Behind Every Succ Presidnt

Of contrasting character and styles, presidents' wives from Lou Hoover in 1928 to Barbara Bush today have affected national politics more than the public realizes, according to the pseudonymous authors, history professors at Indiana University. Eleven skillfully crafted, mostly empathetic and entertaining biographies reveal the extent to which recent first ladies wielded power, ranging from the official hands-off attitude of the Truman and Eisenhower women to those of protective, aggressive Nancy Reagan, ``second vicepresidential'' partner Rosalyn Carter and roving reporter/ambassador Eleanor Roosevelt. Many wives used their positions to further special causes, e.g., Barbara Bush campaigning against illiteracy; Jacqueline Kennedy sponsoring the arts; Lady Bird Johnson promoting national beautification. The most interesting marriage presented here is that of shy, gently reared Lady Bird Johnson and her bear-like, volatile husband. Illustrations not seen by PW. $40,000 ad / promo. (Feb.)