New NG Book- Inside The White House: Stories from the World’s Most Famous Residence

WASHINGTON — National Geographic, in collaboration with the White House Historical Association, offers a new book this fall that welcomes readers on a private historical tour of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. INSIDE THE WHITE HOUSE: Stories from the World’s Most Famous Residence (National Geographic Books; Nov. 5, 2013; ISBN: 978-1-4262-1177-5; hardcover; $40), with a foreword by former first lady Laura Bush and an introduction by historian and author William Seale, offers a vivid account of the people who have lived and worked in this symbolic building and highlights many of the fascinating events that have taken place there.

The book, by Noel Grove with William B. Bushong and Joel D. Treese, opens the doors to America’s most famous home through images, anecdotes and records — some rarely seen — that describe life within its walls. Readers will get to know the presidents and their families and delve into some high moments and low moments in their lives; they will walk the halls and gardens roamed by the first families; they will appreciate the hard work and responsibilities of the house staff; and will marvel at the remarkable architecture of the building. The book also introduces Rebecca the raccoon, Rex the King Charles spaniel and other cherished pets that have lived on the property.

The world of the White House is presented by theme, including the building and its architecture; its 18 acres of gardens and grounds; the West Wing; first ladies; entertaining, celebrating and the holidays; the working White House; at home in the White House; diplomacy and ceremony; and innovations and technology. The stories and insights allow readers to share the excitement and stresses that come with the job of being president or his support staff.

INSIDE THE WHITE HOUSE provides answers to such questions as:

Why is the White House white and the Oval Office oval?
What does it take to stage events such a state dinner or the annual Easter Egg Roll?
Which former employee’s memoir caused the then first lady to require employees to promise they would not publish memoirs after leaving service?

This in-depth account of the White House ends with a splendid portrait gallery of all the U.S. presidents and first ladies.

In her foreword, Laura Bush reminisces about the days when the White House was her home. “Each room and each piece of furniture tells a story,” she writes, and “the bonds of family and friendship forged in the White House truly last a lifetime.”

Through tragedies and joys, the White House has stood as an icon of the American dream and the strength of the United States. After reading this book, readers will never view 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue quite the same way again.

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National Geographic Books & Home Entertainment creates and distributes books, videos and other print and digital media that inform, engage and entertain diverse audiences about our world. Annually, the group publishes more than 125 new books for adults, families and kids and releases 250+ new DVDs and digital downloads of the Society’s films and TV shows, and these National Geographic titles are available in more than 35 local-language editions. While special photographic and film collections, travel books, nature shows, birding guides and atlases are a core focus of the Society’s products, books and videos on subjects as diverse as animals, the human mind, history, world cultures and the cosmos are also produced. For more information, visit facebook.com/NatGeoBooks and nationalgeographic.com/books.