Although first ladies -- the president's wives and other women who served as White House hostesses for bachelor and widowed presidents -- have been political fixtures since the beginning of the presidency, their role and contributions have only recently begun to be appreciated and understood. Rating the First Ladies explores America's growing fascination with the power behind the power -- the women who influenced the presidents. 

From Martha Washington to Jacqueline Kennedy to Hillary Clinton, journalist and political expert John Roberts ranks these 43 women who have served their country in an unpaid but critical role. [Publisher]