former Chief Usher (i.e. majordomo) of the White House is several Truman-balconies above all those others.” —
Kirkus Reviews
 

About the Author

J. B. West (1912–1983), chief usher of the White House—or executive director of the executive mansion and grounds—was once called “the most powerful man in Washington next to the president.” Discreet and witty, he supervised the large permanent staff that provided for every personal want and need for six presidents and first ladies, including at state dinners, weddings, and funerals, redecorating the facilities for each family and tending to every special request. He served first as assistant to the chief usher and then as chief usher after retiring as a high-level civilian officer of the US Navy. A native Iowan, his White House tenure (1941–1969) followed a career in the Veterans Administration. Upstairs at the White House was published in 1973 and remained on the New York Times bestseller list for months, with more than five hundred extraordinarily positive reviews, editions in seven languages, and more than two million copies sold in the US across hardcover and paperback formats.

Mary Lynn Kotz, the author of four books, is a freelance magazine journalist based in Washington, DC. A contributing editor of
ARTnews, she has written many cover stories, including “A Day with Georgia O’Keeffe.” Her book Rauschenberg: Art and Life is the biography of the late American artist Robert Rauschenberg (1925–2008), about whom she has given illustrated lectures at more than seventy museums and festivals, including at the 2009 Venice Biennale.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B00F3QYL06
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Open Road Media; Reprint edition (October 1, 2013)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ October 1, 2013
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 24483 KB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 398 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 19,788 ratings

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J. B. West
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J. B. West (1912–1983), chief usher of the White House—or executive director of the executive mansion and grounds—was once called “the most powerful man in Washington next to the president.” Discreet and witty, he supervised the large permanent staff that provided for every personal want and need for six presidents and first ladies, including at state dinners, weddings, and funerals, redecorating the facilities for each family and tending to every special request. He served first as assistant to the chief usher and then as chief usher after retiring as a high-level civilian officer of the US Navy. A native Iowan, his White House tenure (1941–1969) followed a career in the Veterans Administration.

Upstairs at the White House was published in 1973 and remained on the New York Times bestseller list for months, with more than five hundred extraordinarily positive reviews, editions in seven languages, and more than two million copies sold in the US across hardcover and paperback formats.

Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
19,788 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book interesting and entertaining. It provides a personal glimpse into the lives of the first families with insightful stories and insights. The book refreshes their memories of American history, providing an in-depth look at the changes in style from one family to the next. Readers appreciate the well-written and edited content, as well as the unique perspective provided by the author.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

2,167 customers mention "Readability"2,167 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book. They find the story interesting and entertaining. The subject material is enlightening for history enthusiasts and fascinating for women who have had to balance many responsibilities.

"...Very much enjoyed the First Ladies stories and of course the Presidents. Now I want to read more on the Whitehouse." Read more

"...And the most equal.” The Truman's were perhaps the most grounded of first couples and “they asked for very little...When a butler or doorman or..." Read more

"I thoroughly enjoyed this book and was very sad to come to the end. I wish West could have served under more presidents...." Read more

"This book completely met my expectations and hopes. It was a very interesting accounting of life behind the scenes at the White House...." Read more

970 customers mention "Insight"937 positive33 negative

Customers find the book insightful and personal, providing a glimpse into the lives of the first families. They appreciate the author's compassion and the interesting insights into the various presidents he served. The book is described as a personal treasure that explores the inner workings of the White House.

"...The job of the Chief Usher is a very important one, and the White House serves as a museum, as a home, as an office, and as a command center...." Read more

"...This book was such an interesting read about the various presidents he served, particularly their wives and all their eccentricities...." Read more

"...J.B. West is an insightful and charming observer of the history of the presidential mansion." Read more

"...is a book rich with detail on times in American history when real people met challenges, from actual human beings, married couples at that, lived..." Read more

765 customers mention "History"751 positive14 negative

Customers enjoy the book's history. They find it an interesting account of life inside the White House through decades. The book refreshes their memories of American history, providing tidbits about former presidents, first ladies, and their children. Readers appreciate the long view of history with presidential families, starting with FDR. They also mention that the book contains tons of White House information that only a long-time insider could write.

"Well written, loved the stories of the Whitehouse and how it changed through out the years...." Read more

"...I enjoyed his writing and all the history he incorporated into this delightful read" Read more

"...This book is very anecdotal...." Read more

"...He provides amusing anecdotes about Winston Churchill, who must have been quite a character, and Queen Elizabeth, who sounds more down to earth in..." Read more

394 customers mention "Look"390 positive4 negative

Customers appreciate the book's detailed look into the lives of these women. They find the photos at the end well-described and interesting to see the changes in style from one family to the next. The women are described as charming, intelligent, and innovative. The book provides a clear and formal yet warm and ingratiating prose.

