THE WHITE HOUSE

by Leonard Everett Fisher ‧ RELEASE DATE: Oct. 15, 1989

The architectural history of this historic building from Washington's earliest plans through the Reagan years, including changes in both form and function. An abundance of clear, well-chosen b&w photos documents inhabitants, furnishings, and historical events. Readers will enjoy such glimpses of times past as President Harrison's grandchildren with the family goat in 1890, the Wright brothers' ""flying machine"" dipping over the South Lawn in 1911, and smoke spewing from the Executive Office Building fire of 1929. One photo even shows bulldozers inside the White House, which was totally gutted in 1948. On the other hand, more space might have been given to parts of the house that are not on public view, and to the sorts of statistical questions that delight children: How many bathrooms? How many people can eat in the public dining room, or sleep in the building? Is there an elevator? And why can't ""The Blue Room,"" etc., be shown in color? Still, an appealing, informative exploration. Chronology of Presidents; index.

Pub Date: Oct. 15, 1989

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: 96

Publisher: Holiday House

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 15, 1989

Categories: CHILDREN'S