The President's Table offers a sweeping visual history of the American Presidency as seen through Presidential entertaining from George Washington to George W. Bush.
In this lavishly illustrated history of Presidential dining, historian Barry Landau brings the backstory of the American Presidency to life. Interweaving stories of dining and diplomacy, he creates a spellbinding narrative from the early days of provincial entertaining in the capital, through the golden era of sumptuous state banquets, to the modern White House dinners of today.
With more than 300 never before seen illustrations, The President's Table provides an insightful and entertaining look at our dining habits as the nation grew through social and economic change. The book reveals the parallel growth of the United States and its Chief Executives, and the diplomatic and political interests served along with Presidential meals. The President's Table will fascinate anyone with an interest in American history and Presidential politics.
What Others Say
Surprisingly wonderful information on presidential administrations
What a surprise to read such a well-written account of each presidential administration flowing into his successor's tenure. It was an unexpected joy to be drawn into the very well informed authors past research. The menu collection is outstanding and very much appreciated.
Fantastic
Barry Landau's book, "The President's Table" is presented in such a unique manner, it makes history come to life as we never before imagined it. My wife and I first saw Mr. Landau's interview on the Martha Stewart Show, which is why we initially purchased the book. When the book arrived, we placed it on our coffee table. Every time friends and family came to visit, we had to order additional copies because ours kept going home with our guests. The photographs on every page are magnificent; so lavishly and meticulously laid out, you feel like reaching in and picking up the objects. Mr. Landau is such a seductive story teller; you can't wait to turn the page and learn what happens next. All in all, the "The President's Table" by Barry Landau ... Read More
A fine collection of history, dinning that is!
Wonderful pictures showing all the dinning invitations to the White House categorized by presidencies. I am amazed at how much more beautiful previous era invitations were; printings on lace! The stories accompanying the pictures are so entertaining! Some pictures could be displayed bigger. The President's Table: Two Hundred Years of Dining and Diplomacy does not contain recipes as in the "White House Cookbook."
Surprisingly good
A history book both interesting and fun. If you are at all intrigued by American history, this is delicious, little sidelight, a small but richly entertaining detail of the American tapestry.White House entertaining, presidential menus and invitations from Washington to Bush from a man who has been to WhiteHouse dinners. And very nonpolitical: in this election season ,it offers a relief from difficult and confusing campaign rhetoric but still emerses one in the lighter side of world in Washington.I really enjoyed it.
first rate entertainment
I have always enjoyed American presidential history, and this wonderful book gives a rare view of White House events. It's easy to find information about the presidents in the context of politics and history, but "The President's Table" shows the presidents entertaining guests 'at home'; a more intimate aspect of their public lives. The presentation is beautiful. The invitations and menus are great fun to read, and of course, the guest list is mind-boggling. (Oh, to have been there!)
Mr. Landau has done a brilliant job of assembling his material. It is rare to find a 'coffee table' book and a readable book all in one. It also is a perfect gift.