"...House: My Life with the First Ladies with Mary Lynn Kotz is a fascinating look at the inner workings of the White House...." Read more

"...arrangements of Presidents Roosevelt through Nixon, this is also a good depiction of how any federal agency functions...." Read more

"...But in this book there is more about the upkeep of the structure of the mansion, which was gutted and completely rebuilt on the inside during Truman..." Read more

"This book was an interesting look at a behind the scenes life of the presidential families in a factual manner that wasn't gossipy...." Read more

388 customers mention "Writing quality"357 positive31 negative

Customers find the book well-written and edited with few errors. They appreciate the author's insider perspective and honest portrayal of the women as strong and resilient. The book provides a humorous look into the life of an usher working in the White House.

"Well written, loved the stories of the Whitehouse and how it changed through out the years...." Read more

"...I wish West could have served under more presidents. I enjoyed his writing and all the history he incorporated into this delightful read" Read more

"...I was startled by how well written it was, how very few typos there were, and how many things I had to look up more about--like how do you stick..." Read more

"...The details of daily life in the White House are presented in a realistic, even mundane manner at times...." Read more

214 customers mention "Perspective"214 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the unique perspective of the book. They find it interesting to get an insight into the White House and its inner circle. The book offers an eye-opening view of the personnel needed to maintain the remarkable building and its inhabitants. Readers also enjoy seeing how rooms change and how they are used.

"...The job of the Chief Usher is a very important one, and the White House serves as a museum, as a home, as an office, and as a command center...." Read more

"...There is also an eye opening view of what personnel it takes to keep the wheels turning efficiently from the kitchen to the Secret Service...." Read more

"...This is without a doubt a good read. It offers an insight into a house that is guarded passionately from the public eye. Enjoy!" Read more

"...reading about all the decorating of the rooms and the seasonal decorations in the White House...." Read more

133 customers mention "Personality insight"133 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's portrayal of the personalities of the occupants of the White House. They find it insightful and well-written, focusing on what people were like. The book depicts each person as a human being with strengths and weaknesses, making them human in a grand setting. Readers appreciate the gentle portrayal of a truly genteel man who served some of America's most important leaders.

"...He takes an objective view of the personalities of the Presidents and First Ladies, describing them with respect even when he struggled to meet..." Read more

"...with the Roosevelts and ends with the Nixons, and shows the personalities and human qualities of people Americans knew in those years only from..." Read more

"...There are no mean character assassinations, and there is no gossip...." Read more

"...her spearheading of personally chosen social programs, he carefully reveals the character, personae (public and private) and style of each..." Read more

91 customers mention "Humor"91 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the humor in the book. They find the writing witty and entertaining, with humorous personalities of each pair depicted. The humor is not snarky or double-entendres, and readers appreciate the balanced tone and wit.

"...Through each administration, the reader discovers the humor, kindness and quirks of each first family...." Read more

"A breezy and humorous look into the life of an usher working in the White House...." Read more

"...of flesh and blood with their personal quirks told with a great sense of humor. You even get to know were every one slept - when and why...." Read more

"...His memories are warm, humorous, gentle and loving...." Read more

I like to be informed about what really went on....
4 out of 5 stars
I like to be informed about what really went on....
The book told some interesting facts about all the first ladies the author worked with...
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on January 3, 2025
    Well written, loved the stories of the Whitehouse and how it changed through out the years. Very much enjoyed the First Ladies stories and of course the Presidents.
    Now I want to read more on the Whitehouse.
  • Reviewed in the United States on October 20, 2016
    J.B. West made a career of working in the White House, and Upstairs at the White House: My Life with the First Ladies with Mary Lynn Kotz is a fascinating look at the inner workings of the White House. West began in 1941, working under Franklin Delano Roosevelt and ended in 1969 as Chief Usher, retiring soon after Richard Nixon began his first term. Kotz wrote this book based on interviews with West.

    The job of the Chief Usher is a very important one, and the White House serves as a museum, as a home, as an office, and as a command center. The job brings him mainly into contact with the first ladies, and West met with them almost every morning. During West's tenure, he served under Eleanor Roosevelt, Bess Truman, Mamie Eisenhower, Jackie Kennedy, Lady Bird Johnson and Pat Nixon. West doesn't really dish the dirt on any presidency, and many of the stories that he tells are already known. Also, current employees are now forbidden from writing such books. But what I found fascinating about the first ladies is how they reacted and related to their husbands. The sections on Jackie Kennedy were especially interesting in that she not only did so much for the White House, but she was such a private person throughout her life. During West's 28 years, he helped plan several weddings, the funerals of two sitting presidents, state banquets, private dinners, inaugurations, the gutting and restoration of the White House, and a major redecoration project.

    I also enjoyed reading about West's impressions of the first couples. Eleanor and Franklin “had the most separate relationship I have ever seen between man and wife. And the most equal.” The Truman's were perhaps the most grounded of first couples and “they asked for very little...When a butler or doorman or usher would enter the room, the Trumans would introduce him to whoever happened to be sitting in the room, even if it were a King or a Prime Minister.” Mamie Eisenhower was high-drama and high-maintenance and ran the White House with military precision. Yet her staff loved her because she took such an interest in their personal lives. Jackie Kennedy tried to keep her family life entirely separate from the political White House. And although Lyndon and Lady Bird came into the White House with great expectations, they left greatly dispirited as a result of Vietnam. Whether these women wanted to be first lady or not, all of them grew into the job. It was also fun to read about the various children and grandchildren in each family.

