Best Selling Books by Mary Lynn Kotz

In this New York Times bestseller, the White House chief usher for nearly three decades offers a behind-the-scenes look at America’s first families. J. B. West, chief usher of the White House, directed the operations and maintenance of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue—and coordinated its daily life—at the request of the president and his family. He directed state functions; planned parties, weddings and funerals, gardens and playgrounds, and extensive renovations; and, with a large staff, supervised every activity in the presidential home. For twenty-eight years, first as assistant to the chief usher, then as chief usher, he witnessed national crises and triumphs, and interacted daily with six consecutive presidents and first ladies, as well as their parents, children and grandchildren, and houseguests—including friends, relatives, and heads of state. J. B. West, whom Jackie Kennedy called “one of the most extraordinary men I have ever met,” provides an absorbing, one-of-a-kind history of life among the first ladies. Alive with anecdotes ranging from Eleanor Roosevelt’s fascinating political strategies to Jackie Kennedy’s tragic loss and the personal struggles of Pat Nixon, Upstairs at the White House is a rich account of a slice of American history that usually remains behind closed doors.

"In preparing this highly readable book, Mary Lynn Kotz interviewed nearly everybody who had been important to Rauschenberg over the course of his life. Fresh anecdotes complement those already familiar to Rauschenberg followers, and contributions from the artist further personalize this biography. In this third edition, Kotz provides a look at the ongoing work by the Robert Rauschenberg Foundation and today''s artists to preserve Raushenberg''s legacy. With more than 200 illustrations, Rauschenberg/Art and Life is a richly impressive portrait of the artist. In addition to the scores of works of art reproduced (paintings, combines, floor and wall constructions, prints made at U.L.A.E., and more), are personal photographs of Rauschenberg and his friends and family, creating an intimate portrait of the legend. A special feature of the book are the many reproductions, of his last and most significant work, Rauschenberg Overseas Culture Interchange (ROCI)--a continually evolving body of work developed and exhibited in countries all over the world"--Dust jacket.

''A Passion for Equality'' traces the life of George Wiley, one of the most original and controversial leaders of the social movements of the 1960s and early 1970s.