James G. Benze, Jr., has previously written about Nancy Reagan in the volume American First Ladies. He is professor of political science at Washington and Jefferson College and author of Presidential Management and Presidential Power.

• Editor’s ForewordAcknowledgmentsIntroduction1. A Supporting Actor Comes of Age2. Learning the Role of First Lady3. Nancy Reagan, Casting Director4. Living under the Lights5. Nancy Reagan, Screenwriter6. The Curtain FallsNotesBibliographical EssayIndex

"Offers a useful perspective of the Reagan years from the vantage point of the East Wing of the White House."— Choice "Alternately described as manipulative and caring, Nancy Reagan was an enigmatic first lady. Benze provides a richly detailed and unvarnished portrait of the former actress, who considered her role as Ronald Reagan’s wife her most satisfying and important challenge."— Myra G. Gutin, author of The President’s Partner: The First Lady in the Twentieth Century"Captures the drama and turmoil of the Reagans’ public life and tensions in their private lives, both tempered by Nancy Reagan’s fierce loyalty and deep love for her husband."— Donald T. Critchlow, author of Phyllis Schlafly and Grassroots Conservatism: A Woman’s Crusade"Anybody who wants to know more about this important and, at times, controversial First Lady should ‘just say yes’ to this engaging book."— Chester J. Pach, author of The Presidency of Dwight D. Eisenhower

James G. Benze, Jr., has previously written about Nancy Reagan in the volume American First Ladies. He is professor of political science at Washington and Jefferson College and author of Presidential Management and Presidential Power.

• Editor’s ForewordAcknowledgmentsIntroduction1. A Supporting Actor Comes of Age2. Learning the Role of First Lady3. Nancy Reagan, Casting Director4. Living under the Lights5. Nancy Reagan, Screenwriter6. The Curtain FallsNotesBibliographical EssayIndex

"Offers a useful perspective of the Reagan years from the vantage point of the East Wing of the White House."— Choice "Alternately described as manipulative and caring, Nancy Reagan was an enigmatic first lady. Benze provides a richly detailed and unvarnished portrait of the former actress, who considered her role as Ronald Reagan’s wife her most satisfying and important challenge."— Myra G. Gutin, author of The President’s Partner: The First Lady in the Twentieth Century"Captures the drama and turmoil of the Reagans’ public life and tensions in their private lives, both tempered by Nancy Reagan’s fierce loyalty and deep love for her husband."— Donald T. Critchlow, author of Phyllis Schlafly and Grassroots Conservatism: A Woman’s Crusade"Anybody who wants to know more about this important and, at times, controversial First Lady should ‘just say yes’ to this engaging book."— Chester J. Pach, author of The Presidency of Dwight D. Eisenhower

James G. Benze, Jr., has previously written about Nancy Reagan in the volume American First Ladies. He is professor of political science at Washington and Jefferson College and author of Presidential Management and Presidential Power.

• Editor’s ForewordAcknowledgmentsIntroduction1. A Supporting Actor Comes of Age2. Learning the Role of First Lady3. Nancy Reagan, Casting Director4. Living under the Lights5. Nancy Reagan, Screenwriter6. The Curtain FallsNotesBibliographical EssayIndex

"Offers a useful perspective of the Reagan years from the vantage point of the East Wing of the White House."— Choice "Alternately described as manipulative and caring, Nancy Reagan was an enigmatic first lady. Benze provides a richly detailed and unvarnished portrait of the former actress, who considered her role as Ronald Reagan’s wife her most satisfying and important challenge."— Myra G. Gutin, author of The President’s Partner: The First Lady in the Twentieth Century"Captures the drama and turmoil of the Reagans’ public life and tensions in their private lives, both tempered by Nancy Reagan’s fierce loyalty and deep love for her husband."— Donald T. Critchlow, author of Phyllis Schlafly and Grassroots Conservatism: A Woman’s Crusade"Anybody who wants to know more about this important and, at times, controversial First Lady should ‘just say yes’ to this engaging book."— Chester J. Pach, author of The Presidency of Dwight D. Eisenhower