    Upstairs at the White House also has lots of tidbits and trivia, much of which I did not know. For instance, “Liquor was quite an expense during the Kennedy years—primarily because we had to stop serving bootleg whiskey. During the Eisenhowers, the White House very discreetly accepted bottles of confiscated distilled spirits from the General Services Administration at no cost.” This book also contains dozens of pictures of the White House from the West years. Unfortunately, the map of the upstairs rooms were missing the room numbers in the Kindle edition.
    38 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on November 14, 2024
    I thoroughly enjoyed this book and was very sad to come to the end. I wish West could have served under more presidents. I enjoyed his writing and all the history he incorporated into this delightful read
  • Reviewed in the United States on May 8, 2024
    This book completely met my expectations and hopes. It was a very interesting accounting of life behind the scenes at the White House. I grew up a rather odd fellow in that, unlike the average boy who wanted to grow up to be a fireman or a race car driver or in professional sports, I always wanted to be a butler. I know, I know...weird. Anyway, needless to say this book was right up my alley as far as things that interest me. How I would've loved to have the career this author did! This book was such an interesting read about the various presidents he served, particularly their wives and all their eccentricities. Some First Ladies sounded like total sweethearts while others were hideous! I recommend this book highly.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on March 2, 2018
    An extremely entertaining book on the comings and goings at the White House. To be honest, this book, though it focuses exclusively on the domestic arrangements of Presidents Roosevelt through Nixon, this is also a good depiction of how any federal agency functions. There are people who cultivate loyalty with their staff (the Trumans and Kennedys), who tend to leave all too soon. There are the somewhat crazy eccentrics (Mamie Eisenhower, who once mistook a bottle of ink for Vick’s vapor rub) who require looking after, a lot of looking after. The difficult prima donas (LBJ and his quest for a shower that resembled in effects a car wash). The over taxed and under focused (the Roosevelts). The various interpersonal relationships by the staff are also very familiar. Like all government agencies there is never enough money, pointless rules to follow (all White House china damaged must be smashed and tossed off Hayne’s Point), and daily the staff must perform miracles in as inefficient manner as possible. Pay is never consistent with private industry.

    J.B. West presided over the circus that was the White House for 28 years and with the pre-Reagan civil service pension was able to retire after only 30 years of government service. This book is very anecdotal. It is clear his favorite occupant was Jacqueline Kennedy whose restoration of the White House occupied Mr. West for several years and is very much always on West’s mind whether I’m the White House or not.

    West was only on hand for two months of the Nixon White House, but for those of us who know how that story ends, there are a number of ironic passages. Involving electronic devices and Nixon’s determination to do without those of his predecessors. The Nixons also revealed their mean spiritedness by trying to eradicate evidence of their Kennedy predecessors. Yes, all of this would catch up when these particular chickens came home to roost five years later. One wonders what he and any of the other members of staff depicted in the book would have made of Donald Trump.

    This book was published in the early 70s and there are a number of mores that probably will be incomprehensible to anyone born after 1980 (does anyone understand the difference between black and white tie anymore?). The intricacies of rail travel are another. These are some of the more charming aspects of the book. J.B. West is an insightful and charming observer of the history of the presidential mansion.
    68 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Mrs Julia McIntyre
    5.0 out of 5 stars Very well written
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 31, 2021
    This - thankfully - was well written and very well recorded, what a supersonic memory Mr West had! A pleasure to read and very interesting.
  • Anuradha
    5.0 out of 5 stars Lovely!
    Reviewed in India on March 28, 2020
    Enjoyed reading this extremely well written book that gives a glimpse into the difficult lives of the women who are the First Ladies of America.
  • Kindle Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Charming insight into a unique world.
    Reviewed in Australia on November 3, 2021
    This recollection of life in the White House during a series of presidential wives and of their different personal influences upon the political and social life of modern America written from the intimate perspective of the White House's Chief Usher is both a glimpse behind the curtain of historical change and a warm personal memoir of the individual women. The author keeps a tight focus on the First Ladies and their work and lives and thus humanises them and their family relationships. Neither succumbing to saccharine hagiography nor moralising judgements the author offers us an evenhanded portrait of the personalities of each of the women. They are not compared to each other according to any personal preferential basis. They are also each presented within the relevant social contexts of their eras and backgrounds. This is therefore a warm, well-rounded description of the First Ladies from a diplomatic, intelligent, devoted public servant which reminds us that history is also written by ordinary citizens who do their jobs exceptionally well under exceptional pressures.
  • Lyndin
    5.0 out of 5 stars Fabulous read
    Reviewed in Canada on September 14, 2016
    This was an excellent read. Well-written and very interesting to learn about the history of the house and the First Ladies that occupied it during Mr. West's years of service.
  • Susan
    4.0 out of 5 stars Good book
    Reviewed in Australia on May 3, 2017
    I would be hard not to enjoy this book. Although carefully written to leave out the more provocative parts of the personal lives of the presidents it was hard to put down.

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