J. B. West
Published: 2013-10-01
Total Pages: 536
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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 Americaâs first families. J. B. West, chief usher of the White House, directed the operations and maintenance of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenueâand coordinated its daily lifeâat 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 houseguestsâincluding friends, relatives, and heads of state. J. B. West, whom Jackie Kennedy called âone of the most extraordinary men I have ever met,â provides an absorbing, one-of-a-kind history of life among the first ladies. Alive with anecdotes ranging from Eleanor Rooseveltâs fascinating political strategies to Jackie Kennedyâs 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.