Overview
The Rose Garden. The Blue Room. The State Dining Room. The China Room. These terms are as familiar to Americans as their own homes. In fact, the White House is America's own house, home to the mightiest leader on earth and his family. This grand symbol of the power and strength of an entire nation grew from the efforts of many colorful and fascinating personalities. Both Democrats and Republicans, first families and social guests, have graced the halls of the White House and made their respective marks on the unique and unusual history of the building. The history that lies beyond the doors has remained a secret until now. Tours gave some insights, but they are no longer available to the public. What has been missing is a comprehensive visual and historical tour, not only of the halls of the White House but also of the history of this magnificent building. The White House: An Illustrated Tour takes the reader on an exclusive tour of the halls of the White House and details the history of the architects, planners, and engineers responsible for it. State rooms like the Red Room, adorned with a portrait of Martin Van Buren's daughter; relics like the Gingerbread House, a replica of the White House as it looked when John Adams first moved in; and the Diplomatic Reception Room that is the site of the secret deals and pacts of political history. These are but a few of the physical sites the reader visits. Written by best-selling author Bill Harris, a leading expert on historical landmarks and architecture, The White House: An Illustrated Tour lets the reader see, feel, and taste political history in the making.