The Hidden History of the White House

Power Struggles, Scandals, and Defining Moments

By: Corey Mead

Narrated by: Lindsay Graham, Jeremy Arthur

Presented by the hit podcast American History Tellers, The Hidden History of the White House reveals the behind-the-scenes stories of some of the most dramatic events in American history—set right inside the house where it happened

For more than two centuries, the White House in Washington, DC, has been the stage for some of the most climactic moments in American history. Its walls and portraits have witnessed fierce power struggles, history-altering decisions, shocking scandals, and intimate moments among the First Family, their guests, and the staff.

In the signature style of the popular American History Tellers podcast, The Hidden History of the White House places listeners in the shoes of historical figures—from power brokers to everyday Americans alike—who lived through pivotal events that shaped America.

As a fly on the wall of history, you’ll find yourself immersed in:

• Andrew Jackson’s disastrous 1829 inauguration, when a mob overran and trashed the White House.
• Woodrow Wilson’s stroke, which led to his wife Edith serving as shadow president during the final months of his administration.
• President-elect Abraham Lincoln’s clandestine journey to Washington to dodge an assassination plot on the eve of the Civil War.
• Winston Churchill’s wartime sojourn at the White House, during which he and FDR developed plans to defeat Germany.
• Barack Obama’s decision to green-light the Navy SEAL raid that killed Osama bin Laden.

Equal parts social, political, and cultural history—written and presented in the accessible and engaging style for which American History Tellers is famous—The Hidden History of the White House offers listeners a rare opportunity to live within the halls of the Executive Mansion, and explore some of the extraordinary people and events that made America what it is today.

Supplemental enhancement PDF accompanies the audiobook.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2024 Corey Mead (P)2024 HarperCollins Publishers

Full of Surprises!

I’ve been to the White House both as a visitor and a member of the press. And I've read countless books about American politics. Yet in this volume I repeatedly found fascinating anecdotes that I'd never before heard. On the light side, there was when Truman’s bathtub almost collapsed through a rotted floor and the president narrowly avoided greeting the Daughters of the Revolution in his birthday suit. More ominously, I was struck by an echo of history when the author shared how CIA Director Richard Bissell peddled a false story to U.N. Ambassador Adlai Stevenson after the botched Bay of Pigs operation, which reminded me all too much of Secretary of State Colin Powell's 2003 presentation at the U.N. And then this book’s insider account of how Nixon conspired to install an always-on taping system is also thorough and riveting—and so too is the behind-the-scenes tale of how this crucial piece of Watergate evidence finally was revealed to a flabbergasted public. But perhaps the most unexpected turn of all was that the book's writer, Corey Mead, was able to tell the story of the Bin Laden raid – which I have read elsewhere dozens of times – and make it feel completely fresh and absolutely exhilarating. I recommend!

So many interesting stories!

I really enjoyed listening to all of the interesting events through history! The author and the reader both provided an engaging experience! I highly recommend this book!

Excellent book

I've always loved American Historytellers so this book was right up my alley. I really enjoyed the view of history from the perspective of presidents and their staff, particularly about the mission from Seal Team Six, and during the war or 1812. This book is really not from the perspective of the White House Staff that run the mansion, more so it's from the most important people at that point in history and who helped them. But it's fascinating all the same!! Highly recommend this book!!

Interesting and easy to listen

Loved each and every story, kept my interest. Liked that it was not in date order.

I think what stood out to me was the upgrades.

I wish that there was pictures. That would great to see the different time periods.

Love History

I enjoyed learning about things I did not know, very interesting. I would definitely recommend

Very interesting book about the whitehouse

Good mix of stories about the Whitehouse and the people who lived and worked thier

Excellent storytelling and narration. Not surprising, considering it was done in conjunction with American History Tellers.

I loved this book! The stories are both informative and easily rememberable. Every chapter was enjoyable. I listen to many audiobooks, and this is one of my new favorites. Excellent!!

They pieced a bunch of Wondery episodes together and it’s awful

I have a Wondery+ membership, and if you do as well, you’ll notice they pieced together a bunch of their episodes and called it a book. There is no order; the book consistently jumps timelines. I’m beyond disappointed. I was hoping to hear about the details of the White House (grounds, gardens, security improvements, visitors, ect) but they didn’t want to put in the work to tell that story. Anyone who’s a history buff has already read or heard all the details of this “book”. Save your money, I wish I had.

Average

An interesting look at the history of the White House as a building, including its designers, builders, staff and occupants. Points off, however, for a really odd side trip to Cuba for a very detailed recounting of the Bay Of Pigs invasion, with little tie-in with the White House other than it happened during the Kennedy administration. I found that section of the book grossly out of place with the rest. This is an interesting book but not a standout.