A history of the presidential mansion, from its appearance, outside and in, to the men and women who lived in it. Vicissitudes of the house itself; the varying types of hospitality offered there; highlights on the changing national problems; the popularity and personality of successive presidents, their wives or hostesses. Not exhaustive, but a rapid spotting of 140 years. Would appeal to those who like to look behind the scenes, though it is not a gossipy book.