Finally, a Biography of the Most Admired Woman in America

It took over 100 years after her death, but the first extensive biography of the most admired woman in America and the first to be called First Lady has been released. Harriet Lane, Americas First Lady © 2005 is the second in a series by famed presidential biographer Milton Stern. Following on the heels of the highly successful Americas Bachelor President and the First Lady © 2004, Harriet Lane, Americas First Lady tells the story of the niece of President James Buchanan, whose youth, beauty, charm and grace earned her the title Democratic Queen," and whose advocacy work earned her the title Great Mother of the Indians."

(PRWEB) April 10, 2005 -- It took over 100 years after her death, but the first extensive biography of the most admired woman in America and the first to be called First Lady has been released. Harriet Lane, Americas First Lady © 2005 is the second in a series by famed presidential biographer Milton Stern. Following on the heels of the highly successful Americas Bachelor President and the First Lady © 2004, Harriet Lane, Americas First Lady tells the story of the niece of President James Buchanan, whose youth, beauty, charm and grace earned her the title Democratic Queen," and whose advocacy work earned her the title Great Mother of the Indians."

From her debut in London society to her scandalous inaugural gown to her days as the grand dame of Washington society, Harriet Lane earned the admiration of women all over the world. In addition, her legacy thrives to this day through the Harriet Lane Outpatient Clinics, The Pediatric and Teaching Hospital at Johns Hopkins University, St. Albans School for Boys in Washington, DC, the Smithsonian American Art Museum and countless other beneficiaries of her great generosity.

Asked why he wrote her story, Stern replied, I have total respect for Harriet Lane, who in a time when women did not have political clout, used her intelligence and charm to push legislation through Congress that aided prison and hospital reform and stopped the illegal liquor trade on Indian reservations." He continued, And she entertained in a style that would not be witnessed again until Jackie Kennedy became First Lady 100 years after she left the White House."

Harriet Lane, Americas First Lady is now available, go to www.harrietlane.net for more information.

Milton Stern will be giving a lecture at James Buchanans Wheatland on November 15, 2005, entitled, Harriet Lanes continuing influence on the cities of Baltimore and Washington." Go to www.wheatland.org for more information.

Milton Stern is available for lectures, readings and interviews:
Email: miltonstern@harrietlane.net
Phone: 202-247-1149

From the Book Jacket

Harriet Lane, America's First Lady
© 2005 Milton Stern, ISBN 1-4116-2608-7

She was the niece of Americas Bachelor President and his official hostess in Lancaster, London and Washington. Anyone who met her was instantly enamored. Queen Victoria bestowed upon her the title "Honorary Ambassadress." The Washington press corps proclaimed her "Our Democratic Queen." The Chippewa named her "the Great Mother of the Indians." And she was the first White House Hostess to be called "First Lady." Ships were named for her. Songs were written about her. And women dressed like her. She was the most admired woman in the country and established a style of entertaining never before seen in the White House. She was the first of her kind to be an advocate for social causes: hospital and prison reform and the plight of the American Indians. And only she could get away with beating the Prince of Wales at bowling!

Her world was guided by tragedy, yet she lived every day to the fullest. She conducted herself with grace and dignity and dedicated her life to the perpetuation of the memories of those dearest to her heart. Although no monument has been dedicated in her memory, her legacy lives on in Baltimore and Washington through a pediatric hospital, a school for boys, a museum of art, and a monument to her beloved uncle.

No Washington guest list was complete without her, as a society columnist once wrote, "There is no more elegant figure in the official and social gatherings during the season than the niece of President James Buchanan." More than twenty years after her death, she was named one of the most memorable women in American History.

With her beauty, charm, and generosity of spirit, America's First Lady will always be Harriet Lane.

Contact: Milton Stern
Email: miltonstern@harrietlane.net
Phone: 202-247-1149

For contact information, go to: www.harrietlane.net

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