“White House Gossip: From Andrew Johnson to Calvin Coolidge” by Edna M. Colman offers a delightful romp through the corridors of the U.S. presidency, with a tone that is as playful as it is insightful. The book, spanning from the tumultuous Reconstruction era to the roaring twenties, provides an intimate glimpse into the personal lives, hidden quirks, and lesser-known anecdotes of the men who occupied the Oval Office during this transformative period.
As we start with Andrew Johnson, the book paints him not just as the stern figure from history textbooks but as a man who was unexpectedly thrust into the presidency. His informal approach to office, often seen as a lack of decorum, is portrayed through humorous incidents, such as his penchant for engaging directly with the public, sometimes leading to awkward exchanges.
Moving on to Ulysses S. Grant, Colman shifts the narrative to a man better known for his military prowess than his presidential finesse. The book delightfully explores Grant’s unexpected soft spots, including his love for horses and his naive trust in people, which often led to scandals. These stories provide a humanizing portrait of a man often only celebrated for his battlefield decisions.
Rutherford B. Hayes, known for the contentious election that led him to office, is shown in a different light. Colman explores his efforts to restore dignity to the presidency after the scandals of the Grant administration. His commitment to temperance is humorously contrasted with the secret enjoyment of beer in the White House, showcasing the often hypocritical nature of personal versus public life.
The narrative takes a poignant turn with James A. Garfield, whose brief presidency was cut short by assassination. Colman shares touching tales of Garfield’s intellectual prowess and his genuine interactions with his staff, presenting a picture of what might have been a promising presidency.
Chester A. Arthur, Garfield’s successor, often dismissed as an accidental president, is revitalized in these pages. His transformation from a lavish party-goer to a dignified leader is narrated with a blend of irony and admiration, highlighting his unexpected rise to the moral challenges of his presidency.
Grover Cleveland’s non-consecutive terms are depicted with an air of drama suited to a novel, focusing on his personal integrity and the public’s fluctuating perceptions. His marital life, particularly his wedding in the White House, provides fodder for both romance and scandal, illustrating the public’s obsession with his private life.
Benjamin Harrison’s tenure is humorously depicted as the interlude between the Cleveland episodes, focusing on his struggles to emerge from the shadows of his predecessors and his penchant for lengthy, often unnecessary speeches that bored even his most loyal supporters.
Finally, the book culminates with Calvin Coolidge, the man of few words whose stoic demeanor hid a sharp wit and a deep sense of duty. His dry humor is showcased through anecdotes about his terse responses to reporters and his practical jokes on his staff, offering a refreshing end to a century of often tumultuous presidencies.
Throughout the book, Colman’s ironic tone casts these historical figures in a light that is both enlightening and entertaining. Her approach not only demystifies the presidency but also makes it accessible and engaging, ensuring that readers will come away with a deeper appreciation for the complexities and humanity of these American leaders.
