Jacqueline Kennedy: First Lady of the New Frontier

Jacqueline Kennedy First Lady of the New Frontier In a mere one thousand days Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy created an entrancing public persona that has remained intact for than a half century Even now long after her death in she remains a figu

In a mere one thousand days, Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy created an entrancing public persona that has remained intact for than a half century Even now, long after her death in 1994, she remains a figure of enduring and endearing interest Yet, while innumerable books have focused on the legends and gossip surrounding this charismatic figure, Barbara Perry s is theIn a mere one thousand days, Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy created an entrancing public persona that has remained intact for than a half century Even now, long after her death in 1994, she remains a figure of enduring and endearing interest Yet, while innumerable books have focused on the legends and gossip surrounding this charismatic figure, Barbara Perry s is the first to focus largely on Kennedys White House years, portraying a First Lady far complex and enigmatic than previously perceived.Noting how Jackie s celebrity and devotion to privacy have for years precluded a serious treatment, Perry s engaging and well crafted story illuminates Kennedy s immeasurable impact on the institution of the First Lady Perry vividly illustrates the complexities of Jacqueline Bouvier s marriage to John F Kennedy, and shows how she transformed herself from a reluctant political wife to an effective, confident presidential partner Perry is especially illuminating in tracing the First Lady s mastery of political symbolism and imagery, along with her use of television and state entertainment to disseminate her work to a global audience.By offering the White House as a stage for the arts, Jackie also bolstered the president s Cold War efforts to portray the United States as the epitome of a free society From redecorating the White House, to championing Lafayette Square s preservation, to lending her name to fund raising for the Nat